WINGS + HORNS SPRING 2012

[shoreman1782]

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.

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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.

 

[Garbage Mouth]

A couple of interesting things here and there. I wonder what the prices will look like.

 

[Peter1]

Those gray sneaks look great, as do the Ts and fleece blazer. I haven't been blown away by W&H's workwear -- seems pricey and a little me-tooish. I could see that blazer killing it with faded denim.

 

[pickpackpockpuck]

Those Native American prints are turning up everywhere. My feelings are mixed. Overall I think there are some interesting things, though I feel like pictures never really do w+h justice. You have to handle the materials to know what the line is about.

 

[mr.orange]

where in Texas can I handle said materials?

 

[LA Guy]

I am pretty sure that Mortar, in Houston, carries, or will be carrying it.

 

[slack tide]

Also per the W+H stockist list, a place called 'Q Custom Clothier' in Dallas, TX. The list is nice - looks like it's be redone

..Those gray sneaks look great, as do the Ts and fleece blazer...

Yeah, those grey sneakers with white sole look awesome.

 

[mr.orange]

Nice. I can make that trip for sure. Thanks guy

 

[shoreman1782]

Those Native American prints are turning up everywhere. My feelings are mixed. Overall I think there are some interesting things, though I feel like pictures never really do w+h justice. You have to handle the materials to know what the line is about.

True. And RL is the OG (well, not ORIGINAL, since, I guess, the Navajo themselves are true OG when it comes to Navajo patterns). But I think rather than merely splashing a print on a tshirt, W+H did a good job developing it's own take and using it consistently.

 

[mr.orange]

What does it mean that W+H owns their means of production and wow does it compare to other brands that don't?

 

[shoreman1782]

To your other question, I'm not sure who in TX carries W+H.

wings + horns and reigning champ are both associated with CYC manufacturing, which has been making cotton fleece gear for a long time (blanks for brands like Supreme and others). They don't make outerwear in house, for example, but they do make those cotton knits themselves. Hence they tend to be creative with that stuff, vs. other brands that can't afford to take risks or be as involved with development of fabric.

 

[Brinbro]

As hesitant as I was about a new designer, I really like the new direction the brand is going - mostly because it now seems to have a direction.

 

[MORTAR]

We're carrying Wings for S/S12, most likely going to get some fall inventory as well. I have never heard of a Dallas store stocking them; Q Custom Clothier is a bespoke suiting place...no casual stuff. Interesting.

 

[MORTAR]

I'd also like to add how freaking stoked all of us are about this collection...it's truly amazing guys.

 

[hoozah]

i wonder if that's the only color that rider will come in.