Your 2009 Winter Style Guide
GENERAL By TSSCrew on January 2, 2009 at 1:15 pmWords By Jason Hortillas
Starting off the new year right, TSS is going in hard and what better way to do that than to introduce new segments into the fold. I, for one, am not the authority when it comes to gear. Luckily, I have some peoples who are. So I hit up my man Romeo “Rex” Tanghal, a major New York designer at Marc Ecko – maybe you heard of the brand. Jokes aside, I asked him what he thought about this winter season and he made some suggestions that would put you ahead of the rest in looking your best for the ‘09.
What Rex says about this upcoming season:
“Fuck talking bout the recession… that shit IS depressing. Time’s have been tough, and it’s about time we dress appropriately. We’re backing our dude come 2009 as part of the clean up crew and there’s a sense of pride in the air. American heritage is back. Workwear is back. High-end fashion labels and small streetwear labels alike are taking note and producing their own take producing tough clothes with functional details. Think back when your favorite emcees used to rock Polo, Carhartt, Woolrich and Dickies and there you go.”
With no further adieu, Rex’s buying tips for the current winter season.
Head Gear — For winter there’s always the quintessential beanie. It comes in all forms and can be found on every corner…but if you find the need to stand out the crowd, it’s all about hunting down the “Elmer Fudd” version of your favorite style of cap.
1. Supreme “Chore Quilted Hat”: Workwear inspired canvas fitted hat with flannel lining. Tough.
2. Kangol Tweed “Bugatti” Cap: Like my grand pop used to wear.
3. Still Life NYC “Carver” Cap: Butter leather perfection.
Kicks — Put all the J’s back on ice, In my mind you have two choices this winter for stomping through the sludge…. work boots or hiking boots.
1. Visvim X Supreme Serra Boots: Two companies with die hard followings collab on two colorways. Get in line.
2. Red Wing Classic Boots: These have been my go to boots for the last couple years. Rugged as shit, but comfy as hell once you break them in.
Inner Layers: Flannels, Cardigans, Hoodies — Yeah… all essentials that everyone needs in their closets every winter, but it’s the little details that’ll make you stand out from the rest of the crowd. Spend the extra loot for strong, quality pieces and you’ll be able to rock these pieces for years to come.
1. Staple Scalene Double Pocket Shirt: Comes with a built in handkerchief. Perfect for one upping your usual blue work shirt.
2. Maiden Noir For Union: Flipping the classic flannel with sportsman like details, elbow pads and leather patches.
3. Staple “Tibal Plaid Shirt”: Comes with a matching neck tie. Grown man, but not too far gone.
4. Polo by Ralph Lauren “Shawl Neck Sweater”: Polo will always be a mainstay in fashion. While other companies chase trends, the company has stuck to their guns and kept it classic Americana. Tons of pockets and padding to bring out the sportsman in you.
5. J. Crew “Cashmere cable shawl cardigan”: Everyone needs a good cashmere piece in their closet. Soft and warm as fuck.
6. Winiche & Co. “Hooded Sailer Parka”: The new Brooklyn/Japanese brand flips your otherwise mundane hoodie with a wooden button and rope detail.
Outerwear
1. Arcteryx “Theta AR Jacket”: North Face will always remain a classic, but lets face it every lil’ snot nosed grade schooler on the train is rocking one. If you’re ready to step your game up, invest in an Arc’teryx. These Gore-Tex jackets have a die hard following…and for good reason. Trust me this shit will keep you toasty. If dudes are out scaling Mt. Everest in one, you’ll be good trekking down the block.
2. Moncler: These French luxury vests have been the favorite of the Euro upperclass, douchebags for years, but you still can’t deny it’s quality. One day, I was walking past Barney’s downtown and I saw a dude come flying out with a stack of Moncler vests getting chased by security….so you know there’s definitely a demand for them in the hood.
3. US Navy Style Peat Coat: Just classic. Everyone needs a pea coat in their closet and every company makes one. This one is only $162 and is made to the same specs as naval coat made for the Department of Defense. Features a nylon quilted liner and a vent back. Done deal.
4. Moncler X Collete “Flannel Down Jacket”: Moncler does it again, this time they collab with the French boutique Collette for this down jacket made of light flannel wool with black striped piping and front M-65 pockets with a detachable hood.
