EACH WEEK THIS MONTH, WE’LL BE HIGHLIGHTING ONE OF THE BLACK-OWNED BRANDS THAT WE CARRY AT WISH WHILE EXPANDING ON THE HERITAGE OF THEIR ARTISTIC EXPRESSION.
This week, the spotlight is on Nick Dutton, Peet Pienaar, and Andy Davis’ Cape Town-based clothing brand Mami Wata.
MAMI WATA SS22 – FLOWER DICE SHIRT
Founded by Selema Masekela, Nick Dutton, creative director, and artist Peet Pienaar, and writer Andy Davis in 2015 – the enviably titled Chief Surf Officer, Mami Wata is the first surf label out of Africa that is proudly African.
Their mission is to be a creative force for good in Africa by using sustainable African materials, supporting local organizations, such as Waves for Change — a surf therapy NGO that helps over 1,000 children, and strengthening what brand founders call Afrosurfonomics, a religion of pristine foam and sky-high waves.
MAMI WATA SS22 – RADIO TEEMAMI WATA SS22 – DESERT BOWLING SHIRTMAMI WATA SS22 – SIDIQ TEEMAMI WATA SS22 – MADE IN AFRICA TEE
“As a kid all the way through working in the surf apparel industry, I never saw any brands showcasing surfing from the perspective of anyone that looked like me,” Selema says. “This is a brand that aims to redefine the surf-culture conversation as a whole, via the largest surfable continent on the planet as its jumping-off point.”
In February and beyond, look for opportunities to shop Black-Owned, founded, & designed brands.
EACH WEEK THIS MONTH, WE’LL BE HIGHLIGHTING ONE OF THE BLACK-OWNED BRANDS THAT WE CARRY AT WISH WHILE EXPANDING ON THE HERITAGE OF THEIR ARTISTIC EXPRESSION.
This week, the spotlight is on Emeric Tchatchoua’s Montreal-based clothing brand 3.PARADIS.
3.PARADIS founder Emeric Tchatchoua
Established in 2013, the unintentionally successful Montreal-based Streetwear brand embodies both street fashion and pop culture in their finely crafted clothing pieces. Emeric Tchatchoua, 3.PARADIS Creative Director/ Founder, brings a refreshing aesthetic with his philosophical ideals combined with a modern interpretation of collaged silhouettes and exaggerated utility. This debate allows the relationship between the human race and further ideals to be explored from a unique realistic perspective.
3.PARADIS produces finely crafted clothing pieces influenced by popular culture and street fashion; the darling of both street fashion and high-end fashionistas alike. Their aesthetic could be explained by these three words “disruptive, chic and poetic”.
3.PARADIS SS22 – Freedom Crewneck Sweater
“The more we grow, the more the meaning [of 3.Paradis] is deeper than what it was supposed to be at the beginning. ‘3’ is the perfect equilibrium between the mind, the body, and the soul, and ‘Paradis’ [paradise in French] is an ideal that we’re trying to give to the people. Make them enjoy what they buy and enjoy the product—bring them to paradis,” says the brand’s founder.
3.PARADIS SS22 – SERENA TURQUOISE VARSITY JACKET
For 3.PARADIS’ SS22 collection, creative director Emeric Tchatchoua mused on the idea of spiritual renaissance, self-awareness, and soul searching as a means of inner rebirth. Specifically, Tchatchoua aims to bring about this rebirth through the deconstruction of old ideas and by uniting the past, present, and future, which will remain a focal theme for the brand’s forthcoming collections.
In February and beyond, look for opportunities to shop Black-Owned, founded, & designed brands.
EACH WEEK THIS MONTH, WE’LL BE HIGHLIGHTING ONE OF THE BLACK-OWNED BRANDS THAT WE CARRY AT WISH WHILE EXPANDING ON THE HERITAGE OF THEIR ARTISTIC EXPRESSION.
This week, the spotlight is on Edson Sabajo and Guillaume ‘Gee’ Schmidt’s Amsterdam-based clothing brand Patta.
