In this month’s style column, we take a trip back through underground music history with Vans, find our love for all things floral with New Era and so much more!
Hey, moshers! It's me, Kitty, back with this month's alt. style news.
I come bearing gifts in the form of your new obsession brand and a pair of trainers that you absolutely need in your life. Seriously, when it's your birthday, start hassling your friends and family.
So with that in mind, let's jump in to February's top trends and latest drops – from hardcore-inspired Vans to Fred Durst-esque florals. Should we call it nu-petal?
Pretty much every alt. kids’ favourite Vans silhouette is the Knu School, and now it's back with a musical twist.
If you're a millennial like me, you'll no doubt identify Vans with the ’00s emo era, but their history goes all the way back to the U.S. skate culture of the late ’70s. And while they were originally aimed at skaters, Vans were swiftly adopted by underground musicians, in a trend that has continued through the decades. To celebrate their musical heritage, Vans have released the Old Skool Music Collection, featuring three different capsules that showcase different genres of music.
Starting off with the punk scene, the first drop features leopard-print and bold solid colour ways, really leaning into the hardcore style of the early ’80s. The second collection is inspired by – what else? – Warped Tour, which is perfectly timed for this year’s comeback, and includes the classic checkerboard, flame prints and two-tones. It is peak 2000s. And the final capsule takes it cues from underground hip-hop, with classic gum soles and vibrant colour ways.
These models are called the Vans Premium Old Skool Build and feature improved cushioning, which as a veteran gig-goer I am ecstatic about – those knees are hurting! You might be laughing now, Gen Z, but after a day at Download in a pair of tattered Vans, you would understand. We love you, Vans, but we've all been putting cushioned innersoles in for years.
The collection is available now from Vans stores and online. You can also spot Kerrang! favourites Voice Of Baceprot in the campaign, which is awesome.
P&Co are inviting us to find some balance in the chaos, which seems very apt right now. Their new spring collection features some incredible graphics that take influence from tattoo art, biker culture and band merch, all printed on heavyweight silhouettes.
The new collection was initially inspired by a pair of their carpenter trousers, which the brand's creative director Lee Timms had hand-painted himself. Having worn them for many years, travelling the world, and even during his home renovations, the way the trousers had worn and changed over time gave rise to the new Chaos Carpenter Pants.
Now with a slightly wider silhouette (something I can definitely get behind – sorry, skinny jeans lovers), these revamped trousers feature custom screen-printed artwork of your usual good vibes: snakes, skulls, spider webs, scorpions etc. And it's all on a super-heavy wash cotton canvas with double-layered knees, of course.
The Idle Hands boxy tee is something I must tell you about, because boxy tees are an absolute essential! The silhouette is so much more flattering than a longer line piece. Even if you're tall, hear me out, they just look cool and slutty (in a hot way) on you. And the rest of us with short torsos finally have tees that actually fit the shape of our body! It’s such a cool fit, and I wish more brands/bands did it.
Other standouts include the Albion Carpenter Pants in leopard print with secret skulls hiding in the pattern, and the Scorpion Station Jacket – a cropped fit black cotton jacket with scorpion appliqué patches. And loads of great tops and tees to boot!
Available now from P&Co.
Fred Durst's favourite brand New Era have launched an adorable spring collection – perfect if you love yourself a little streetwear/nu-metal moment, but are also a cutie at heart.
The latest floral spring MLB collection gives us an updated version of some of New Era's most-loved silhouettes with floral twists. The New York Yankees logo has become one of the most fashionable pieces of iconography in recent years, with fashionistas and genuine fans wearing it all over their outfits – from hats to jackets, bags, and even shoes. And this updated botanical twist gives you a chance to jump on that trend in a new way, featuring hoodies, caps, baseball jackets and sports shorts. Perfect for the pit!
The collection also features LA Dodgers and St Louis Cardinals if the Yankees aren’t for you.
Available now from New Era.
It's all about lacy, emo, street, gothic goodness in Named Collective's new collection, Bad Romance. This 11-piece set – yet again – has me absolutely gagged with excitement! Valentine's Day might be behind us, but Bad Romance brings us an edgy, cutesy capsule ready to be gifted to your loved one, or just yourself.
The new range features Named's first lace-up sculpt zip hoodie and trousers set. It's a more fitted silhouette to their usual two-piece tracksuits, with sheer lace material throughout and cut-out arm sections highlighted by bows.
A standout piece in this drop is the their classic oversized zip hoodie (available in black or baby pink), embellished in all-over lace trim ruffles with custom heart-shaped zip hardwear. A black bikini rounds out the collection, featuring a gloss black logo and lace trim. Your emo sweetie definitely wants you to buy them Named Collective this year. Trust me.
Available now from Named Collective.
Naked Wolfe – aka Wednesday Addams' favourite sneaker brand – have designed their first ever bag. Known as the Candy, it's available in black, red and brown.
Handmade in Florence, Italy, the brand are channeling all things luxury, with the limited-edition design being made from 100 per cent Italian crinkle patent leather.
The bag is finished off with the brand's iconic wolf logo as a charm, alongside a heart-shaped mini zip bag charm. It's a modern twist on Y2K aesthetics, feeling very current but with a nostalgic edge. They're really going for it-girl chic, and the variety of colours means there’s something for everyone!
The silhouette is a long, slim design, which is perfect to keep your earpods, lip gloss, phone, knuckle dusters and Hello Kitty mirror in. I think you will all love the black, but I’m betting the red is a sell-out too.
Available now from Naked Wolfe.
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