Denim
APC New Standard Denim: During winter, dark denim is a must. Once I find something I like I stick with it and APC selvedge denim is my shit. They just fit well… adjusts to your body the more you wear them and have straight clean back pockets. No unnecessary embroideries. No frills. Just quality.
Accessories
1. Bedwin “Narrow Magoo Scarf”: Clean takes on the traditional military scarves.
2. Peckham Rye Silk Cannabis Scarf: Sophisticated looking from a far but on some stoner steez up close. Reminds me of middle school when the Chronic dropped and kids would get detention for rocking those cannabis leaf snapback caps. Those kids only sort of grew up.
3. Barbour fingerless gloves: Mittens are suspect and gloves feel too constricting to me. I like to have my fingers free for phone calls, texting, picking my nose, etc.
Tees
Staple Design X The CollaBros “Human Flight” Tee: An ode to the work a true Renaissance man, Leonardo Da Vinci (no offense to Q-Tip) and his studies with human flight… but with a modern day image of a human flying. The example should be obvious. This one is also available in crew neck sweaters.
About Rex — Romeo “Rex” Tanghal serves as a full time art director for Marc Ecko Enterprises as well as 1/2 of The CollaBros, a creative agency he established with his brother that has successfully established their name by breaking into an array of projects including apparel design, athletic footwear, album covers, toys & skateboards. Their multi-genre client list includes companies such as Complex Magazine, Nike Basketball, Sony, Duck Down Records, Triple 5 Soul, Ecko Unltd., Zoo York, Star Wars, HBO’s The Wire, Staple Design, 5Boro skateboards and more. For more info check out TheCollabros.com.
Posted in GENERAL, Gear, SMOKE BREAK — Tags: 2009 Buying Guide, Arcteryx, Collette, Gear, J. Crew, Kangol, Maiden Noir, Marc Ecko Enterprises, Moncler, Polo Ralph Lauren, Red Wing, Romeo "Rex" Tanghal, Staple, Still Life NYC, Supreme, Union, Visvim, Winiche & Co.
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45 Comments
fresh gear scares me. (Another obvious sign that i’m getting old.) Not because it’s fresh but because I’m at a point where u really can’t get right with it these days; things get co-opted and mass marketed so quickly that you’re either a fashion-drone, an out-of-step-bum, or you’re just rockin’ odd-for-odd’s sake gear. (i see u sa-ra.)
I do miss my construction threads tho. (yeah, i said “threads” with my so-retro-i’m petro behind.) Pops was blue collar–he sweated motor oil and farted sawdust, so he stayed dipped in Dickies and Carhart. the shoes were straight steel-toe Sears specials. (And the 3 for $8 pack of Hanes served him just fine, thank you.)
Now he’d pull out the shirt and tie for special occassions (funerals, weddings, PTA meetings, court appearances, etc.); but he seriously wasn’t trying to impress anybody but the bill collector, so he didn’t care what the style was.
Point is, I’m thinking about going back to that stuff, myself. I can’t keep up with y’all Eckos, Diddys, Jays and whatevers anymore. I’m too fat for the skinny stuff and too square to be hipster. To that end, i’m gonna get some fresh comfy dickey painter paints, a couple pair of carhart shoes, a catepillar jacket and call it a day.
anybody know where i can get a good supply of chew-sticks? (cinnamon-flavored, preferably.)
oh yeah, i guess i could add a trip to men’s warehouse to the mix… i still got some parole officer visits to consider.
^ I’m an Army & Navy store type of cat myself, with flourishes of colorful ish for the ladies. 501’s, Carhart hoodies & ACG’s never go outta style, but I do see a couple of choice pieces in those pics that’ll fit in my wardrobe nicely.
What is this???!!! Queer Eye for the Hiphop Guy???!!! lol!!! Nah, I’m liking this segment because I’ve been working out so new gear is definitely in order.
@ Jason: What do think about Nike boots??? I copped two pairs for Winter and LOVE ‘em!!! I think Timbs are played out like Jordans now.
@ Black Canseco
Real talk…
(And I apologize in advance if I do not know already but…)
Are you a writer?
Might be a crazy question since I have been rockin’ with TSS since its Blogger days but my man…
You have a gift.
