Style Watch: The Month's Best Streetwear Drops & Early Spring Fits, Including NOAH, The North Face & More
Welcome to Style Watch, our monthly roundup of the best streetwear and apparel to hit the internet. We're entering the spring fashion season but if you're in North America you wouldn't know it as a delayed polar vortex hitting the eastern United States and an ongoing cold front hitting the west coast is keeping temperatures unseasonably lower than normal.
This makes putting together an outfit an absolute pain. Do you ditch the layers or bundle up? Who knows!
Luckily, our favorite brands have our back with a number of early Spring collections that keep things relatively warm. This week we have the latest from NYC label NOAH, who has just teamed up with Lavenham for a new take on the brand's legendary Denham jacket, a Supreme and the North Face linkup, a new collection from Fear of God, and two trail-ready collections from The North Face NSE and Carhartt-WIP. Don't shed those layers just yet, it's looking like spring is coming late this year.
Let's dive into this month's best streetwear drops and early spring fits, and be sure to hit up the latest SNX to complete your look with a fire pair of kicks.
Also Read: The Most Popular Style Posts In The Last Six Months on UPROXX
NOAH x Lavenham Collection Noah/LavenhamNYC-based streetwear brand NOAH has just teamed up with Lavenham Jackets for a special collection of Denham jackets that infuse Japanese denim for a '90s hip-hop-inspired recontextualization of a classic Suffolk look. Yup, you read that right, we're going all around the globe with this one!
The jackets are made in Suffolk England and feature a 100% cotton Japanese denim build with 100% cotton corduroy collars and trim with diamond quilting and full metal snap button closure in three colorways including indigo, forest green, and natural white. The jackets are a straight-up work of art as fashion.
Rounding out the collection is a set of quilted crewnecks and a dual-branded t-shirt.
Shop the NOAH x Lavenham collection at NOAH's webstore.
Noah/Lavenham Supreme Spring 2023 SupremeWe're in the midst of Supreme's spring 2023 collection which is bringing new mini drops every week featuring the box logo brand's latest stylings. This week we have a series of outerwear pieces that include the water-resistant Tromp L'oeil nuptse jacket and the high pile fleece pullover made in collaboration with The North Face, and a faux shearling hooded jacket in a muted citrus colorway as well as a whole bunch of other North Face collars for that street-meets-mountain look.
Shop the latest from Supreme at the Supreme webstore
Supreme Fear of God ESSENTIALS Spring 2023 Drop 1 Erik IanFor the Fear of God ESSENTIALS spring collection, Jerry Lorenzo is taking the brand into the baggy territory. The collection which features double-layered hoodies, sweat pants, zip-up shirt jackets, and rugby shirts, is constructed with woven nylon, cotton, and corduroy in a muted range of pastel tones that include plum, light Tuscan, sycamore, seal, and off-black.
The collection consists of men, women's, and unisex pieces and features minimal rubberized branding on certain pieces, like the relaxed sweatpants and hoodies. With the latest ESSENTIALS collection Fear of God, a label once known for its tight fits is stepping into the modern era.
Shop the Fear of God ESSENTIALS Spring 2023 Drop 1 at Fear of God's webstore. A second drop of the collection is expected to land in early April.
Erik Ian Ben Sherman x The Sherlocks Signature Collection Ben ShermanBen Sherman has teamed up with indie rockers The Sherlocks as part of the brands Global Artist Foundry program for a new collection of graphic t-shirts, jacquard knit button-downs, fitted polo shirts, Harrington jackets, trousers, and cardigans.
The collection features an indie rock meets posh aesthetic in a bright spring color palette. Our favorite piece from the collection in our opinion is the Signature Harrington Jacket, which featured embroidered branding at the breast, a two-button collar, check body lining, and rubbed cuffs and hem in 10 different colorways.
In a fashion climate that currently favors baggy silhouettes, it's nice to see the people who like tighter more streamlined fits get a collection that speaks to them!
