Everyone from bloggers to tumblr stars are so-called style experts these days, so it's great to be able to one-up them when it comes to knowing cool new brands. Wouldn't you like to shove in their faces that they don't know everything? The brands those guys are currently coveting are going to be quickly replaced by a new crop of awesome brands and young designers. We've created a short list of the few that you can shop right now and brag about later. Go ahead, read about these under-the-radar names before they blow up. Expand Your Horizons: 12 Brands You Should Wear This Spring.
Everyone from bloggers to tumblr stars are so-called style experts these days, so it's great to be able to one-up them when it comes to knowing cool new brands. Wouldn't you like to shove in their faces that they don't know everything? The brands those guys are currently coveting are going to be quickly replaced by a new crop of awesome brands and young designers. We've created a short list of the few that you can shop right now and brag about later. Go ahead, read about these under-the-radar names before they blow up. Expand Your Horizons: 12 Brands You Should Wear This Spring.
Au Courant
Au Courant was founded in 2011 by 23-year-old Chicago native Chaz Jordan with the intention to bridge the gap between runway fashion and street culture. Just two short years later in January of 2013, the brand underwent complete creative reconstruction and Chaz made the decision to move the company to Paris to establish its main production studio and presence. Only good things happen when an American goes to Paris because the quality of his basic tees are amazing. Be on the look out for a release of a full collection later this year.
Shop The Collection at Au Courant
Todd Snyder
If you made it to New York Fashion Week this season or heard anything in regards to cool menswear shows, then you have surely heard Todd Snyder's name. The ex-J.Crew alum left the corporate life to pursue his own label, and we are thankful he did. You'll find classics and staple items done in amazing fabrics, all cut for guys like us. Plus, he recently launched his own e-commerce site so we can all get in on the goods right now.
Svensson
Svensson started out as a Swedish creative collective that turned into a magazine in 2002. From there, the collective who had their hands in everything from fashion to art opened a storefront filled with all of the brands and designers that they loved. As if that wasn't enough, they decided to produce their own brand under the Svensson name, starting with denim. Today, it's a full collection. The footwear, which encompasses everything from ankle boots to sneakers, are exceptional. The brand uses premium leathers for its sleek designs, so the price of $400 is not so bad when you consider the investment you're making.
Shop the collection at Svensson
John Elliott
There has been a big focus on American clothing brands and products made in America—enter John Elliott. The San Francisco-based designer has a ready-to-wear collection that includes essentials every guy needs like T-shirts and knits, but his standout offering is his denim. There are four simple styles to choose from, raw to washed, and all of them are made from Japanese denim. Most importantly, the jeans are cut to fit real guys. At under $300, that's a lot of bang for your buck.
Shop the collection at John Elliott + Co.
Sherrif & Cherry
Sherrif & Cherry was founded in 2004 after designer Mauro Massarotto was designing and consulting for brands like Ellesse Hertiage and Lacoste. By 2010, he found the perfect factory in Croatia in which to produce his unique frames. Comprised mostly of bright colors and patterns, and classic shapes like wayfarers and aviators, Massarotto's frames didn't reinvent the wheel—rather, he perfected it.
Gypsy Sport
Gypsy Sport is a streetwear company out of Harlem, New York that plays on themes tied to culture and religion. We've seen a few people attempt to do a brim-less snapback hat, but no one has pulled it off quite like the crew at Gypsy Sport. They even make beanies and snapbacks in cool fabrics that will have you standing out from the pack. This season, they've dropped a few T-shirts to match the hats perfectly that you can cop at Opening Ceremony.
Shop Gypsy Sport New York
D by D
Korean-born designer Dong-Jun Kang started his path as a designer after graduating from Parsons School of Design in New York. Shortly after, he launched D by D (the diffusion line from his main line, D. Gnak) for spring/summer 2009. Kang's goal is to recreate aspects of casual life, drawing on improvised twists to create innovative collections. Expect to see plays on classic blazers and casual pants, all at really affordable prices.
Diet Butcher Slim Skin
Diet Butcher Slim Skin may not be a new brand, but it's new in the sense that it's becoming more well-known and more covetable. This season, the Japanese brand dropped staple items like denim, plaid shirts, and bomber jackets with DBSS signature twists, such as faded washes, metallic fabrics, and simple details that make the brand's garments special.
Raw New England
This skate company was born back in 2009 in the streets of Boston by two long time skateboarders who wanted to make affordable products for local skaters, and since then they have opened two retail locations where they still service their community, and the skate community at large with their same vision. Everything is cool and attainable, and their concept is what helps sustain their cult following, and garners new fans every day.
Department Five
Department Five is an Italian brand that has been stealing the attention of editors and street style stars alike. The brand takes its inspiration from American streetwear trends and then creates a menswear collection from that, while only using the best fabrics. Be on the look out for more from this brand as they expand later this year.
Shop The Department Five Collection and Antonioli
Thamanyah
Thamanyah is the work of designer Ahmed Abdelrahman, the newest protegé of Michelle Lamy and Rick Owens. If you take traditional Arabian garments and combine them with details of Western bespoke tailoring, the result is this truly unique collection. It's not for everyone, but it's definitely one of the best collections out there.