Get those fingers tapping on a book and I will be in line to buy it.
I may not be first.
But I will not be last.
In a time where people no longer utilize their [birth] given talents and gifts…
Yours is apparent.
You could talk about your experience in an airport bathroom and I would get engulfed in it… LOL!
But seriously…
Life is short.
(I am one who definitely knows that)
Get to writing.
You will not regret it.
Peace,
TRA
I ‘m feelin’ all that gear, but c’mon…fools is broke right about now, lol
P.S.
“Luckily, I have some peoples who are. So I hit up my man Romeo “Rex” Tanghal, a major New York designer at Marc Ecko…”
Not to knock Jason because a designer is a designer no matter the brand (especially a designer at such a well-known brand)
But…
Is not Ecko played?
(Serious question – no ill intent at all)
Do not get me wrong… I love the designs over the majority of other brands (simple for the most part and clean).
But…
I was talking about the brand with a friend’s son (15-16) and he schooled me on it.
Being a bit older… I had no idea (and perhaps I should not even care). But I have always been the one that others followed fashion-wise.
So now whenever I see someone sportin’ the Ecko brand I take notice.
And what I notice is that they are always around my age.
Now I cannot get with the younger cats and their neon colors and crazy/busy designs… ™My getting old
(And why would I wish to… I am no longer a teen – far from it)
But I wonder…
(Hmmm)
wait, basically….what’s old is new, right?
That means cats like me, Amp, and Black Canseco never really went out of style! Bwahaha
Too Broke for APC Denim.
^ Unfortunately Ecko’s clothing line has been played for quite some time. I used to rock alot of his clothing when he first came out; but it seemed the more success his line acheive the weaker the line became.
@Teef:
wait, basically….what’s old is new, right?
That means cats like me, Amp, and Black Canseco never really went out of style! Bwahaha
________________________________________________________
Naw yall brothers are old. LOL!!!!
As far as the suggestions in this piece, they made so great choices but those brands are quite expensive, especially with how the economy is going. For example instead of going to the army/Navy store for a pea coat, hit Old Navy up. Their pea coats are just as dope and you are getting them for 1/2 the price.
^ shuddup.
haha, nah for real, I been had a pea coat, the real official Schott piece. I’d say they are worth it cuz they’re built to last. About a buck fiddy.
for the pieces highlighted in this post, I wouldn’t literally go out and try to cop the same exact one for retail, I’d just take them as suggestions for what to look for when you’re out and about…find similar pieces, and never pay retail
I think Timbs are played out like Jordans now.
============
highly doubt it lol. Unless you’re “fashionable.”
Ecko isn’t played. It just isn’t fashionable/cool IMO. But they’re doing something right b/c I’m seeing their fuckin commercials on regular channels all of the sudden. And when you look @ it, they made it when all the others didn’t (I’m looking @ you Triple 5 Soul). Marc & Co. have developed into shit bigger than “just clothes” @ this point though. Dude is like a mini-Mark Cuban on a Hip-Hop level lol.
I almost bought some APCs but couldn’t try them on so I wasn’t too certain on it. the more I kept looking, the more I realized how many pairs of 569’s plus fitteds I could get for the same cost. Easy decision lol.
“Ecko isn’t played. It just isn’t fashionable/cool IMO.”
So it is not like rockin’ some…
What is it called?
Dang.
Ummm…
FUBU?
Not even close to that bad yet?
LOL!
I am just making sure. I have a $75 Ecko hoodie and a tee that I like sitting new in the closet. The other Ecko tees I gave away to a dude with no home.
They were worn like once.
yeah, I bought a pair of Nudies when that whole selvage denim / don’t wash your jeans for at least a year or more craze hit its apex…caught a L on that one
^ Mark Ecko has done a great job of Branding himself and Complex magazine is one of the better magazines out now. But as far as the clothing line, the creativity in the line has gone way down from when he first came out. You are right about Triple 5 Soul, they need the three wise men to show them the North Star to find themselves. For rigid/raw demin I hit up those cowboy shops. Get some Levi Raw demins for $29. Yeeeehaw!!!
Teef:
Next time you buy some “Nudies”, make sure they come with Breasts and a vagina. LOL
I swore I had a comment. I think Gottsdale stepped on my toes cuz it’s basically what I said.