Shop the Ben Sherman x The Sherlocks Collection at the Ben Sherman online store
Ben Sherman Carhartt WIP Spring/Summer 2023 Trail Collection Gianluca NormannoCarhartt-WIP's latest spring-summer collection will have you all geared up for your outdoor adventures. The collection consists of jackets, parkas, pants, and canvas pieces in loose utilitarian fits that are equal parts function and fashion. The Wynton jacket and Parka sport a midweight cotton ripstop build with reversible pop colors, and pieces like the Idaho jacket and pants bring in the reflective details for better outdoor visibility.
The collection's palette consists of three colors including violet, stone, and storm blue, and was inspired by the psychedelic glow of lumen flower prints.
Shop the Carharrt-WIP Spring/Summer 2023 Trail Collection at the Carhartt-WIP website.
Gianluca Normanno The North Face NSE Mountain Archive The North FaceIf Carharrt-WIP's latest Trail collection is a bit too muted and utilitarian for you, take a trip back to the late '90s early '00s with The North Face's latest NSE drop. The collection, which features Carduelis Jackets, track trousers, graphic t-shirts, backpacks, and camp slides, has an almost sickeningly bright color palette of neon greens and purples for a utilitarian collection that looks ready for both the rave and a morning hike.
Or better yet, wear it out to the night hike and have a rave in the woods! The latest NSE collection is unfortunately men's style only as of now.
Shop NSE Mountain Archive at the North Face's UK online store
The North Face Pacsun Pac 1980 Collection Pac SunPacsun is reaching back even further than the North Face updating styles from the '80s for its latest fitness culture-inspired activewear line, Pac 1980.
The line sports modern touchstones like sweat-wicking and quick dry technology, and light stretchy fabrics with classic silhouettes from the '80s like high-waisted leggings, circle skirts and dresses, and onesies and cropped crew necks, giving you that vintage look at a low price.
The fabrics in the collection, which the brand is calling PAC WHISPER and PAC GLIDE, are lightweight and soft, while still offering that activewear support you need. The brand plans to add another line of fabrics as the collection grows known as PAC MOVE, which will be fit for all-day wear.
Highlights from the collection include the Speedwalker Onesie, Raw Hem Cropped Crew Neck, and Pac Glide Circle Dress.
Shop the PAC 1980 collection at Pac Sun's online store.
Pac Sun JW Anderson x UNIQLO Spring/Summer 2023 UniqloLondon-based brand JW Anderson is bringing prep back! Teaming up with UNIQLO, the brand's spring-summer 2023 collection combines the UK school uniform aesthetic with an injection of modern athleisure, translating the classic look through a baggy comfort-focused lens. If you think those two things sound at odds with one another, it's because they do. And that's kind of what makes the new collection so vital.
Featuring men's, women's, and unisex essentials, the collection sports wide-legged jeans and khakis, boxy oversized button-ups, cable knit cardigans, striped polos, tees, and other essentials adorned with embossed JW Anderson branding. It's like looking at the costume design for a Wes Anderson film if Wes Anderson grew up in Gen Z.
Shop the JW Anderson x UNIQLO Spring/Summer 2023 beginning in early April at Uniqlo. View the whole collection here.
Uniqlo EDITOR'S PICK: ROARK Journey Shirt ROARKLook, this shouldn't take much convincing. Hawaiian floral shirts are in… BUT (and it's a big but): If you are anything less than Leo-in-Romeo+Juliet-level lean, you can very quickly look like #TommyBahamaDorkDad. No one wants to look like that guy. And as a guy who is a tad thicc and has sent a good few floral shirts to Goodwill, let me tell you — it happens a lot.
It looks cool in a lookbook and then when you wear it you're suddenly Tuddy from Goodfellas.
GoodfellasThat's why I like ROARK's new floral and coral shirts so much — many of them are in black, which is slimming. The colors pop and the energy is there but you don't feel like a 65-year-old guy from Brooklyn on vacation in Maui. Plus they're slim-fitting, which amplifies the effect.
All that aside, ROARK's designs are cool and their colors are the perfect balance of fun without being obtrusive. 'Nuff said.
Pick up the ROARK Journey Shirt at ROARK's website.