Established in 2016 by Edson Sabajo and Guillaume ‘ Gee’ Schmidt, the Dutch label encourages inspiring collaborations, cultural crossover, and unconventional forms. Both were instrumental in the Dutch hip-hop and nightlife community in the ’90s and early 2000’s – Edson as a DJ and Gee as an MC and event host. The music-minded pair also had a shared obsession with hunting internationally for sneakers and records. They soon found themselves funneling a steady supply of gear from their travels, back home to their community in Amsterdam, which grew naturally into a business partnership. The brand is named after a slang term for “shoe” – a nod to the founders’ Surinamese heritage.
Their motto ‘Out of love and necessity rather than profit or novelty’ simplifies the brand’s ethos. With their community at the forefront of inspiration, they’ve always been motivated to showcase the talent surrounding them. Today, Patta is one of few internationally revered, black-owned streetwear brands and consists of a clothing line, Patta Soundsystem, Patta Running Team, and, most recently, the Patta Foundation focusing on youth cultural education.
Though Patta derived from humble beginnings, the brand has a hefty amount of projects under their belt from sneaker collaborations with household names like Nike, New Balance, Reebok, and Jordan, to collaborating with brands like Stussy and other Black-Owned Netherland-based fashion brands like Daily Paper and Filling Pieces, creating a local summer school, and partnering with Black Panther artist Emory Douglas, or dropping an EP with Conway The Machine and Alchemist. You might know Patta for clothes, but just making them has never been the mission.
Patta’s SS22 Collection aims to share ideas from Team Patta’s respective personal experiences, environments, and culture. Diving into intimate archives to create from a place of heritage – drawing inspiration directly from lived moments. The diversity within the collection is based on elements from their divergent youths.
Each week this month, we’ll be highlighting one of the Black-Owned Brands that we carry at Wish while expanding on the heritage of their artistic expression.
This week, the spotlight is on Russell Westbrook’s LA-based clothing brand: Honor The Gift.
Created by a kid from the Inner City of Los Angeles. A brand founded on self-belief and dedication to never stop working towards your greatness no matter the hardship.
Established by the Lakers Point Guard in 2017, Honor The Gift is built out of respect for where he came from and where anyone can take themselves.
A body of work with a focus on quality, purpose, and storytelling. These core concepts are applied to the construction of the product all the way to the physical spaces they live in.
Cobalt Puff HoodieCobalt Puff HoodieHonor The GIft – Inner City Love Volume II
The brand’s latest collection, Inner City Love Volume II, represents the heart of his childhood nostalgia. Inspired by the soundtrack that shaped his household growing up from soulful records playing in the background to style spanning from the ’60s to ’70s; this collection is a story about family and love.
Sundown T-ShirtInner City Love T-Shirt
Shop their latest collection now available in-store and online at WishATL.com.
In February and beyond, look for opportunities to shop Black-Owned, founded, & designed brands.
An ode to the joys of nature, celebrating a lifestyle amidst the trees and rivers of the great outdoors.
“This is a story fueled by escapism and exploration.”
Cooper explained of the collection’s theme.
Reese Cooper, originally from Atlanta, GA, is a former Wish ATL frequenter before he moved to London’s Hammersmith neighborhood in 2009 followed. He later transitioned to the California scene where his brand emerged and currently resides in Los Angeles, CA.
Nacional Trading Company is a new brand by Matthew Senna and Jaha Johnson dedicated to creating timeless goods and experiences. All pieces have details finished by hand, creating variations in each garment. Expect that color, detail and distress may be slightly different from the garments that appear in photos. Their washing and dying processes can create minor tears or holes in the garments which is intentional. They believe that each garment should have an identity of its own just like the people who wear them and imperfections should be expected when purchasing. Scoop the cozy collection here or in-store now!
This week, the Wish ATL family welcomes LA based GALLERY DEPARTMENT to the store.
GALLERY DEPT. is a unisex clothing brand based in Los Angeles, CA. Founded by artist, designer Josue Thomas. Their home office includes a retail store front and everything from design and production to branding. With each garment, they strive to repurpose and reimagine that which inspires them into something new. Their goal is to create compelling product without sacrificing quality or artistic integrity. they believe in creating a unique experience and doing things a little differently. Their philosophy is to collaborate, create & rebel.