So co-sign what Gotty said lol
The Marc Ecko Collection has a few rockables.
^ Some of the jeans in the Marc Ecko collection are dope, overall the rest is lacking.
I am just making sure. I have a $75 Ecko hoodie and a tee that I like sitting new in the closet. The other Ecko tees I gave away to a dude with no home.
==============
leave’em in the closet lol.
i didn’t see a comment TC so nah, don’t blame me lol.
*if you didn’t already know Dillan’s Pop= Jason Hortillas
@Flea: I have a pair of Nike Boots but only cause I have another pal of mine who I helped move out of his apartment and he gave me a garbage bag of kicks as payment, which happened to include a pair of Nike Boots. Kinda bulky for my liking but comfortable nonetheless – I don’t know if I would have rocked them though if I paid for them.
With my Rex suggesting the Red Wings, i coincidentally asked my wife for a pair of Timberland chukkas for X-Mas which could compare to the Red Wings. Similar style and half the price. I call them my dad boots to complete my whole “Pop” theme.
That inadvertently answers why I would agree with Rex in his selections. When it comes to gear, you have to look at the best but I like many others that CAN’T just blow five hundo on a coat, I have to keep my eyes open on the cheaper alternative. This can be used as a basis. I used to read The Source style section as a young buck and want to cop a Phat Farm argyle sweater but in high school you know a buck fifty plus for a sweater was bullshit. TJ Maxx would hold it down like cleats, as Ghost would say lol.
@Real Anyonymous: Its funny that you mention a teen schooling you on gear. Although the kid may be up on the current trends, contemporary critique on a brand like Ecko blinds the youth on the brand’s importance and why I even asked my boy to name drop his nine to five. Ask any clothing line branded as “streetwear” and Ecko is the blueprint to what they’re doing. You know that. But as always it’s the “what have you done for me lately” question eh?
As for utilizing the name drop of Ecko in my intro and recognition of my friend as an authority when Ecko is supposedly lame I respond with this:
Best believe the designers on that staff dont’ fuck around. If you look at the Collabros work on the aforementioned links, I don’t need to explain.
Yes brands like Supreme, Alife, & Crooks N Castles are the shit right now,but so is another one called Staple Design. The last image is a collaboration with Tanghal and Staple design flipping a familiar image (Jordan).
Please re-read Tanghal’s bio and notice that dude has done alot of relevant work with what considered “hip.” But at the same time his bread and butter is an art director at Ecko.
At the end of the day, when you get at that Ecko level, creativity may falter for some purists but that what also happens when you mass produce gear for the Macy’s & outlet friendly consumer. But you can never complain outside of the sample sale irregulars, that they don’t put together a good product. When their magazine mentions all the boutique brand’s they ain’t stupid- they just make more cream when they appeal to the masses…
The debate is similar to what we all argue on this site when it comes to mainstream vs. underground with the grey area in between. The argument is in the gear circles as well but you can intertwine that with Hip-Hop inspired apparel.
But I can understand this shit ain’t the cool gear like before, I don’t really rock it myself anymore. But I’m just speaking for all the designers who work for these companies but still show and prove for dolo…
*jason now crawls back into the dungeon*
Think back when your favorite emcees used to rock Polo, Carhartt, Woolrich and Dickies and there you go.
still rock that like its goin out… nah wait wait… comin back IN style.
Totally unrelated, but: Thomas Jones gets my early vote for NFL Player of the Year in 2009 just for telling Brett Favre what’s really good on Hot 97. (Angie M. gettin’ her ESPN on for the win!)
Bout time somebody stepped out and spit some real on #4; lord knows the sports media grabs ankles for Brett like that booty patch chick in Gotty’s porn post.
I wish my QB would throw 22 picks (310 for his career; most in playoff history to boot) and have everybody still act like he’s some sort of savior. walk on water.
^ I hear the tree the dedicated to Favre was cut down. LOL!!!
Hell before the Miami game he was comtemplating retirement. Thomas Jones was right, I just wish he hadn’t back tracked like he did today. He should have stuck to his guns.
