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FASHION WEEK EDIT: THE NEW AMERICANA

FASHION WEEK EDIT: THE NEW AMERICANA

FASHION WEEK EDIT:

THE NEW AMERICANA

WORDS: MARNI ROSE MCFALL Photographer: JANE DOE

There’s a lot of ways to describe American style. But the simplest would be iconic. By way of fashion icons like Aaliyah, Madonna and Cindy Crawford to a new generation of power dressers like Bella Hadid and Tyler The Creator, it’s left an impression across the globe. And in 2023, Americana is evolving - think the pipeline from The O.C. and Gossip Girl (the O.G.) to Euphoria and Gossip Girl (the reboot).

These are the designers re-defining American style. Think familiar favourites, cult looks and classic aesthetics – aka the styles you’ve grown up loving – remixed for 2023. From bold It-girl styles to streetwear that takes its cues from classic collegiate style, this is fashion that was made for the perennial prom kings and queens. Think fashion that’s firmly about the future and knows how to have fun. The new Americana? We’re ready for it.

FEAR OF GOD

Fear of God have ripped up the fashion rule book. Determined to do things their way, they’ve created a cult label known for its bold, seasonless approach and looks that transcend trends. The brands low-key takes on tailoring are a must: think oversized blazers and slouchy tailored trousers. As for loungewear? Their sweats and mules have achieved true cult status. And then of course, there’s Jerry Lorenzo’s diffusion line, ESSENTIALS, which curates the ultimate laidback luxe approach to fashion. This is high-low dressing designed to stand the test of time.

KHAITE

Simple, refined, classic, Khaite is everything we’ve always loved about American fashion, tenfold. When they’re not creating season-defining pieces (read: the Maddie top, the Katie Holmes bra-digan and the Scarlett cardi) they’re honing game-changing aesthetics. Lately, they’ve been fusing high fashion and high art by drawing inspiration from David Lynch for their SS23 collection, and founder Catherine Holstein has become known for taking style cues from the dark glamour of New York City. The brand epitomises the ‘Quiet Luxury’ aesthetic which has been everywhere as of late (the hashtag has 41.1 million views on TikTok) and with their timeless, low-key luxe looks, you can be sure that whatever they’re doing, people will be talking about it.

AMIRI

At their AW23 show, Amiri sent Varsity jackets down the runway inscribed with the phrase: ‘Some artists make music. Some artists make history’. Mike Amiri is one such artist who’s doing both. Inspired by California’s skate and street subcultures and propelled by founder Mike Amiri’s passion for haute couture, Amiri have established themselves as true streetwear heavyweights. Their legion of celebrity fans helps: Travis Barker, Law Roach and Black Thought can often be spotted repping the brand. Anything that has Amiri’s cult detailing is set to be a must-have. But the key picks this season? The iconic skeleton sneakers, printed co-ords and sharp suits.

CULT GAIA

Ever wanted to inject a dose of Miami sunshine into your wardrobe? Turns out, there’s a way. Welcome to the cult of Cult Gaia. Founded by Jasmin Larian in 2012, the brand has become the apex of fashion that’s fun, flirty and free. Their manifesto? To curate a wardrobe that’s filled with magic. Now that’s an ethos we can get on board with. Channel your inner beach babe with white maxi dresses and tote bags, level up your partywear with mini dresses and rhinestone clutch bags and take your accessories game to the next level with their Ark bag.

HERON PRESTON


As far as Heron Preston’s concerned, “the face of fashion is all of us” (Vogue). And in many ways, that spirit defines the new age of American fashion. An icon of the streetwear scene, Preston’s creations draw inspiration from the pillars of art, music and content creation. The label is known for their utilitarian designs, that Bella Hadid blazer moment and, of course, the signature orange detailing. One of the brand’s core principles? Responsibility – Preston works with eco materials which he cleverly nicknames LEDs (Less Environmentally Destructive) and more than half of his most recent collection was made from responsible materials. AW23 will see the designer make his debut at NYFW – and we can’t wait to see what he does next.

LAQUAN SMITH

One of the biggest names in American fashion right now? Laquan Smith. The New York native is taking the industry by storm with sexy, empowering designs that love women almost as much as he does. A favourite of A-listers like Beyoncé, Rihanna and Julia Fox, Laquan Smith’s eponymous label is transforming the way that women dress. An expert in the naked dress, his skin-flashing styles have quickly achieved cult status, as have his corset tops – just ask Maya Jama. In the world of New Americana, Smith’s authentic approach to empowering fashion is changing the game.

OFF-WHITE

Off-White is the American designer of our generation. Founded by the late Virgil Abloh in 2012, Off-White is the brand that bridged the gap between luxury and streetwear, and the past decade in fashion was shaped by their limitless creativity. Off-White has created more cult classics than we can count; from their playful partywear designs to the instantly recognisable diagonal stripes and arrow motifs to their move into beauty with the Paperwork line. The brand is yet to name a successor since Abloh’s untimely passing back in 2021, but his legacy lives on.

PALM ANGELS

Cult tracksuits, flawless tailoring and high-energy accessories – welcome to the world of Palm Angels. One of the key players in new luxury fashion, the brand stems from an Italian perspective on American culture and subculture. The result? A name so big it’s almost untouchable. Drawing inspiration from L.A.’s skating scene, the brand plays with graffiti style graphics and streetstyle staples - like oversized sweats and chunky trainers. Think nostalgic styles, unique accessories and contemporary classic pieces that have endless appeal.

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