shoreman1782
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Words and photos by Pete Anderson
Since wings + horns shuffled its design team last year, the Canadian line has taken some road trips in new directions but remained anchored to its bedrock of exceedingly well-built, comfortable knits. Next spring broadens the horizons of the line further. Conceived around the story of a lone traveler hitching aimlessly around North America, the “Road to Nowhere” collection includes a road-appropriate corded cotton riders jacket (a new cut for wings + horns; it’s well proportioned and the fabric is a lighter alternative to leather), biker-style zip-hem trousers, knit sportcoats, and the consistent detail of a particular, Native American style patterned woven fabric. There’s a general departure from the work and military influences that dominated the last few seasons.
Although the wanderer theme is a useful diversion for wings + horns, the brand will still offer racks on racks of its trademark sportswear. Unlike most lines, wings + horns owns their means of production, so they can accomplish some interesting things with textiles that other brands cannot. In addition to their usual fleece pieces, which are often imitated but rarely matched, they’re offering a looser knit that should please fans of gymwear-as-fashion. The palette is the usual wearable neutrals and grays but with the addition this seasons of a Carolina or robin’s egg blue.
The pattern repeats on polos, a reversible shirt, shorts, and jacket linings.
Buttons on both sides.
W+H will also continue to offer denim in a flatteringly slim, tapered cut in complex, realistic washes. The fall lineup will again include the simple, made-in-Italy sneakers in soft leather with leather laces that are debuting in fall 2011. There are also exclusive, boxing themed pieces done for the Ace Hotel (still jonesing for one of the w+h/Ace robes), and the now-almost-obligatory Porter-made bags.
Fok takes notes. Any comments on his hat?
The Reigning Champ line, wings + horns’ jock-ier cousin, continues to develop its character with fall 2012. Button down oxfords include bi-swing shoulders for ease of movement that show off contrast fabrics. A cotton herringbone cardigan looks like something w+h might’ve done a year or two ago, but is no less current or wearable. Tanks and tshirts, some with graphic logos, round out the collection.
Wings + Horns is available at Roden Gray, Context, Four Horsemen, and Need Supply.