2 of my New Year’s Resolutions incorporated into one YouTube clip:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1A5UnlaFSbQ
I’m with you “Teef”; my stacks ain’t really stacking right now to be coppin’ some of that stuff. Just gonna get creative with my old ish.
(insert pic of me singing “La la la la, Wait til I get my money right!!”)
^ gotta recycle in 2009!
When all else fails, you can’t go wrong with:
Carhartt jeans
Champion Hoodie
Northface Snorkel
Timbs
Shits timeless. Generic street fashion will never die.
@ My “old” heads: Nah, y’all ain’t old it’s just your style of dress!!! lol!!! Fuck it though, I’m 28 and I’ve always managed to stay current with the gear, but I stick with classic brands that stay timeless (Polo, Guess, Hilfiger) and try a few pieces from the new labels that appeal to me. At the end of the day it’s all about mixing and matching various styles and labels. None of that wack-ass, fruity, neon-fluorescent, flamboyant crap though.
Tres,
ain’t no way you gonna catch me in a snorkel… i might as well be rockin’ a chinstrap, pampers and drinking blue kool aid out of mayonnaise jars.
tho a classic black northface bubble might do the trick till April.
… i might as well be rockin’ a chinstrap, pampers and drinking blue kool aid out of mayonnaise jars.
===================================
LMAO
@ Jason
Just to be clear…
I was definitely not knocking your boys job (nor your mention of it).
There are more than many who I am certain would love to be in his position.
I seriously am getting lost when it comes to brands now.
Style is something that I was born with.
But this brand thing ain’t what it used to be.
Too many of them now and being around industry folks on the regular…
I have to make sure I am at least a little bit schooled.
(Just a bit – I still lead)
@ Gotty
“leave’em in the closet lol.”
Thing is… I purchased them LAST year. And the hoodie was marked down (Macy’s).
LMAO!!!
whoa whoa whoa since when is Jordans played out? I love dudes that never had a pair in their life and cant wait to say its played haha
i do want some nike boots tho, htey have a black leather pair that look real smooth
hmm….
just thinking…..
style is up to the individual.
whatever brands suit ya the best….is what you rock the best.
for me….LRG, Express…pretty much is all I like.
so rock what you like….but please, make shit appropriate!!!!!
Just seen a white guy with a wifebeater and short shorts runnin outside on campus…here in Wisco…not cool.
APC is ehhhhh
Japan has denim on lock, Samurai, SDA, Flat Head etc.
and they will last longer than APC.
@ B. Payton: Hey man, where I live everybody from 5 year olds, teenagers, and middle-aged men rock J’s so they’re played out to me. Plus, I own the 7’s, 14’s, 21’s, and the 3’s but I doubt if I’ll ever wear them as much as I used to.
Sneakers are played in my old age (Mid 20s). I just buy what makes me comfy. It’s a bit of a mix between 90s NY streetwear and Euromag fashion via Old Navy & TJ Maxx…
Marc Ecko Cut N Sew line is the Bizness… Its the more adult line of MKE…
Zoo York got some nice pieces too..
Sneakers will never be played, but I feel what your saying Deen.
I was rocking Ecko while FUBU had the fashion world by the nuts, & I still get a few pieces when my girl hits up an outlet mall or something. Like TC said, they got some pieces.
I wish I still had my OG grey Rhino hoody, that shit was sturdy as hell. Damn Detroit roommate, he probably still rockin’ it.
I’ll stick to my Lo. I’m not feeling most of that up there. I’ll rock a Lo shirt some Levis jeans and my Nike ACG Boots.
I find myself just rocking a t-shirt, jeans, and a hoodie almost every single day in the winter (college kid, go figure). Got myself a new Ohio State hoodie from Finish Line just the other day.
On that note, if you want original t-shirts, look no further:
http://www.threadless.com
uh..i may be late
but i stay rockin
hanes thsirts draws
fruit of the loom tshrts socks
champion hoods and sweats
carhartt – best damn warmest jacket
levis jeans 20$ a pop..
kmart joe boxer sweats
99cent walmart winter knit hat (super warms come sin 3 diff colours black-navy-grey.)
pfffft..just filled up my closet/dresser for 125$
no fly flashy shirt here
Who stills wears Guess these dazes?
As for Hilfiger …
@ tres
Champion? Lmao