Modern Cotton Bikini Brief
In 2021, the late, great visionary Virgil Abloh co-signed Small Talk Studio – a bespoke clothing brand based in New York City. Much loved for its DIY sketches on trucker jackets, jeans, oversized T-shirts and button-up shirts, Small Talk’s one-a-kind style, sometimes called “artwear”, makes it a uniquely offbeat offering in the often saturated streetwear world. Now, they’re partnering with workwear giants Carhartt WIP for an exclusive collection sold at Browns, featuring sketches pointing to hot, hazy Americana days. Summer may be nearing its end, so slap it on your back instead.
One of our favourite emerging menswear designers has just launched his AW22 graduate collection with SSENSE – a mix of subversive tailoring, sheer fabrics to flirt in and leather to get you laid. With a sweet spot that blends sensual romance, heady nightlife and structured silhouettes, Aaron Esh’s namesake label is offbeat and deconstructed, flipping the basic fundamentals of menswear on its head in favour of something altogether more freeing. It’s as smooth as a fine wine, but as rough as the morning after. Drink up, we say.
Grace Ladoja, founder of pioneering Lagos-based festival Homecoming, has made a fitting foray into fashion with the official launch of Homecoming’s online store this week. For the occasion, Ladoja has collaborated with some of the sexiest names in streetwear: Patta, Stüssy, Cactus Plant Flea Market, Ambush and loads more, to create pieces that celebrate Nigeria and the richness of young African talent. With the final chunk of summer fast approaching, get your mits on them before they’re gone – from thigh-grazing Muay Thai shorts to last-a-lifetime tees.
There's something effortlessly exciting about a collage. Grab a pair of scissors, a knackered glue stick, a load of print media and away you go turning mags into riches. Of course, artist Martin Laborde is far more of an expert – splicing together found imagery based on feeling – and it's why Acne have tapped him for its new AW22 collaboration. There's a series of froggy green and aquamarine pieces featuring scraps of wrappers and nature, but the major motif is equine; the horse girl moment is ridden big time via a series of tees and sweats with printed ponies. Mega, thee stallions!
If you're a recent holidaymaker, there's a strong chance you're carrying the emotional baggage of mourning a lost suitcase. While we can't promise a solution to the chaos, we're here to canvas for Gucci's new luggage collection, an extensive array of carriers – from pouches to mini bags to duffles to carry-ons – monogrammed to the max with a navy version of Gucci's motif. Replace whatever's gone AWOL with one of these decadent beauties, keep calm and carry on!
Spanish fashion house LOEWE has added self care to its bow, following a series of addictive fragrances and cult scented candles. Inspired by Armin Heinemann and Stuart Rudnick’s legendary early ‘70s Ibiza store and hang-out spot Paula’s Boutique, frequented by the likes of Donna Summer and Freddie Mercury, the brand’s namesake lives on in the spirit of its luxury wellness offering. The body lotion has the same woody grounding and orange floral notes as the Paula’s Ibiza Eclectic fragrance and a Balearic sensibility infuses the body scrub, which contains Ibizan salt crystals and ground olive stones (all sourced in Spain, of course). It’s made to be applied to wet skin and then rinsed to reveal softer, more hydrated skin – ideal for dance floor-ready limbs.
Summer always burns a hole in our wallets – and it’s not because of the dim British sun. There are just too many nice things to buy – sexy swimwear, bucket hats, unnecessary beach towels – and not enough time to actually enjoy it. To help you with your own (well-deserved) spree, here's a round-up of some of our most-wanted beachwear, including a few pieces from Louisa Ballou's new collection made for those electric, something-in-the-air summer nights and Worme x Clio Peppiatt's jewelled collection that's destined for hot Mediterranean nights. Race you to the sea!