Check out Gallery Department in-store & online at WishATL.com
Keiser Clark—the Los Angeles-based ready-to-wear label founded in late 2017 by Marc Keiser and Andrew Clark—holds a distinct approach to clothing design and fabrication.
Its aesthetic is fueled by a gritty nocturnal glamour, but it goes beyond dive-bar leathers and warehouse rave jeans. The brand’s allure is in its wearable intent, cut and whittled with a pocketknife’s edge. As Keiser says, the emergent identity of Keiser Clark consists of “a range of pieces with varying levels of intensity, boldness and aggressiveness.” In this, there is a deeply personal sentiment of past remembrances and anecdotes; beneath the label’s visual edge, a human instinct flourishes, promoting connection and community.
The origin story of the brand is rooted in an experimental sensibility, with Keiser and Clark creating one-off leather jackets in Los Angeles starting in 2016. Keiser was finishing law school at the time (he’d pass the bar exam, but then dedicated himself to his burgeoning fashion line). Slowly, the two began lending these jackets to friends, who in turn would post the garments on social media. The pieces caught on; stylists started requesting the jackets, and the interest pushed Keiser and Clark to spend 2017 formulating their concept. In 2018, they presented their first full collection—Autumn/Winter 2019—at Paris Fashion Week. From that lineup came a powerful sense of self; it etched the grid-work for Keiser Clark’s premise (and promise) going forward.
This week we welcome Tokyo’s own, Children of Discordance to Wish ATL. Children of Discordance was established by Hideaki Shikama in 2011. The up-cycled pieces that he’s become famous for are inspired by recollections of fashion and music from the 90s to the present. Shikama has updated and up-cycled items from his personal collection of archives and vintage pieces, sourced worldwide. His usage of vintage materials and deadstock approaches sustainability in a way that doesn’t feel forced. The environment isn’t his sole concern; focusing on respect for craftsmen, creators, and producers while designing ethically. This has been achieved by working beyond the concept of fair trade for production that creates the sophisticated one off products expressing the attitude of “DISCORDANCE”.
Another surprise for our grand reopening, we’ve once again teamed up with Atlanta’s own Fani & Original Fani Designs to deliver a clean new collection. We brought back some classics like the “You Wish” crewnecks, revamped the denim Fandana, as well as some special celestial prints. Check out the collection when it drops this weekend!
Telfar is a black-owned, gender-less fashion project established in 2005 in NYC by Telfar Clemens. Clemens, a Liberian American hailing from Queens, is a fashion prodigy & international celebrity. He creates high-quality work and always embraces the opportunity to speak up for social injustices. He’s made quite the name for himself over the past few years with his ever-creative runway shows. From a throwing party in White Castle to roll out their collaboration, to crowd-surfing in Irving Plaza, he has a strong eye for flair.
Clemens has carved out a niche in creating everyday sportswear with a quirky twist. Often hybridizing his pieces, he combines elements from an array of influences in a way that makes his pieces stylish and most importantly, comfortable.
Telfar has one of the more successful lines of bags in the market right now. The “Telfar Shopping Bag” nicknamed the “Bushwick Burkin,” essentially sells out every time they’re released on his site. Shop the collection here, and stay tuned for more Telfar releases at Wish ATL.
As we celebrate Juneteenth, a holiday to commemorate the emancipation of the last remaining enslaved African Americans in the Confederacy, we’d also like to acknowledge the many great contributions that Black designers & brand owners have made to help push fashion & streetwear forward. We’ve highlighted some of the Black designers & Black-owned brands currently in-stock at Wish ATL.
Circa 2003, Pharrell Williams traveled to Japan to partner with NIGO, fashion designer and creator of A Bathing Ape, as well as graphic designer Sk8thing to create what is now the world famous Billionaire Boys Club. The brand was also premiered in 2003 by Skateboard P in the “Frontin” music video . ICECREAM, initially a subsidiary of Billionaire Boys Club, released its footwear line in 2004. The following year, Billionaire Boys Club opened its first brick & mortar store in Tokyo, Japan, followed by stores in New York and London as well.
