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From Black Sabbath to the Y2K revival: The best in alternative style this month

In this month’s K! style column we’re getting involved in biker culture, spiderwebs, heavy metal legends and so much more.

From Black Sabbath to the Y2K revival: The best in alternative style this month
Words:
Kitty Cowell

Greebo summer is here and festival season is in full swing! And it looks like we're not getting any mud this year – although do be aware of all the dust when screaming along at the top of your lungs. The mosh-pits look like sandstorms out there. But whether it's wet or dry, I'm here here to hit you with the must-haves to wear this season – from Samurai-inspired looks to chunky skate shoes and spiderweb must-haves. Let's get into it…

Vans Estazzo

Vans have just dropped a shoe silhouette to finally rival our classics – the Estazzo! I’m not quite sure how we are pronouncing it, but I love the vibe.

The Estazzo is an updated and refreshed archival model from the ’90s with a modern twist, including updated tech giving it better performance edge than the original. They have, however, kept the OG logo which I love, and against the chunky ’90s silhouette and premium materials, it just looks so cool. I can see it in a skate bowl worn by a gnarly dude, or pop-punk bands playing in an empty pool with highlighted hair and baggy jorts.

Of course, the Y2K revival is still absolutely smashing itself in the inspo boards of Pinterest, on catwalks and all over TikTok. If Myspace still existed, you know our pages would be full of throwback early ’00s images. And not to mention Vans Warped Tour is back this year, which I think lines up the Estazzo as the next ‘it’ skate shoe.

INF

Are you are into a dark gothic, Samurai coded, draping fashion aesthetic? Are you a fan of Sleep Token and inspired by the mid-2000s era of Korn? Then I think I've found your new favourite clothes.

INF are a Taiwanese brand inspired by deconstruction and sustainability, making garments that can be worn in multiple ways, and as different things – T-shirts that turn into bags and skirts that turn into trousers. Multi-use clothing makes so much sense to me and it's just so fun and exciting.

Their items also have an androgynous and unisex appeal, making them genderless, for everyone. They mix Asian and western fashion influences together to create their unique designs, with standout pieces including their deconstructed multi-layer tie shirt and their asymmetric ruched panel A-line skirt.

KILLSTAR

When the heat hits and we need some summer comfort in our wardrobe, I always hesitate at putting on something that’s too basic. I don’t want to wear layers in summer and can get easily overstimulated in the heat, so finding basics with an edge is a dream. And here are KILLSTAR saving the day with their spiderweb summer pieces – from short-sleeve cardigans to dresses, to shirts and hats. It’s all in the details, or should I say webs…

Their 100 per cent viscose web ripper shirt and spider swinger dress are perfect for a mild summer day. I don’t think people understand viscose enough to be honest; it’s made from natural materials such as wood pulp, it drapes amazingly, is breathable and absorbs moisture, and holds dyes well, giving you a perfect black material!

They also have lots of spider-themed accessories to match, like their arachno vixen wallet, and spooky swing travel bag, which looks like a gothic twist on a 1940s classic travel case with a gorgeous embossed spider print and hardwear detailing. My personal favourite is the ceaseless night bag – a velvet handbag with an embroidered spider web pattern and metal clasp detail.

Black Sabbath x Mason Newman

Metal gods Black Sabbath have collaborated with Birmingham artist Mason Newman on an exclusive T-shirt collection to celebrate their retirement.

Mason is an exciting street artist whose debut solo exhibition was held in February last year at The Sidings, Waterloo – a stone's throw away from the famous graffiti walls of Leak Street. He's already collaborated with the likes of Madonna and Ed Hardy, and has celebrity collectors such as Billie Eilish and Teddy Swims, plus Ozzy and Sharon Osbourne.

The collection features three designs on heavy weight cotton featuring Mason's original oil print art and only 333 of each have been made – the white cherub tee, the Black Sabbath angel tee and the black reunion tee.

The collection is available now from Selfridges.

Dickies x Harley-Davidson

Heritage American workwear brand Dickies have teamed up with motorcycle culture legends Harley-Davidson to create the Born To Be Alive collection – a limited-edition apparel line fusing the DNA of both brands, with elements of the biker world and workwear history in a one-of-a-kind design aesthetic. Perfect for festival and gig-goers alike, these practical but stylish pieces are items that will carry you through life.

The collection features jackets, work pants (of course), vests, hoodies, hats and graphic tees in both men’s and womenswear styles, which can be worn by anyone.

Standout pieces include the very popular original 874 work pants (in men’s and women’s), featuring a lower back pocket placement with moto fans in mind for added comfort while riding. The Eisenhower jacket, which is quilt-lined and features the classic Harley wings and Dickies logo on the front with a large back graphic print. And the heavyweight longsleeve eagle tee, with classic logos combined on the front print and graphic arm prints. You can’t go wrong with a Harley tee – especially a Dickies collab!

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