EDITOR'S PICK: IPD Maverick Cord Jacket IPD SurfOkay, I know this pick from an LA-based editor is kinda cliche — because LA Cool Guy is deep in his California cowboy phase…
But still, I consider this jacket a spring staple. It's so functional for post-surf or a night out after work. It's cozy but plays well with a white tee. You could see it at a festival or the farmer's market. Works with flip-flops and boots. (Dammit, I can't stop LA Cool Girl's intentionally disaffected voice playing in my head as I type!).
Anyway, this is a slam dunk and really shouldn't take much explaining: Tan corduroy and wool lining for spring. If you can't look stylish in this, you're struggling.
Pick up the IPD Maverick Cord Jacket at the IPD Surf webstore.
Seven Female Founders Share Their Must-Have Shoes And Clutches For Spring
Shoes and bags can completely transform an outfit. Investing in well-made accessories with timeless designs ensures you will have these items for years to come. Now that it is spring and the warmer weather is right around the corner, I tapped into seven brand founders to see which shoes and bags from each of their brands they feel are must-haves perfect for spring (and well beyond).
Lovard
Lovard
Courtesy of LovardLaunched in 2017 and founded and designed by mother-daughter-duo, Kate and Missy Falchi, Lovard offers eye-catching handbags and jewelry in small batches every month. Besides the beautiful designs, one of the things that makes Lovard unique in the accessory space are that all the bags come with clips where jewelry charms can be attached giving the bags even more character. "Lovard is geared towards women who love glamour and occasion dressing," Missy tells me. "Our handbags can be dressed up and down through our beautiful charms which allow you an amazing variety.
The brand's latest collection for spring offers a wide variety of shapes in sizes that are bursting with bright colorways in python, which Missy shares comes from a farm they vetted to ensure transparency with all their partners they source materials from. When I ask Missy which bag or bags, she thinks are the must-have for the season she responds. "Our violin shape is a fantastic option and we have made it in a beautiful variety of colors. This bag packs quite the punch, we love it with the chain tassel and circle snake charms."
I personally fell in love The Chevron clutch. I needed a clutch that wasn't a micro-sized one that could hold all my things I may need to go out for the day or night and that would be versatile regardless of season. "It's the best go to silhouette for everyday use. Slip it into your larger tote or it easy to pack for vacay. The Chevron piecing gives it a nod to the 70's," shares Missy. This is my first bag from Lovard, but it won't be the last. It is pretty, classic, stylish, and the craftsmanship is impeccable. I know I will reach for this bag for years to come.
Marion Parke
Classic Pump
Courtesy of Marion ParkeWhen it comes to footwear, I can no longer tolerate shoes that hurt my feet. One of my favorite shoe brands that (dare I say) are beyond comfortable, is Marion Parke, who was a former podiatric surgeon gone shoe designer. I have written about her several times in the past because I love her shoes. So, I had to include a pair of her shoes in this round up.
"The SS23 collection takes inspiration from both demure and strong feminine colors in powder pink, magenta and capri blue," Parke tells me of her latest spring collection. "We're also experimenting with the high summer materials of linen and rattan in a few of our best-selling styles. In terms of trend, platforms are back in a major way in everything from platform pumps to platform slides." When I ask Parke what some of her must-haves from the collection are she responds, "A few shoe wardrobe staples are a flat metallic sandal that can be worn from day to night, an easy-wearing block heel city sandal, and a high summer rattan sandal. A few styles from the newest collection that fit the bill are the Ramona metallic sandal, the Imogen sandal, and the Adele platform wedge."
As far as the shoe that I think is the must-have for the season, I opted for the brand's classic pump in bone linen. It is the perfect color for spring and summer, and it is much more forgiving than a white pump that quickly shows scuffs and marks. I know from having so many pairs of Marion Parke shoes, that I will undoubtedly have these for years to come and they will always be in style.
NLA Collection
NLA Collection
Courtesy of NLA CollectionI am not sure why finding a silk clutch has been so hard until now. But luckily, new brand NLA Collection has solved that issue. "NLA Collection bags are the accessory solution to your evening outfits. I started NLA Collection in fall 2022, with dreams of creating a timeless evening bag at an affordable price point (the signature NLA wristlet sells for $220)," brand founder, Natalie Amoils tells me. "Ideal for events, the NLA wristlet allows you to prioritize holding your drink during any night out. You don't have to worry about holding a clutch or putting your purse down - just throw the NLA bag on your wrist. It's ultra-light and buttery smooth, so you'll practically forget you are wearing it."