In August 2011 rapper Jay-Z, a frequent collaborator of Pharrell, partnered with the Billionaire Boys Club line. Later the rapper, through a joint venture with Iconix, invested in the brand. The following year BBC recorded high $25 million to $30 million in volume, up from $12 million. Pharrell reacquired Iconix’s stake in the business in 2017.
Jay Z and lifelong friend Emory Jones embarked on Planes/Roc Nation apparel after recapping the success of Roc-A-Wear. Growing up Emory was always into fashion. To him it was a way to express his individuality in a world where everyone wants to be a clone. Going back to their teenage years, Emory’s his favorite pastime was shopping. Hov and their other friends would joke about him having a shopping addiction.
Emory had taken over and expanded the lifestyle division of Roc Nation. For him, merchandising the lifestyle was the next step in the natural progression of the business. The idea was create something that was elite in style and quality while still being more affordable than contemporary counterparts. Jones, joined forces with Mike “Upscale Vandal” Camargo, a former employee of Roc Nation, Billionaire Boys Club, and consultant for many major brands. Upscale Vandal assisted Emory in bringing his vision to life. Emory has taken the more organic approach with marketing the brand, not really leaning on seeding influencers, but relying on those that influence the influencers.
Ih Nom Uh Nit (innominate), which means “without name” is a ready-to-wear brand that has become a new cult favorite. The L.A. based brand has appeared on a myriad of celebs from Luka Sabbat to Janet Jackson. Chaz Jordan has created a brand that can do it all, from sweatsuits to sequin-embroidered gowns.
Chaz Jordan, founder of Ih Nom Uh Nit began his career in the fashion industry in 2011 during college. While in his junior year at the University of Illinois – Chicago, he met and ultimately ending up working for Virgil Abloh and Don C at their Chicago concept store, RSVP Gallery. This is where he launched his first successful apparel label, Au Courant, before moving to Paris, France. While in Paris he was able to find an atelier that educated him on the history of Parisian fashion and their savior faire. As his knowledge of the industry & skillset grew, so did his network and exposure.
Founder and Creative Director Jahleel Morris is socially known as Playhouse Jah. Born and raised in Stone Mountain his upbringing was very much Atlanta. From dirty south music (OutKast being his favorite group), buying Dickies and Girbauds at Metropolitan flea market, Black Santa Claus at South DeKalb to skating at Cascade, to working in Lenox mall he is truly of this city.
Known for “The Best Caps Out the South” Playhouse World is a lifestyle brand founded in Atlanta. Built on community using art, fashion, and cultural references to communicate to a wide demographic unifying them through worldly views.
HONOR THE GIFT
Russell Westbrook has over the years showed a strong passion for fashion & he embodies letting his clothes speak for his mood, so you know how he’s feeling before he says a word. His collections are defined by the environment that shaped him, the Inner City of Los Angeles. A harsh and unfair environment, but one that develops strength, leadership, focus, and self worth.
His brands focus for the first few drops have been capturing the raw point of view of Inner City Public School. Demonstrating the collection through a surveilled lens of the unfamiliar worlds of Public and Private School confronting one another. Embodying the affluent lifestyle of Private School. Demonstrating the collection through a refined take on the unfamiliar worlds of Public and Private School confronting one another.
London based designer Martine Rose’s self-titled label has become a stalwart in menswear since 2007. Particularly known for her peculiar approach to presenting collections, she’s done shows outside of the schedule in unconventional venues like marketplaces & rock climbing centers. She’s previously collaborated with Been Trill, Timberland, Nike & CAT, while expanding into womenswear.
Rose has been nominated for the heralded ANDAM prize for emerging designers as well as the LVMH Prize. In 2018, she was also nominated for the BFC’s British Designer of the Year for menswear.
