The Garment District: The Good, The Bad, The Ugly ('07 Recap)

Monday - January 7, 2008
By: Arnold T. Pants

Another year, and now almost a week, has passed us by. In the garment world, it was a wild one, full of one offs, surprise collaborations and the launch of new brands. Starting with MAGIC in February (and the ASG too, of course), I've been in a constant barrage of recycled themes masquerading as new ideas. Disappointing really, as one always hopes to be inspired and have interest reinvigorated.

2007 had kids dressed like rock stars, and worse, like bad memories from my youth. In '92, I bought a pair of royal blue guess jeans. Why? I thought they were the jam. What the fuck did I know, I was 12. But now, kids should have learned from mistakes, they should want to look GOOD, not like the assholes we were in the waning years of the 20th century.

I almost want to say that 2007 was the worst dressed year in hip-hop history. But, hell, we all know I would be lying and just being a hater. Those years when people imagined wearing either a) jerseys or b) dress shirts advertising sports teams to the club were much worse. However, in the sense that so few truly great things emerged, I am full of hope that 2008 will really get it cracking.

With all that said, I compiled a list of best and worst. This is not really of specific items (except for the kicks, which I feel more confident naming), but of brands that sustained my interest throughout the year. I believe this a great feat, given the new breadth in the skate/urban/street scene (f Outta here with "skurban" fools, that just sounds so out of touch with the reality of youth culture), and continued growth and success is far more important and praise worthy than who had the single hottest tee. Since my musical taste seems a touch different from some of the others in this world, I decided to tag that on at the end.

I hope you enjoy, get a laugh, and are all excited about doing big things in '08!

GEAR

BEST

LRG -- Despite getting some knocks (admittedly from me, and also from Shady LTD.), LRG continued to roll and expand in 2007. The company upped their denim offerings, killed it with the leathers and re-conceptualized the scope of collaborations. They worked with Forum Snowboards, Monster Cable, Suzuki, and have a Casio on the way. I will admit to disliking the majority of LRG's graphic choices. I could never vibe with a huge giraffe on the back of my jacket, or a novelty item on my polo shirt. However, I was totally swayed by the company as it showcased cleaner lines, quality basics and an unmatched flair to complement their bread and butter. It is almost as if they have superceded all tradition urban/skate/street categories (their intention from the outset anyway) and forged a tidy little niche. They should continue to develop in '08. And to top it off, co-owner Jonas' jewelry game alone is worth a shout out.

Crooks and Castles -- With fitteds and varsity jackets getting shine in a number of top tier videos in '07 (see "The Game Belongs to Me" and the "I'm So Hood (REMIX)" rapidly rising Crooks and Castles made some pretty big strides through the year. Opening their first Flagship store a few weeks ago, Crooks is set to become '08's "IT" brand. Plus, the story behind the whole thing is pretty damn cool.

Staple -- Chris Brown made Staple's varsity jacket famous in the "Kiss Kiss" video, but most importantly the company celebrated its 10 year anniversary. Like many others in the streetwear sector, staple moved towards more scholastic feel, playing not only with the varsity jacket, but cardigans as well. Their signature stamps on otherwise now run of the mill cuts and styles pushes their New York state of mind with a touch of universal class.

The Hundreds -- Chris Brown also wore The Hundreds. Wale sports the hats. This makes them hella cool or, perhaps, the opposite. Regardless, they maintain a great brand image, have a really awesome staff (well, just one guy on staff is awesome) and do pop culture reference without looking too cheesy. Their growth and improvement from season to season is staggering and this year promises to push them even further.

WORST BRAND AND TRENDS

Gino Green Global -- Apparently if your gear is emblazoned with G's (or 9's) you get dropped by your label.

Chain Wallets -- These have been wack since 1994.

Uggs -- Girls you are not supposed to be comfortable. You are supposed to look hot. We are supposed to want to sleep with you, not avoid you.

SNEAKERS

Best

Bobbito Garcia AF1 high. In both Red and Blue, cool bob love shows the world how to do kicks right.



Runner up: Old Love/New Love Jordan 1 package. If I can't stop wearing them they must be good.

Worst

New Balance 320. I have loved this shoe for years, but in 2007 it was made to look terrible.

Runner Up: Paris AF1 from the world pack. Laughable.

MUSIC

Best

Brother Ali's Undisputed Truth was so criminally underappreciated.

Chester P's From The Ashes. This won't get any publicity in the USA, and it's a damn shame. On the real, Chester is top 5 dead or alive.

Worst

Rhianna, please go away. The only thing big about you is your forehead.

T-Pain, you are a douche bag. Roger Troutman is turning in his grave.

As a final note, special thanks to Puma, Helly Hanson, HBS, Rob Heppler and Gritz for keeping me dipped last year.

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