The Best Style Moments of Summer 2016

Image via Complex Original

Gucci got out, and it was an immediate problem. Not in the “sorry, but you have to go back” kind of way, but in the “now that Gucci home, it’s over for you Gucci clones” kind of way. Gucci Mane’s May release from prison was great for everyone, but no one expected this bright, shiny (and skinny) version of Gucci that would see him rocking Buscemi sneakers—perfectly complementing his ankle monitor—some light, yet excessive jewelry and, of course, the piece de resistance: the vintage Cartier glasses seen round the world. 

Fresh off of a couple of big fashion moments, including a collaboration with J.W.Anderson and a much-discussed front row appearance at the Gucci show, A$AP Rocky strikes again with an incredible campaign with Dior. Shot by famed Supreme collaborator and Kids director, Larry Clark, Rocky’s appearance was the peak of his ascent within the fashion industry. Dior is definitely benefiting from Rocky’s esteemed personal brand, and vice versa.

As anyone who has ever attended an event during New York Fashion Week can attest, this season’s NYFW:M was an utter bust. It’s lost its luster, and its identity has gone wayward. Luckily, there were still some bright spots, including the incredible presentation by L.A.-based brand SECOND/LAYER. The un-streetwear collection was filled with gender-neutral, ahead-of-the-curve, extremely covetable “elevated essentials,” as brand art director Anthony Franco has called them. This brand is emerging as an early 2017 favorite.

I think we can all agree that Young Thug is special in all senses of the word. His unique style of rapping. His choice of jewelry. And, of course, his fashion. He’s been known to dabble in womenswear, causing all sorts of commotion among his fans and cohorts. But guess what? Young Thug don’t give a hoot. And that attitudinal discourse is what landed him his own #MyCalvins campaign ad, rocking Fall 2016 womenswear that he—as you guessed—pulls off incredibly. Don’t argue with us about it, argue with your barber.

NBA players do not like sleeved jerseys. They are the bane of LeBron James’ existence. In fact, he’s savagely taken his frustration out on them before. So, LeBron and his Cavs teammates coming back from a 3-1 deficit to win Game 7 in Oakland whilst wearing them is a big style statement. Why? Because it signifies there is a higher presence when it comes to style that trumps function or desire. You can plan to see many more NBA teams make a statement in these next year. Hell, you might see the 76ers wear them every game.

While this season’s show didn’t bring out the big names like his Fall/Winter 2015 presentation did, John Elliott cemented his status as a part of the new streetwear vanguard that is currently rocking the men’s fashion industry. The Watching Water collection had a much more airy, euphoric feel to it compared to the dark, goth-y vibes of yore from Elliott. He has now solidified himself as a mainstay in the fashion industry, pushing the envelope with each and every collection and creating a new standard for how stylish dudes should want to dress in the upcoming season. Is John Elliott the new David to Gucci and Saint Laurent-like Goliaths?

The Life of Pablo has literally become a way of life for some people. Whether that’s a good thing or not remains to be seen (OK, it’s probably a bit of overkill, Kanye stans), but it has certainly made an impression on the current status of fashion. Kanye’s lack of appearances at events other than his own viewing parties only magnified the excitement surrounding his album and merch, which we were able to witnesses when he opened his pop-up shop in Paris during Fashion Week. The line was blocks long and chock-full of street style-worthy outfits. The demand for some of these Paris exclusive merch pieces wasn't even hindered by the visible Gildan tags on the shirts and sweatshirts. He has created an empire that goes beyond quality clothing, with hype that has somehow promulgated a new sense of style.

Jonah Hill’s rise to skatewear icon didn't happen overnight, but it's undeniable now. He can be seen gallivanting about town with that mix of IDGAF and je ne sai quoi that only comes to someone who just gets it. That same mix perfectly sums up Palace Skateboards, so to see them link up for a hilariously stylish promo for the British brand’s collaboration with Reebok was to witness a match made in heaven. Hill was already very into the brand, so it was a no-brainer. This likely isn’t the last we will see between Hill and Palace. Or, at least, we hope it isn’t, because we definitely want a gaggle of more stylish moments like this from the pair.