Originally from Trenton, New Jersey, Anwar Carrots founded “Peas & Carrots International” in 2007. It began as an emerging streetwear brand & creative collective. Known for his dynamic approach to aesthetic, both in personal style and his creative output, Anwar has become an entrepreneurial leader of this new generation of Los Angeles creatives and fashion icons of street culture & music.
Always evolving, Anwar launched “Carrots by Anwar Carrots” in 2015.
The West Coast, specifically the Los Angeles area has been a primary contributor to streetwear culture through various mediums like art, skate, surf & music. Check out a few of our favorite brands from Southern California & shop these looks online!
Based in Los Angeles, Noon Goons was created by Kurt Narmore in 2016. The brand is immensely inspired the Narmore’s roots in skate and surf. A “noon goon” is in fact a term for tourists that show up to the beach at noon, after all the real surfers have left for the day to work their day jobs.
Driven by funky prints, cozy outerwear, and graphic T-shirts, this brand is sure to catch eyes. Los Angeles street and surf culture is a well known fashion catalyst, and Narmore does a great job staying authentic to the culture, as he still operates in that community to keep the grassroots feel alive. The addition of industry veteran Sam Jarou (formerly of Comme des Garcons) as creative director has helped take the brand from the streets of LA to Dover Street Market.
The brand “Stussy” started some time in the early 1980s by founder, Shawn Stussy. He initially crafted custom surf boards in the Southern California area and began scrawling his surname on his handcrafted surfboards with a broad tipped marker. The logo which has defined the brand started in the early 1980s was actually derived from that of his uncle, Jan Stussy. He began using the logo on T-shirts, shorts and caps that he sold out of his car around Laguna Beach, California. The company ultimately gained its footing during rise surfer culture, ushered in by Orange County, California. Since its inception, it has largely been adopted by streetwear, hip-hop & a multitude of subcultures & scene.
In a 1992 interview Stussy said: “Everybody calls it surf wear, or urban streetwear, or surf street… I don’t name it, and I don’t name it on purpose.”
Norwood’s designer and creative director Ali Saint Qureshi was born in Paris, France, and arrived to the US at a very young age. Drawing upon his affinity for youth suburban culture and love for the city of Angels, Norwood’s designer wishes to remain unknown so that, he may have the brand and its representation of urban culture remain pure- without diluting it. The love for Rock N Roll, Punk Rock, HipHop, Skateboarding, Sports and diverse ethnic cultures, has encompassed what Norwood is all about.
Norwood was created and founded in 2017 on the principles that NO labels are the ONLY labels. NOR is not for the cool people, it’s for ALL people, it’s an exclusive house party that everyone is invited to. This Los-Angeles born and made brand combines luxury street aesthetic with timeless quality textiles to deliver a unique streetwear wardrobe. The influences of punk rock and hiphop are evident in Norwood’s designs. Featuring premium materials, clean-lined cuts, bold graphics, and unexpected character details, Norwood’s range of essential t-shirts French terry hoodies, lounge wear and denim convey a perfect amount of casual refinement with streetwear. All Norwood production is Los Angeles based.
Founded by Rhuigi Villaseñor in 2013, Rhude is a design venture to showcase ready-to-wear collections. Rhude focuses on minimalistic effortless style mixed with streetwear sensibilities, using fine fabrics and focus on fit. Rhude celebrates the youth and elegance through simple and functional clothes.
Rhuigi’s brand gained notoriety in 2012 when he created a black bandana print shirt that would be worn by Kendrick Lamar at the BET Awards. With no plans to actually sell the shirt, he was talked into creating the brand by Chris Stamp and Guillermo Andrade, designers of Stampd and 424, respectively. He went on to intern for Taz Arnold and TISA while taking pattern making classes and styling artists like Big Sean. He was able to fine tune his craft while building influential relationships throughout the industry that would ultimately help catapult his company to the forefront of streetwear.
Let us be honest, moms do it all. They work hard, nurture, teach, comfort and sometimes save the world. With Mother’s Day around the corner, we are visiting some of our favorite moms in tv and film. Whether you are social distanced far from your mom or just cannot escape her, sit down with some of these recommended movies and shows and give her a gift from our hand-selected items from these looks inspired by iconic moms.
