Summer’s almost over and it’s time to reinvent your wardrobe with this month’s hottest trends and brands – from heavy-duty boots to cult classic collabs to seatbelt-inspired bags…
Guess who's back? Back again. Kitty’s back, tell a friend. Okay, I’ll leave my Eminem impression there, but I am back with all the latest in alt. fashion news!
If you don’t know me, hello! I'm Kitty! I'm a lifelong greebo who became a fashion stylist, and I style music videos and photoshoots for a bunch of your favourite artists – you might've even seen my work on the cover of Kerrang! with acts like Enter Shikari, NOAHFINNCE, Scene Queen and even Fall Out Boy! Hopefully that gives you the green flag to go ahead and read this column.
It’s still warm as hell here in London, but the orange of the sun burning down on me while I hide under a parasol is slowly turning into the orange of pumpkin season! Who’s ready? It’s nearly our time! Halloween season basically starts in August anyway, so let’s see what’s new…
If you listen to hardcore, collect trainers and sometimes ride a bike, you probably have a very curated Instagram feed and know the brand Chrome Industries. Remember when we all rode fixed-gear bikes? I praise those of you who still do.
This iconic lifestyle bag brand has teamed up with LGBTQ+ charity True Colors United to launch a capsule collection of styles made to celebrate unity, acceptance and diversity, with 100 per cent of profits being donated to the charity. So not only can you own a practical, stylish bag, but you can show your support to and/or celebrate being part of the LGBTQ+ community.
Chrome are known for their sling bags with chunky seatbelt-style buckles. I have no idea why a seatbelt buckle looks so good on a bag, but there’s something about them that make these messenger and sling bags so damn iconic.
The six-piece capsule features an all-over grid pattern as a nod to the intersectionality of all identities, as well as a colourful, fun, reflective gradient panel to ensure visibility wherever and whenever. Keeping you safe on the roads as well as standing out in the pit!
Talking about the collection, Chrome Industries President Meghan Litchfield says, “Chrome believes Pride is more than a moment, more than a month. We’re so proud to be partnering with True Colors United to support their tireless year-round efforts to address youth homelessness in the LGBTQ+ community.”
I swear these bags will not only last forever, but they might get you noticed by your crush! I’ve definitely gone up to someone before and said, ’Is that a Chrome bag?!’ Just because I think they are cool…
Everyone’s favourite e-girl, viral tracksuit brand, Named Collective, have launched their debut jewellery collection, following previous one-off releases like their forbidden bow chain. There’s just something about their designs that tick the boxes of my emo, alt. girl and streetwear-loving soul. It’s like the perfect ’hardcore kid who also listens to Fall Out Boy’ type of brand!
The collection will include nine chains with designs such as pierced lips (of course), an engraved heart (so emo) and hanging bows – Myspace would be proud. They are also sweat and tarnish free, so are ideal for festival mosh-pits and hot days playing card games and drinking Monster in the park.
To celebrate the launch, the brand are holding an event on August 29 in Soho, London, with free ice-cream and the chance to win chains and hoodies! Keep an eye on their Instagram for the full location details – they won’t be dropping ’til the day!
If you like a classic DM or New Rock boot, but want something a little different, have you heard of Red Wing? If you wear wide-leg Dickies, drink fancy coffee, and carry your life in a tote bag, you are probably already wearing them right now. But if not, they are a classic biker boot made originally as workwear, but have been adopted by bikers and tattoo artists alike. Born in the home state of Babes In Toyland and Hüsker Dü, the Minnesotan boots make the perfect pairing for a biker chick with nothing but some classic denim jeans, a Harley and a dream…
These boots are built to last, so are essential for mosh-pits, bike rides, and even hikes in the mountains while listening to Owl City and reminiscing about the good old times, while touching grass and trying to get some reality.
Also, I will die on the hill that I am actually a badass biker chick, because I spent one summer at Camp VC and learned the basics of riding a motorbike while wearing a pair of Red Wings. Will I ever get back on a bike? Unsure, but the photos from that one time will be reposted to remind you all I’m (nearly) badass. If you want to be that cool, just buy the boots. It’s almost the same as riding a motorbike.
Photo: Kane Layland. Talent: El Bernardes.
It’s getting close to Halloween and the amount of collaborations with an element of spook to them is really starting to bubble away. I’m a big fan of spooky (but not scary) movies. I love witches, monsters, ghosts... But am just not a fan of super gory, scary movies. So, of course, Gremlins is one of my favourite cult classics, and I was over the moon to hear KILLSTAR are collaborating with the franchise on a new collection! A little moment to unleash our mischievous side in the form of apparel.
This limited-edition drop blends ’80s cult classic vibes with KILLSTAR’s signature dark aesthetic. Whether you’re a fan of cute and cuddly Gizmo or the naughty, mean and chaotic Gremlins, this collection has it all. The Gizmo knit is a surefire win, but I also think the Gremlins bag will be a big seller. There are men’s, women’s and unisex pieces – although clothing has no gender anyway! Tell a friend to tell a friend who loves a cheeky midnight snack. These KILLSTAR collab collections keep selling out, so keep your eyes peeled when they drop on September 16.
If you like clean streetwear silhouettes with an edge to them, DARKCIRCLE might be your new favourite brand. They make the kind of clothes I can see Turnstile or Travis Barker wearing.
Founded in the UK by creatives and for creatives, DARKCIRCLE’s aim is to inspire and empower, being a brand for the photographer, the stylist, the artist, or the creative director. They say they would prefer to be worn by creatives going about their daily lives, rather than a celebrity or model in front of the camera. Which is an interesting concept, and I guess is a bit of a rebellion against the norm when it comes to fashion brands using famous people in their campaigns and runways.
They have a keen focus on premium details and quality – for example, their T-shirts are made from 385gsm ring-spun cotton, making them one the heaviest and most structured T-shirts out there. They also use embroidery details and screenprints to embed their designs on their garments, keeping a high level of quality and craftsmanship in their designs. Heavy music and heavy T-shirts go hand-in-hand if you ask me.
Standout pieces include their Myles practise jersey and their tailored shorts which, when paired with long socks, gives you the perfect nu-metal silhouette to dress up or down.