Amoils's bags are simple, yet chic and pair well with any outfit. "I source all my fabric from Los Angeles. We use luxuriously soft silky satin fabric, which is then hand-sewn by women in Los Angeles," she continues. When I ask her what she thinks makes her bags must-have classics that stand the test of time, she tells me, "NLA silky satin purses with small knots, an interior pocket, and hidden magnet closure are timeless and sleek. It's small enough to wear on your wrist, and big enough to fit your phone, wallet and all the necessities. I love how the NLA bag elevates any outfit, without distracting from it. So often we see large designer emblems and bags with heavy chains - the NLA bag is the contrary - it blends in with evening wear so well, you are left wanting one in every color!"
I decided to get the bag in black silk since I thought I would get the most use out of it and I love it! It is beautifully made, deceivingly large, and I love the magnetic closure that provides a little extra layer of protection from things falling out by accident.
WARP
WARP
Courtesy of WARPLaunched in 2016 by Hirra Babar, WARP is a Pakistani-born fashion brand. "WARP is aiming to distort the fabric of fashion accessories by making high quality, abstract forms, and minimalist everyday fashion," Babar tells me. "It fuses innovative design methods with traditional craftsmanship to make smart wearable accessories for women with a cutting-edge style. Not following the usual design rules, WARP stands out with its non-conformist aesthetics by manipulating the use of leather in interesting forms through sculpting and draping."
WARP bags are made with special attention that focuses on reinventing leather stitching using only the finest materials such as top grain goatskin leather and plated accessories. "Part of WARP's mission is to enhance and promote the manufacturing of high-end leather accessories in Pakistan. The bags are handcrafted in finest quality materials in Lahore, the cultural capital of Pakistan. We source all our leather locally from within Pakistan. Pakistan is one of the largest producers of leather in the world. The leather industry here is a by-product of the meat industry including sheep, lamb, goat, cow, and buffalo skins," continues Babar.
The brand's spring collection offers a colorful palette with shades of lime yellow, azure blue, and orange that add a contemporary streetwear twist to designs. "WARP's Spring Summer 2023 collection goes back to the drawing board taking inspiration from the Islamic patterns and architecture. Generated from a simple zigzag crisscrossing of lines, a unique tessellation is designed to embody the possibility of an infinite pattern that can take on any form or shape," Babar tells me. "The geometric ornamentation found on the handles and flaps create an interesting illusion and a unique perspective for the viewer. Looking closely one can find a constellation of ubiquitous shapes including a four-pointed star, a multi sided polygon and an array of rhombuses. Faint quilting within the seams gives a 3-D effect and a soft touch."
Babar and I agree that the Hexella is the must-have design for spring, which comes in wide variety of sizes, colors, and varying details. "Hexella is a portmanteau made from two words Hex and Bella meaning, a six-sided beauty. The name was first coined for our signature minibag, she explains. "The Hexella Minibag was an attempt to explore the idea of bold, definitive, and geometric forms in fashion accessories, which led to defining the whole new aesthetic for the brand. We wanted to take classic bag shapes and re-interpret them by playing with form. Each piece in the Hexella design series is a blank canvas that takes the mood of the time it exists in - in terms of colors, textures, and patterns."
Sarah Flint
Perfect Mihaela 120
Courtesy of Sarah FlintI discovered Sarah Flint's eponymous brand around a year ago and instantly fell in love with the design and the comfortability. Flint's latest collection is called Faraway Fables. "The inspiration was fantasy and lore with four whimsical capsules that explore different themes," Flint tells me. "I took a lot of inspiration from childhood stories like Alice in Wonderland, interpreting familiar tales through fresh designs. Our most recent capsule, Wild Waters, has a nautical influence, with inspiration from mythical mermaids, ancient shipwrecks, and lustrous spiral shells."
