Trend Report: 3 Ways to Get Legendary Summer Style
Summer’s just around the corner, and whether you’re queuing up looks for the ‘gram or intending to keep things luxe offline, the time for planning out the season’s attire is here. And if the Spring/Summer 2019 runways were any indication, it’ll take more than a pair of Gucci slides and shorts to impress anyone who’s sartorially inclined. So what’s the easiest way to translate fashion’s top trends into wearable go-to outfits? We enlisted our team of men’s experts to give us a rundown on nailing summer’s most high-profile looks. Read on for their style intel.
Channel The Great Outdoors
Louis Vuitton Windbreaker; Louis Vuitton Pants; Hublot Watch
The look: A hype interpretation of the everyman’s sporting gear and workwear. Think artistic prints, neon accents and chunky sneakers paired with utilitarian outerwear that stands up to the elements. The more pockets, the better.
Key designers to go for: Louis Vuitton by Virgil Abloh, Balenciaga, Nike and Panerai.
Where you’ve seen these prints before: “Abstract, painterly prints popped up on the Spring/Summer 2019 runways of Louis Vuitton, Alexander McQueen, Craig Green and more. It was Raf Simons, however, who initially changed the game when he collaborated with artist Sterling Ruby for the Christian Dior Fall 2012 Couture collection. It was Simons’ debut for the house, and was also immortalized in the documentary Dior and I. While the argument could be made that nothing is ever truly new in fashion, this also exemplifies how designers build upon the ideas of their contemporaries and continue to create fresh pieces every season.” —Billy Garcia, Fashion Valuation Manager
Louis Vuitton 2019 Ribbed Utility Gilet; Prada Utility Shirt; Balenciaga Straight Leg Joggers; A-COLD-WALL x Nike Zoom Vomero 5 Sneakers; Louis Vuitton 2019 Keepall 50; Panerai Luminor 1950 Tuttonero 3 Days GMT Ceramica Watch
The standout pieces for collectors: “If you’re thinking about becoming an archivist, start with the first men’s collection from Virgil Abloh for Louis Vuitton. I have no doubt that it will become one of the most iconic collections of my generation. While the utility gilet harkens back to the subversive mastery of Helmut Lang’s harnesses, it feels more rooted in the ordinary — like a fisherman’s vest and construction worker’s attire morphed into one.
Abloh’s take on the classic Keepall 50 bag is also noteworthy. The debossed monogram logo on empreinte leather is an instant trophy piece. This is the first time LV has used this style of leather in a men’s collection, and from what I’ve heard, it isn’t going to be done again anytime soon.” —Sean Conway, Fashion Valuation Manager
How to finish off the look: “Get yourself A-COLD-WALL x Nike Vomero 5 sneakers, which riff off aughts-era originals. Brought to you by designer Samuel Ross, these Nikes have exaggerated heel counters and are predisposed to rapid (intentional) discoloration. Ross removed the sneakers’ polyurethane coating in order to speed up the sneaker’s aging process for the coveted distressed look. Don’t miss the latest iteration, the hand-dyed ‘Redox’ colorway, which boasts different hues of red as a result of a new, extensively researched and cutting-edge method of lamination.” —Sean Conway, Fashion Valuation Manager
Kick Dad Style Up A Notch
Paul Smith Polarized Square Sunglasses; Libertine Twill Shirt Jacket; Gucci 2017 Silk Floral Print Bowling Shirt
The look: Dad the tourist meets Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas. What once seemed ironic is now timely and timeless. The look is at its best when it feels like a curated collage of standout pieces juxtaposed with luxe basics and heritage essentials.
Key designers to go for: Gucci, Goyard, Prada and Junya Watanabe.
How to elevate a Hawaiian shirt: “A Cuban or camp collar shirt can easily veer into novelty territory, but Gucci’s interpretation has the perfect balance of color, fit and proportion. It also features a throwback to the house’s signature Flora print, designed by illustrator Vittorio Accornero in 1966 for Grace Kelly. The original print was exclusively featured on silk scarves, included 43 types of flowers and was inspired by Botticelli’s Allegory of Spring. Combine it with tie-dye, oversized sunglasses and your favorite monogram for a next-level look.” —Julio Cortez, Fashion Valuation Manager
Ralph Lauren Purple Label Twill Cargo Pants; Goyard Goyardine Croisière 55; Junya Watanabe Comme des Garçons Patterned Wool Bucket Hat; Valentino Leaf Print Polo Shirt; Prada Graphic Zip-Up Jacket
The unexpected pieces you need to pull it off: “A pair of cargo pants and a good bucket hat. You can always rely on Ralph Lauren for a trim pair of pants, and it’s those special pieces where Ralph breaks away from the norm that are most interesting to me. These pants convey a slightly tactical vibe with the utility pocket at the side, and their neutral color and relaxed fit make them extremely versatile. Go with Junya Watanabe for the bucket hat — Watanabe is known for working with some of the best pattern-makers in the world, so you’ll never have to worry about quality craftsmanship.” —Sean Conway, Fashion Valuation Manager
A summer investment bag you’ll use forever: “A Goyard Goyardine weekender will set you up for life. Goyard is a perennial favorite, and a smart buy if you’re thinking of switching things up and flipping it in the future. These bags consistently hold more than 60% of their original retail price in the secondary market.” —Aaron McWilliams, Senior Men’s Merchandise Manager
Enter A New Stratosphere Of Style
Raf Simons 2018 Christiane F. Wet Hair Patch Jeans w/ Tags; Calvin Klein 205W39NYC Leather Hooded Parka w/ Tags; Chrome Hearts Titanium Flaming Sunglasses; Supreme x Timberland 2016 Box Logo Embossed Field Boot w/ Tags
The look: An avant-grade, minimalist and streetwear-infused vision of the future where form and function battle for prominence. It’s fashion for the modern apocalypse — elevated hiking boots, eye-catching graphics and an invigorating take on metallics.
Key designers to go for: Raf Simons, Supreme, Calvin Klein 205W39NYC and Off-White.
Why you should forget the summer sandals: “Timberland’s boots have long been popular in the world of hip-hop and streetwear, and the American outfitter has gone one step further to revamp its footwear by working with in-demand streetwear brands. The Supreme x Timberland pair circa 2016 feel surprisingly fresh with on-trend croc accents. If you want to turn heads, the velvet neon green Off-White x Timberland boots remain king, and showcase Abloh’s idealistic approach to design.” —Sean Conway, Fashion Valuation Manager
The North Face x Supreme Reflective 3M Mountain Parka Jacket; Nike Metallic Hooded Jacket; Off-White Side Tape Sweatpants; Louis Vuitton Monogram Satellite Keepall Bandouliere 50
How to take on metallics: “The trick to this trend is to layer, layer, layer. The reflective, 3M material used for the The North Face x Supreme jacket is a marvel in its own right — it’s waterproof, abrasion-resistant and bright as a diamond thanks to an adhesive coating and mirror-like microscopic glass spheres. Nike’s metallic hooded jacket might scare you off upon first glance, but the matte, Swoosh-heavy print adds intrigue for the logo lovers and its lightweight material is perfect for summer. Another surefire bag from Louis Vuitton, the Satellite coated canvas Keepall Bandouliere 50, sports a silvery monogram that ties the look together.” —Sean Conway, Fashion Valuation Manager
Off-White x Timberland 2018 Velvet Hiking Boots; Off-White Canvas High-Top Sneakers
