Lusting After: Creep Selvedge Chino

Creep can sometimes be a little "out there" for lack of a better phrase (read: chambray chef hats), but Hiroshi Awai also does some seriously incredible stuff.  For example, these gingham selvedge chinos are off the charts.  They're on some restrained Junya 2.0 type shit, giving you more style than necessarily fashion, and ultimately resulting in some of the coolest chinos on the market.  The only thing that concerns me about these is how well they could transition into F/W.  I love chinos because of their year round versatility, but the addition of blue gingham could potentially counteract this. Or maybe not.  Maybe I'm over thinking it.  I mean, who wouldn't want to wear these pants as often as possible?

 -L.A.S

Creep S/S 2011

When I last mentioned Creep here on Sart Inc my thoughts were summed up as follows: focused, Americana signifiers (i.e. elements of prep, workwear,etc.) and a little too fashion-y at its worst.  Looks from S/S 2011 have just recently hit the blogosphere and I'm happy to report that designer Hiroshi Awai really seems to be hitting his stride since taking over as creative director in 2008.  I can only imagine how tough it is to create a collection that is made up of many influences so I admire Hiroshi for sticking to his guns regardless of how radical things can get (um, is that a chambray chef's hat?).  There are a few pieces here that really represent what Creep is all about.  Something like a red denim peacoat hits the nail on the head in that it combines Hiroshi's love for Americana and the Japanese tendency to rework this infatuation into something new by thinking outside the box.  Creep will always be a line, at least in my eyes, that has some incredibly strong pieces that help articulate what Hiroshi is trying to do.  Lots of these very same pieces are pure winners too so that's saying a lot.  Also, great use of footwear in these shots - be sure to take notes.  You can purchase Creep at Commonwealth and Blackbird.

-L.A.S

Creepin' At The Yacht Club

Creep is a little too fashion-y for my tastes (see: man skirts), but a few of the looks from their focused S/S 2010 collection have some pretty swell preppy inspired vibes- stuff I can serious dig on.  In 2008 designer Hiroshi Awai took over as men's creative director and has since taken the brand in the direction of "innovative Japanese design with his passion for the simple for the simple beauty of functional American workwear" (sounds familiar).  Cop some gear at Blackbird, especially that dope nautical cardigan.  Oh man, I really wish I was cool enough to pull of that hat...

 

  

  

  

  

-L.A.S