Rainbow Johnson (Tracee Ellis Ross) – Black-Ish (2014 – Present)
Beatrix “The Bride” Kiddo (Uma Thurman) – Kill Bill Vol.1 &2 (2003, 2004)
The Bride is a prime example of what happens when you harm a mother’s child, even if that child is yet to be born. She spends two films violently disposing of anyone that conspired against her and anyone that stands by their side. Befitting a woman with the codename Black Mamba. Her iconic jumpsuit and Asics sneakers are reproduced in perfect work from home fashion with Rhude Warm Up Shorts, UFU Ad t-shirt, Onitsuka Tiger Corsair X, and matching Carhartt WIP accessories.
Sarah Connor (Linda Hamilton) – The Terminator 2 (1991)
While The Bride in Kill Bill is scary from virtually beginning to end, Sarah Connor is the ultimate example of character development. She goes from Damsel in Distress in the first film in The Terminator franchise to a rugged warrior and fugitive that poses as much of a danger to her foes as they do to her. Nike Sportswear Woven Cargo Pants, Stussy Deluxe Multi-Function Vest, and the Sunday Somewhere Wilder Shades make for a perfectly apocalyptic mom fit. The Nike Vapormax 360 is the perfect sneaker for taking on androids whether you are running from, or running after, them.
Rachel Marron (Whitney Houston) – The Bodyguard (1992)
Whitney Houston’s role opposite Kevin Costner was an extension of herself. A successful music star, single-mother and Oscar nominee. Hopefully the stalker and murderer parts of the film where just added for plot. Houston pulls off a variety of looks throughout the movie, but a favorite is in the scene in which she asks her bodyguard on a date in a timeless workout fit. This is recreated with Jordan Tights and Body Con Crop Top, both from Jordan Brand’s first women’s clothing collection. Worn under a Drole De Monsieur Slogan Cropped Jacket and with white Rhude Stripe Socks and Air Jordan 4 “Rasta,” this is a great fit for essentials shopping or going on a walk with a special someone.
Marge Simpson (voiced by Julie Kavner) – The Simpsons (1989 – Present)
The matriarch of television’s longest-running sitcom family, Marge Simpson is the glue that held The Simpsons together. In true sitcom fashion, she is the moralistic voice to her Homer’s constant antics. An underrated character, Marge has one of the most iconic looks in television history and the Nike Sportswear NSW Fleece Skirt and Shortsleeve Crop-Top bring that look to life in a wearable and fun way. The Nike Air Max Verona “Guava Ice” accents the fit well without going overboard. Together it is the perfect fit for a mom whether she is at home or the mayor, a model, author, teacher, crime scene investigator, body builder and so on. Your probably did not realize Marge has successfully held that many jobs. Yep, she has range.
In an effort to help combat Covid-19 and help support the city that supports us, we have partnered with two Atlanta based brands to provide limited edition masks over two weeks. Proceeds from the sales of these masks will be donated to Meals On Wheels as they work to help flatten the curve by providing meals by delivery to the elderly & those most at risk for the virus.
Last week we released the first of the series featuring Stevie Pettus’ Atlanta based, SurrenderAmerica. Aside from the top of the line cut & sew pieces, the brand also serves as a support and empowerment system for those battling mental health disorders. We previously collaborated on DIY T-Shirt Workshop for Black History Month.
This Friday, we are releasing the second of the collection. This capsule is designed by Latif of Wisdom Fashion House. WFH combines fashion and animation to narrate its story & speak out on issues that seemingly get swept under the rugs of society. Wisdom was also the winner of our inaugural Battle of the Brands.
London based streetwear brand Maharishi, named for the literal Sanskrit translation great seer or Guru. The brand exudes a great vision in clothing. It was founded in 1994 by Hardy Blechman with the great vision to create environmentally sound, fair-trade produced, long-lasting, high-quality, utilitarian clothing.
