Band of Outsiders at Fashion Week

As promised, here are some pictures from Band of Outsiders at Fashion Week. BoO continues its tradition of American classic preppy. They also showed off their women's line, ironically called Boy.

Some fantastic suits coming out of the collection. The bow ties, rep ties and especially the madras suit exemplify Ivy inspired. Perhaps Scott Sternberg has been reading Ivy Take. Did I mention boat shoes?

Band of Outsiders

Band of Outsiders has received a ton of well deserved press in the past year. Kanye West is a big fan, and despite Mr. West's stylistic shortcomings, they are winning me over as well.

Like APC, it is another great company offering classic styles with slim profiles. They are best known for their dress shirts, which are extremely well cut (think short, and skinny), but come with a hefty price tag of 200+ retail. Many people swear by the shirts while others grumble about the price, but rarely about the cut.

The company is doing some great marketing on their website, and offering us an image that is well constructed. The retro use of Polaroid photographs really conjures up an eclectic nostalgia of stylish, modern clothing worn in a classic way. As you surely know by now, the prevalence of wayfarers is something I approve of as well.

This year they are offering a BoO x Sperry collaboration, which really does look fantastic and I encourage you to check out. It looks like boat shoes are making a big comeback this spring with BoO, Sperry and APC leading the pack. However, the boots are definitely the stand out of this collaboration.

Band of Outsiders is a great American prep inspired collection, I look forward to their future offerings.

BoO will be presenting at Fashion Week today, check back soon to see some pics, until then their site is here.

APC Spring/Summer 2009

Long known for their beautifully cut raw jeans, APC has been the focus of some criticism with its most recent collection of Spring/Summer 2009. The argument basically follows that APC is not doing anything new or creative, it is just the same designs as previous seasons.

I understand the argument and in reality it is a fair criticism. There is simply not much innovation going on with the brand. They are safe, focused, and deliberate in their collections.

Everytime.

That is what I like about them. They are a French, minimalist brand who season after season produces high quality, stylish clothes, for both men and women. The materials are quality, the cuts are slim, and the designs are classic.

If it ain't broken don't fix it.

That being said, I am not a big fan of the Nike collaboration. The boat shoes on the other hand are fantastic. I am also liking the slim cut navy suit, a must in any wardrobe.

I will continue supporting the brand, I just wish they would bring a retail outlet to Canada.