The Wild Waters capsule truly offers a feast for your eyes in terms of colors and textures with varying heel heights offering something for everyone and every occasion. "A few classic must-haves from this collection are the Natalie Ballerina and the Perfect Crisscross Sandal 70. Wearable yet chic and sophisticated styles like these are closet essentials," responds Flint when I ask her which style or styles, she thinks are must-haves. "Platform styles like the Perfect Mihaela 120 or Perfect Sharon 120 are also great to have in your wardrobe. Platform heels are trending again this season because they are fun, sexy, add height, and really make a statement, but what I love about our platforms is that they have a retro 1940's flair."
I have had my eyes on the Perfect Mihaela 120 since I first saw the brand, so this style was the one I thought was this season's star. While I absolutely loved them in the magenta satin, I knew that the black satin pair would be the most used in my closet. Not only are these shoes incredibly comfortable, but the design is also very streamlined and not clunky in any way, which can be challenging to find in a platform. This past weekend I took them for a night out on the dancefloor. Not only did I get numerous compliments, but the best part is that my feet didn't hurt at all either while dancing or afterwards.
Faraway Fables' third capsule, Weaving Magic drops in April. Flint shares, "You can expect intricate and strappy designs, inspired by elements like Sleeping Beauty's spinning wheel and Rapunzel's extra-long braid. I'm so excited for everyone to see the luxurious leathers, basket weave designs, and unique jacquards in this capsule."
VERAFIED
VERAFIED
Courtesy of VERAFIEDSlow fashion brand, VERAFIED is rooted in sustainability with just the right amount of New York City edginess. "My slogan is, 'Keep Bossin'& Stay Sexy' Because I feel like New York women inspired me with these qualities or these two edges a lot," brand founder, Vera Wang excitedly tells me. Launched in 2017, VERAFIED releases small drops of chic designs made to last with style and quality a focus.
"Coming from China to New York, I'm also bridging fashion and lifestyles between the two continents. I'm very specific about how those simple yet classic pieces' cut and details," she continues. "They may look normal at first, but once you put them on, you feel totally different how they wrap around your body, how they make you feel so confident. I want them to express people's personalities without them sayinganything. The pieces need to be sharp, smart, and just simple. Wang's latest drop for spring plays with masculinity blended with sexiness. "There are shades of grey, vegan leather accessories and clothing, and I am using more metal in my designs to add contrast and fun," shares Wang.
Both Wang and I agree that the must-have bag for spring is bag that launched this past fall in burgundy (which is her favorite color) with a metal ring handle and is coming out in April or May in white. "We worked on the handle for nine months alone," she tells me. "It's also very sophisticated and sexy, the whole design looks very simple, but because we want draw people's attention to the playfulness and unique design of the handle, It's also very functional smart design when you need to reach in your bag to grab anything, I personally test the product prior launch for months, and really like how easy I can open it up to fetch anything easily and close it, it's smooth transition. The bag speaks for itself."
Wang drops a limited number of designs a few times a year. "I only drop 3-4 new handbags a year, around 10 clothing pieces every season, 4 seasons per year, so not too many pieces. I personally do not like having too much stuff, it's unnecessary," she explains. "One good quality product is so versatile and useful enough. Upcoming drops will have more bigger size handbags, because I haven't designed big size bags before, it definitely has been a fun journey for me, more functional but still very cool design. I hate big bags to be just functional but look boring."
Her current SS23 collection has so many classic designs in both accessories and fashion, it is hard not to want them all since it is so well curated. As for what folks can expect next, she tells me, "Clothing wise, I will involve more evening looks this year, like for gala, parties, and events, even weddings. Everything will be simple and sexy."
7or9
7or9
Courtesy of 7or9Founded by Huan Wang and Tracy Deng in 2016, 7or9 is a women's footwear brand that puts a premium on comfort and style.
"7or9 sets itself apart from other women's shoe brands by prioritizing research and development of comfort technology over chasing styles and trends," shares Wang. "We integrate sneaker, underwear, and even medical beauty technology into the design and production of our high heels. Our annual release of new and improved versions demonstrates our commitment to comfort. We strive to achieve the perfect balance between comfort and beauty in our classic heel models." When I inquire about the name, Deng tells me, "It comes from the two classic choices of heel height - 7cm or 9cm, 7cm for loving yourself more, and 9cm for loving the world more."
