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| That bystander's elbow annoyed a lot of pit photographers---but the clothes =cool |
words/images Judith Ecochard
As we review loads of performance wear from brands with athletic pursuits as priority numero uno---NUMBER:LAB- a hip, modern collection with a mission "...to define the space between men's tailored sportswear and performance gear..." ---intrigues.
Last winter, we were greeted by hockey wielding players outside...this year, the tiny Standard Hotel's 3rd floor---just managed to have a few models skate board in---to reinforce the line's inspiration-the skateboarders bustin' their moves over at Pier 62's futuristic skatepark... on the Hudson.
The other style influence-Picasso's iconic painting "Bathers With A Beach Ball 1928"
Source
The bold stripes and patterns, darker tones-gray, navy, black with pops of color-including "big air blue" we thought the separates were well done-and made of luxe/breathable fabrics that usually aren't used quite so handsomely in the collections we review-except for NAU.
Most guys though-will give the thumbs up to the clothes as urban street wear...
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| Shorter jacket lengths, tighter arms-better show off an in shape bod...Blue cotton blazer |
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| Cropped Chambray linen/wool/poly double breasted blazer-we'd pair with denim |
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| Navy oiled-Linen Raglan zip-up hood jacket/Striped micro-fiber board short |
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| Old school casual- Stone cotton canvas tech jacket-navy cotton micro-canvas trouser |
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| Blue cotton hooded raglan jacket, navy oiled linen short, stripe block cotton shirt-nice |
We approved or the slim silhouette of shorts/pants, crew sweaters---and loved the hoodies-many of which are reversible---like the striped cotton zip-up, pictured below.
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| Beach ready-hip punk---graphic prints- a Joseph La Piana -NUMBER:LAB limited edition capsule collection that uses a print based upon the artist's refraction paintings....Orangade Cotton Hooded Cadet jacket/Graphic Nylon Swim Short |
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| Black/Navy Cotton Canvas Reversible Letterman Blazer, Black/Navy Graphic Block Vee Tee _JLP+ N:L collab, White Cotton Short |
The ease of mixing up the separates---a blazer with shorts....polished pulled together looks for guys loathing anything restrictive or too fancy. We bet our pals in the military would wear these "civilian" clothes...the ultimate test for us of wearable apparel without the fuss-but with style.
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| Also part of the JLP+NUMBER:LAB collab-Black/White Graphic Nylon Unconstructed Blazer---we wonder how water resistant and breathable the jacket is....paired with Navy Oil Linen Short---.Striped cotton shirt |
ACCESSORIES:
The weekend size/gym bag
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| NUMBER:LAB BAG |
SHOES: Special Limited collection of tech espadrilles/stubsider with Stubbs & Wootten for NUMBER:LAB and VANS
