The pandemic was hard on retail and fashion. Many stalwart brands crumbled under the myriad pressures of the uncertain times. But for every brand that left the scene, another emerged or found its footing.
Casatlantic
Casaltantic is only in its third season, but its offerings just keep getting better. Devoted to making incredible high-waisted trousers, the brand began offering only white pants, but have since begun adopting new cuts, fabrics, and colors into the mix. Based in Sweden and run by vintage purveyors of Algerian descent, many of the cuts are based on classic designs popular in the collector community that are difficult to find new.
All the trousers in their collection are sophisticated and well-made and will most definitely heighten your wardrobe. If you’re worried that they’ll seem stuffy, then you need to buckle down and beat them up until they look a little more ragged – just the way you would with a pair of jeans.
→ See the full collection at Casatlantic.
Magnolia
Magnolia is an independent Irish brand still in its infancy. Its first season is a tight capsule collection of three pieces, a cuban collar shirt, a pair of shorts, and a sweatshirt. Well-made in Portugal, the whole collection is perfect for the tail end of summer. With an eye for detail and a unique vision, support this brand and help it grow! We’d love to see what they do for Fall/Winter.
→ Shop the collection at Magnolia.
Wythe
This New York brand has been steadily gaining traction among fashion-heads in the five boroughs, but has also begun to spread further afield. Their vintage-inspired pieces pay homage to cowboys, camping, and life in the big city; and somehow they make all these disparate influences work together.
From fairly inexpensive tube-knit tees ($45) to more complex pieces like their Jacquard Overshirt ($328) , Wythe has wardrobe staples that will stand the test of time. Unlike many of their contemporaries, this brand has a very distinct ethos and aesthetic, one that will likely only mature with the seasons to come.
→ You can see the full collection at Wythe.
Magill LA
Fewer and fewer brands take the time to make their product in the United States, so it’s always a pleasure to encounter someone who’s keeping our dying garment industry alive! Todd Magill is one such person, whose brand, Magill LA, makes their clothes in… where else?? Los Angeles.
Magill focuses on making prep classics, but with a slight twist. Rugby shirts, heavy knits, and short shorts might seem overly fussy, but in the brand’s capable hands, they all come out gorgeously. On top of everything, the brand is in the midst of a generous summer sale, making all their excellent product even more affordable!
→ Visit Magill to shop the sale and pick up some essential basics.
Blackstock and Weber
Loafers have been all the rage for a few seasons now, but one brand in particular has been rising to prominence – establishing itself among the pantheon of loafer greats like G.H. Bass and Alden. Blackstock & Weber is based in New York, but bench-makes their shoes in England.
Still difficult to find in person outside of New York, these shoes are beautifully constructed and can be had in conventional colorways and leathers or with more outside-the-box features. Save up, because these loafers ain’t cheap, but unlike your average sneakers, these bad boys are worth it. Fully resoleable, made from high grade leathers, and timeless; they’ll be in your rotation for decades to come.
→ See all the loafer options at Blackstock & Weber.