7or9 offers a variety of staples, but I am personally drawn to the styles in the brand's Black Label collection, which has some distinguishing differences from the other shoe designs. "The 7or9 Black Label series features shoes crafted with exquisite attention to detail, incorporating Swarovski® elements that adorn high-quality silk and sheep suede materials. The shoes emit a subtle yet elegant sparkle with a starry touch," explains Deng. "The toe box is lined with antibacterial air cotton, highlighting the brand's ongoing dedication to comfort. The exceptional craftsmanship of 7or9 is combined with the brilliant crystals of Swarovski, resulting in a luxurious masterpiece that achieves a perfect balance between comfort and quality."
One of the cool things about the brand, is that similar to Lovard, 7or9 gives wearers the option to accessorize any of the brand's shoes, which gives them a completely different look and can completely transform them from a shoe worn from the day to the evening with the addition of a buckle, back clip, or ankle strap added.
The founders and I agreed on a few of the must-haves from their brand for this season including the Classic Heel in Starburst, which is the perfect silver satin shoe with Swarovski crystals for special occasions and the Classic Boot in Nightshade that is a stunning suede ankle boot with sheer paneling on the side and strategically placed Swarovski crystals that is the perfect transition boot from winter to spring. Wang adds, "In my opinion, these are must-have items from the 7or9 Black Label series based on their unique features and popularity, the high-quality silk and suede material, the air-touch foam and the starry touch."
The Retro Trainers That Will Complete Every Outfit This Spring
© Getty From the Oscars to the boardroom, trainers have become all-occasion attire - GettyHow many pairs of trainers do you own? One? Five? Ten? For some, it's more. Comfortable and cool in equal measure, they now dominate the modern footwear wardrobe. There are the running or gym trainers, of course; perhaps some New Balance 327s to wear with jeans at weekends; maybe a just-smart-enough-for-the-office pair of Vejas.
That's just the beginning: the trainer has become all-occasion attire. They're in the boardroom; they're at evening events. We've even seen them at the Oscars, courtesy of actor/writer Emerald Fennell and director Chloé Zhao.
In general, Britons are ahead of the curve. When Melinda Gates visited the UK in 2019, she remarked, 'I had several meetings today where the women came in trainers and I was like, "Why am I not strong enough to do that? I should do that more."' And although the $86 billion trainer market is dominated by US activewear giants, the rubber-soled shoe is a British invention.
© Provided by The Telegraph Madonna dresses down in 1982 - GettyUntil the 1950s, they were strictly for sport; we have James Dean and Elvis to thank for making the trainer – in their case Converse – a fashion statement. Today, every fashion house has a trainer in its offering, and according to streetwear website Hypebeast, 72 per cent of luxury streetwear brands say sneakers are their bestselling product. Limited-edition 'drops' of coveted 'hype sneakers' sell out faster than you can say 'box-fresh', only to be listed on resale sites such as StockX or Grailed, often for many multiples of the original price.
For most of us, though, it's vintage-look trainers inspired by the 1970s, '80s and '90s that have the real cred. Think Nike Dunks with pinstripe trousers. Adidas Sambas with faded jeans. There's a security in their staying power and nostalgic quality, and the accessible price point of these classics makes them appealingly democratic.
My one word of warning? Avoid anything artificially scuffed and aged, which can look a bit try-hard – it's much more fun to wear them in yourself anyway.
Try these © Provided by The Telegraph TrainersClockwise from top left: Leather, £110, Camper; Cotton plimsolls, £160, Eytys; Corn waste and bamboo, £160, Flamingos Life; Water repellant organic cotton, £99, Saye; Leather, £136, Alohas
© Provided by The Telegraph ShoesClockwise from top left: Suede Munchen, £80, Adidas; Recycled polyester, £205, Axel Arigato; Leather basket, £165, Diadora; Suede S-Strike, £100, Stepney Workers Club; Suede Marathon Trail Sole, £119, Novesta
Read more: What the Princess of Wales can teach us about statement jewellery
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