One of the great pleasures that comes with this job is keeping an eye out for newness. I look for great brands that offer a forward-thinking wardrobe, that I trust for their quality, and that are worth investing in without breaking the bank. The brands who are worth knowing (and worth following on Instagram) often have a compelling story, and some quickly gain a following. They exist within that sweet balance of IYKYK and culture.
When I am looking through a collection, I start out with the question: would I wear that? Followed by, where would I wear it? Or when? And finally, how long should this last me?
Finding Your Hero Pieces
In the last 3 years or so, I’ve become obsessed with Prince of Wales Check Sports Coats. These I would wear on a Spring day at work, at a Summer dinner, or a Fall weekend. Probably with a Leather Loafer. I wear jeans a lot, but a slightly-dressier alternative is a handsome pair of Cords. And on Monday mornings when I am running out the door, I like to grab an easy Grey Sweater and a coffee on the go.
Here are 5 top brands that are affordable, good quality, and are still considered new. Since the sales period is mostly over, I only highlight new season stuff.
After the ZIGGY CHEN show on Saturday, I reached out to the press team for pictures to send you but as of press time of this letter, I still haven’t received the runway images. If I get them, I’ll send over pictures on Friday.
In the meantime, you get my raw pictures (and video) from the third row.
DRAKE’S
From Left: Brown Prince of Wales Games Blazer ($1,495), Fairisle Merino Jumper ($625), Two-Pocket Western Shirt ($345), White Jeans ($450), Work Shirt ($425), Long-Sleeve Polo ($595). Games Trousers ($595). Accessories: Western Belt ($345), Crew Socks ($35), Silk Scarf ($425), Desert Boots ($425).
I recently came across Drake’s while scouting for sales. I would describe the brand as ‘Artistic-Preppy’. The collection is varied, with sporty influence and Tokyo-London vibes. Whatever that is—it’s up my alley.
🦸🏻♂️ Hero Piece: Fair Isle Merino Sweater.
VINNY’S THE VIBE
Clockwise from Top-Left: Yardee Loafers ($350), Polishing Brush (32), Chelsea Boot ($301), Blucher Shoe ($410), Shoe Polish ($23), Fisherman Sandals ($320), White T-shirt ($85).
The Go-To shoe brand for people that don’t mind waiting-lists and good prices; Vinny’s is one of those brands keeping it fresh all year. The focus here is exclusively on the low-rise leather shoe. Unlike most brands, they don’t have endless pages to scroll through. Just a well-edited tight collection. They only make a few models per season before asking you to join the waiting list. While luxury is suffering, the shoe market remains hot. New drops don’t tend to stay long online. Vinny’s carries men’s and women’s lines.
🦸🏻♂️ Hero Piece: Fisherman Sandals.
AIMÉ LEON DORE
Clockwise From Top-From Left: Donegal Sport Coat ($2,000), Striped Oxford Shirt ($225), Logo Tank Top ($80), Single-Breasted Wool Topcoat ($1,200), Leather Travel Slippers ($425), Sage Turtleneck ($395), New Balance Gym Shorts ($95), NY Tote Bag ($150), New Balance 993 (220), Double-Pleated Cords ($295).
Hardly a new brand, but still a SoHo goodie. Aimé Leon Dore burst into the New York downtown scene in 2014 by blogging nostalgic pictures on their website. Ever since, ALD has become iconic for the Dressed-Up Athletic Look that’s inspired the tunnel walk. If you’re in New York, the in-house baristas make a mean cappuccino.
🦸🏻♂️ Hero Piece: Topcoat & Gym Shorts.
KITH
Clockwise From Top-Left: Shearling Jacket ($1,750), Tartan Wool Liner ($275), White T-Shirt ($70), New York Knicks Crewneck ($160), Sweater ($220), Malin + Goetz Kith Vapor Soap ($24), Black Denim Jean ($195), Silk Blend Giorgio Armani Trousers ($1,395), Flight Jacket ($1,450)
Before sports-fashion was cool, there was Kith. They’ve got collabs with your favorite NY sports teams, and the SoHo store and online boutique double as a multi-brand Mecca for well-edited guys. Their most recent model is Martin Scorsese for a Kith X Giorgio Armani capsule. On a recent trip to New York, I found a band-style black t-shirt at Bergdorf’s for a night out in Brooklyn, and the quality is still as good as new.
🦸🏻♂️ Hero Piece: Shearling Jacket.
ZIGGY CHEN
Just really well tailored leisurewear, chore jackets, and neckties.
🦸🏻♂️ Hero Piece: Snood.
What’s your hero piece?
Xx
Kevin
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