Keeping it Real
There's no question that Southern California has been ground zero for just about every important counter-culture movement of the past half-century. Throw in some crashing waves, volleyball-perfect sand and tough-as-nails asphalt and it's easy to see why heavy-hitting sportswear brands including Quiksilver, Volcom and Hurley all call the Southland home.
And when it comes to streetwear -- action sportswear’s high-swagger cousin -- L.A.’s no slouch there, either (case-in-point: The tent cities full of streetwear freaks that sprout up whenever brands like Undefeated or The Hundreds launch a new coveted collaboration). And despite our hellish economy, the City of Angels is breeding a bevy of boutique brands that are pushing streetwear into more polished territory.
Here are four radar-worthy local streetwear labels you may not be familiar with -- yet.
Apliiq
Apliiq's Lettered tee, $29, crewneck sweater, $54 and Hudsonian Hoodie, $87. apliiq.com.
What started as a small, hand-sewn clothing company in founder Ethan Lipsitz’ University of Pennsylvania dorm room has morphed into a full-scale workshop and e-commerce business located in downtown L.A. The brand is known for customizing solid-colored hoodies, cotton T-shirts, cardigans and dresses with swatch-sized swathes of patterned fabric. And since being formally founded in 2008, the company has gained a cult following due largely in part to recent collaborations with The People’s Shoe (another local label) and Atlanta-born textile artist Mekayle Reynolds.
Apliiq’s aesthetic is lighthearted and quirky – think hoodies emblazoned with an American flag and v-neck tee’s featuring a pocket patch of polka dotted fabric. Devotees can purchase a pre-made design, choose their own color and pattern combos or even bring in a piece from home to be spruced up with strategically placed company fabric.
548 S. Spring St., Los Angeles. Open Wednesday through Friday 12 p.m. to 8 p.m., Saturday and Sunday 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. 323-300-6492, Apliiq.com
Ludwig
Ludwig's Adams jacket, $145, and M-65 Hoodie, $29. ludwigvantheman.com.
With a moniker borrowed from Beethoven and t-shirts that say things like “Symphony No. 9,” you’d think you were perusing the gift shop at Disney Hall rather than the collection of an L.A. streetwear tour de force. But Ludwig’s classicalism transcends gimmicks with a line of mature military jackets, plaid oxford button downs and simple hoodies that encompass the new style of grown-up street clothes. Founded by Mike Dytri (who previously helmed cult streetwear label Subfreakie) and Willard Ford (son of Harrison and half of the Ford & Ching furniture/design duo), the company prides itself on veering away from typical trends. Expect a mix of pieces that combine big-shouldered urban flavor, vintage athletic jersey tops and Ivy League prep. The combination is both innovative and invigorating, just like the work of another Ludwig we know.
213-620-1066 or ludwigvantheman.com
Caulfield Preparatory
Caulfield Prepratory's G Central Cord blazer, $233, Slim-leg trouser, $146, and Kalle Plaid long-sleeved shirt, $86. revolveclothing.com.
Vincent Flumiani is a fan of Salinger. So much so that the designer decided to loosely base his entire line of preppier-than-thou gear around the author’s literary tome. A former graphic designer for Quiksilver and Volcom, Flumiani is also quite crafty with the pen himself. His first season, which launched for summer 2009, is inspired by his own chapter one -- about a dude that takes off for L.A. and lives out of his car (something the designer experienced for four months upon arriving on our fair coast from the East). For spring (a.k.a. chapter two), expect a nautical theme with a love story slant. But IZOD this is not. Instead of play-it-safe polo knits and boring button downs, Caulfield Prep is all about vests, cardigans and double-breasted everything. And even though the faux private school lapel crests can feel gimmicky at times, Holden Caulfield would likely agree that there is very little “phony” to be found in Flumiani’s tailored style.
Rogue Territory
An smattering of Rogue Territory's ready-to-wear denim.