The collections have always included the strong natural fibre hemp as well as organic cottons and up-cycled military clothing. Maharishi maintains a strong ethos of respect for nature while utilizing the latest technology. Shop the collection here!
Hailing from Poland, MISBHV started in 2013 with Natalia Maczek making pseudo-designer t-shirts for her friends to wear to clubs, as a summer side project. After she decided on fashion over law school, she enlisted co-designer & creative director Thomas Wirski and began making full men’s & women’s collections. After a successful SS17 New York Fashion Week show, Rihanna wore their brand during her “Anti” Tour and brand began to gain notoriety. Wirski jokes that the brand was “never supposed to be taken seriously.” However, they have created a serious movement over past few years.
MISBHV aims to merge streetwear and 90’s rave culture to create pieces that are equal parts nostalgic & unique. These influences shine in motocross inspired cropped tops & shorts, as well as sports bras paired with baggy bottoms. She’s also produced men’s pieces with frayed seams, typefaces reminiscent of 90’s streetwear brands and very on-trend tie dyes. Shop the collection here!
Arriving March 7th, season 2 of the Rhude & Puma collaboration is sure to catch eyes. Rising streetwear brand RHUDE is the epitome of youthful sophistication and attitude. Their simple yet provocative designs have made them one of the most coveted men’s labels in LA – worn by some of the biggest names in music, sport, and fashion. The second season of PUMA x RHUDE is inspired by motorsport gear, putting a modern twist on motorsport badges, branding, and stripes. This top speed collection appears in a muted color palette with loud pops of neon.
“For my second installment with PUMA, I thought about merging two worlds and re-ushering Formula 1 and racing culture into a community that isn’t as acquainted with the sport. The Motorsport theme lies within the cuts and seamlines emulating those you see in the uniform, but modernizing it with color palettes and shape. Formula 1 is a sport that I feel a close connection to, and I wanted to share that through the partnership with PUMA to bring visibility to a sport to the youth and younger generation that may not know much about its existence.” – Rhuigi V
Reese Cooper, a multidisciplinary artist, is a storyteller. He documents his exploration and experiences in his label. From fashion to photography, film to furniture, each project or collection tells a story – some fact, some fiction – woven together through powerful imagery and messaging all underpinned by precision detail.
He’s a 21 year old designer born in Atlanta and based out of LA by way of London. He launched the label in 2016 at the age of 18 and now at the age of 21, he is the youngest ever finalist for the CFDA Vogue Fashion Fund. This award is given in support of a promising American designer and former winners include Thom Browne, Kirby Jean-Raymond (Pyer Moss) and the Elder Statesmen.
If any description is to be given to his clothing, Cooper prefers “modern heritage.” Mixing Americana and workwear effortlessly, it stands part from other brands with how authentically it tells a story. The men’s SS2020 collection is titled “How A Letter Travels” and draws direct inspiration from the US Postal Service as a metaphor for how far people are willing to go to tell their story & deliver their message. The collection is made for travelers, featuring lightweight nylon cargo pants & shorts, and uppers decorated in images of postal workers, stamps and mailboxes. Shop the collection here!
Sofia Pantera founded Aries in London in 2010 with the help of graphic design legend Fergus Purcell. This was after almost a decade of designing for cult streetwear label Silas. This brand exudes non-conformity and confidently downplays being easily classified. Many of their pieces are created gender neutral to emphasize inclusivity.
“We wanted Aries to be a return to that 80s sensibility where street wear was fashion and vice versa. I make most of our patterns myself and we hand dye and hand print in the studio. I like going against conventional pattern-cutting rules. I love that we can create pieces with firsthand experimentation which would be almost impossible to make within the constraints of a high street brand. We can also be a lot less wasteful – using off cuts of leather to make jeans labels, reusing leftover fabric and denim to patch jeans”
Pantera mentions that Aries’ creation is a product of her “struggling with reconciling her love for fashion, beautifully made and cut clothes, and sartorial experimentation with the love for streetwear, anti-fashion youth movements and trash culture in general,” so she decided that Aries should encompass all of those aspects. Check out the collection here!
