Brands That Are Actually Worth Your Time.
I'm never wrong, just early.
I’ve felt really blasé about a lot of the clothing that most notable brands are bringing out at the moment. It feels uninspiring and, ironically, to someone outside the fashion industry, that just means I don’t feel motivated to spend my money(?) That’s weird to say out loud.1
Anyways, a lot of the garments that labels are bringing us are either too expensive or not piquing my interest, and to me, that’s disappointing! A year ago, Mariano and I would drop a weekly newsletter on different garments that we were super excited to talk about or eventually acquire.
So, feeling this way, I could have used the opportunity to try something different. Pick up a new hobby, connect with friends whom I hadn’t seen in a while, or focus on my career. Instead, I did none of that and decided to deep dive into finding some new up-and-coming labels so I can say “I knew of them before they blew up.”
Not going to lie, there’s so much junk out there. Most of it is filled with influencers/content creators making their own label and either screen printing garments, or making their own half-baked cut and sew that were most likely dropshipped from Alibaba. It’s difficult to find out what labels have an authentic love for fashion, and what ones are a get-rich-quick scheme from the dumb civilians who think they know fashion (I have fallen for such schemes myself in the past).
This is a part of a larger conversation that I might discuss another time.
On with today’s post!
Porter James Sports
Now this is the label I’m most excited to share about today. Showcasing the best first(?). Hailing from across the pond in New Zealand, founded by Joshua Heares, Porter James Sports is a label that offers classic garments with a contemporary flair. I’ve been following the label for a minute now, but have recently fallen in love with their knits and mid-layer jawnz.
What I value about PJS is that all the garments they offer are ones that have stood the test of time, but have been reworked to fit multiple lifestyles and climates. For example, a lot of their knits are cotton-based, rather than wool2. While it almost feels heretical to use different materials, it just makes sense! This is because 1) customers in warmer climates are able to actually wear them, and 2) they can be worn comfortably for more of the year, not just in winter, but also for the chilly transitional Autumn/Spring mornings and evenings.
As someone who runs hot asf, this is perfect for me. In Adelaide, the climate isn’t too extreme, so anything over 2 layers and I start sweating. Having a cotton knit as a midlayer will help me look *chef’s kiss,* while also not die from overheating.
Lastly, I thoroughly enjoy the colours they’re offering. It’s not common enough to see bright pops of colour anymore, but PJS are bringing us royal blues and vibrant reds to liven up our wardrobes. While I value the versatility of a neutral wardrobe, adding these pops of colour is just so clean.
Handsom Clothing
Bringing it closer to home, Handsom reigns in the city of Melbourne, Victoria. Sam Rush and Henry Allum brought the label to life in 2009 after combining their backgrounds in fashion and design. Handsom offers an array of fantastic garments accompanied by an extremely reasonable price tag. With the garments designed in Fitzroy, Victoria (which is where their flagship store is), it’s refreshing to see local labels create some genuinely clean garms because it’s hard for us oceanic folk to cop international (conversion and shipping literally doubling the price of the jawnz).
At the moment, I’ve been on a real business shirt and sweater bender, and Handsom executes them perfectly. Also, I’ve never been a fan of sweater vests, but I am a huge fan of this orange number.
Some other notes of praise are their twisted jeans and their outerwear. The outside seam twists around the leg, and it’s a nice touch! My knowledge of coats and other forms of outerwear is fairly limited; however, I’m very tempted by this check coat, and once again, at a very surprisingly generous price of $439 AUD.
Pompeii
I’m going to end with some footwear that has caught my eye on something from the other side of the globe. Founded in 2014, Pompeii initially created a name for themselves in Madrid, but grew globally through making multiple footwear silhouettes, as well as making some fantastic clothing.
For the last little while, I have been searching high and low for a new pair of loafers. I could go with the standard GH Bass, but then I would be paying around $400 AUD for an entry-level loafer. I would rather my money go towards something different, and subsequently, save some money in the process.
My favourite silhouette from Pompeii is the Vega, but they also offer a Paraboot Reims-esque design with their Modena—so if you’re in the market for the Paraboot derby, but don’t want to break the bank, then I suggest these may be the ones for you!
My favourite Vega is this brown/cream one. I will admit, black loafers have been the goal, and I’m kinda off earthy tones. They look good, but not everything has to be poopee brown, you feel me?
HOWEVER,
I cannot deny these. They are fantastic. The different hues of brown and the off-white/sail on the toe are simply exquisite. Unfortunately sold out in my size, but praying for a restock in the future.
Also, I can’t get over this pony-haired loafer! Definitely not for everyone, but I think it’s executed perfectly. Well done to the team for coming in clutch with those!
You’ll be saving some $$$ going with these, but from everything I have seen about Pompeii, it is positive, and you’re also supporting a small business, so that’s cool too!
I’ll share my other favourites because we don’t gatekeep around here.
Anyway, that’s enough window shopping to keep me from spiralling into existential dread. If you're also feeling uninspired by the usual suspects or just broke and bitter (me too), maybe these labels will give you something to get dressed for. Or not. I’m not your mum. But if you find something you like, buy it for me and send it my way.
K, love you, bye.
I want to make it clear that I’m not sad that I don’t want to spend my money—it’s somewhat liberating not looking to spend money every paycheck— I’m trying to share the labels I once loved, no longer excite me.
I understand this isn’t new, but it’s something I like, OK?!
Great list!!
Like the concept of this piece might steal it lol