In this month’s K! style column we’re taking a look at some unique collabs, fast-rising new brands and the return of a skate classic…
Hey Kerrang! fans, it’s me Kitty and I’m back once again with my monthly style column, bringing you the hottest trends and newest drops from the world of alternative.
And good news, everyone – it's finally time to shake off your winter layers and get the jorts out! There's a hint of sun and festival season is on the horizon, so take this opportunity to get involved in secret (but not for long) streetwear collections, the perfect gig bag, and even an 85-year-old cartoon…
Do you remember Astroid Boys? The hardcore/grime crossover crew from the mid-2010s? Well vocalist Phil (aka Traxx) has launched a new fashion project. As someone who misses the days of Ghostfest and Supreme x Air Max combos, this has really piqued my interest.
Phil started The Most High Project as a way to keep his mind active while undergoing treatment for health conditions that unfortunately mean he is often stuck at home. With a focus on limited runs and high quality, this little project could be your new obsession. Us streetwear kids pride ourselves on the IYKYK factor, getting our hands on something only a select group of people are aware of. So I suggest jumping on this brand early.
With screen-printed and embroidered tees, caps, hoodies and zip tops as the core of the project, Phil likes to play with simple, bold and well-known logos, recreating them in his own way – the most recognisable of which being the New York Yankees logo becoming ‘MH’ in a way that your mind can only just about grasp. It’s a really fun play on something we are all wearing to death at the moment.
The latest drop sees an embroidered, boxy zip hoodie featuring a new logo with fun, playful bubble-like text simply saying ‘MOST’ across the chest and zip. Subtlety was never Phil's thing as a frontman – maybe he’s maturing as gets older!
We all love animation, right? And the one cartoon that we grew up with is Tom & Jerry. It's an absolute classic that is 85 years old this year, and to celebrate they've teamed up with streetwear favourite BAPE to create a collection that’s perfect for a skate park or your next show.
The capsule would fit right in with any alt. kids’ wardrobe thanks to the scene-favourite camo print. In fact, there are two camo colourways – black and white ringer tees and black, grey and orange short-sleeve sweatshirts. There’s even a full zip-through hoodie with Tom's face on the hood, and a plushie doll set.
The collection is so perfect for an outfit photodump flex! I can see it now; zipped right over someone's face with Tom’s cheeky grin, paired with some baggy AF jeans, chains and chunky Vans. It reminds me of the Myspace era, when not only were we all listening to BMTH non-stop, but also Lil Wayne, who was always dressed head-to-toe in BAPE. The crossover in genres and subcultures was so obvious at the time that even Drop Dead designed their own full zip hoodie with an all-over print – which they have actually just re-released.
The items come in adult and kids' sizes too – so you can match. So cute!
Hastings punks Kid Kapichi have teamed up with Gibson for a limited-edition collaboration with Merc clothing. If you don’t know about Merc, ask your parents. It’s the OG mod brand born in the 1960s on a thriving Carnaby Street. Oh, to be a fly on the wall back then! Just being amongst the music and up-and-coming fashion designers, all working together.
Collaborating with renowned guitar brand Gibson, this unique pairing has resulted in a pretty sleek capsule collection, including a classic Harrington jacket, tees, hoodies and a polo shirt. The designs have a mod-meets-punk clashing aesthetic with clean, simple designs mixed with classic mod-style elements like a contrast rib collar and cuffs, embroidered detailing and plaid linings. The prints also include an original Gibson Les Paul guitar graphic on a hoodie and T-shirt.
In the late ’90s and early 2000s, Linkin Park and Korn were blowing up and everyone was playing Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater. Baggy jeans were gathering every inch of rain they could find with each step you took, leaving a nice wet trail up your legs, and chunky Globe trainers were hiding underneath. If your jeans were huge and you wore them enough, they started to break away at the bottom, leaving more room to show off your trainers. It's a pain I never wish to relive, but a vibe I will never forget…
If you didn’t want to play as Tony Hawk himself, one of the other most popular characters was Rodney Mullen, a Globe skater. Considered the godfather of street skating, Rodney (of course) had his own shoe model with Globe. The RMS-3 were extremely chunky, the kind of shoes you saw on bands like Papa Roach wearing with baggy jorts, spiky hair and countless chains. And now, they are back!
Even though some millennials are hating the ongoing Y2K revival, Gen Z are living for it! And speaking as an elder emo, I am so here to soak it up to the max.
The RMS-3000 is a new take on the classic but with an incredible upgrade as it now features a Vibram Kakkoii sole, which offers amazing grip and durability. Vibram have earned themselves a huge reputation in footwear over the last few years for being one of the best quality soles on the market, which makes complete and utter sense for a skate brand!
Another month, another brand’s birthday… Chrome Industries is turning 30!
I first spotted Chrome at hardcore shows and festivals like Outbreak some years ago. The large, seatbelt-like clasps that they use on their bags really stood out, and their practical-but-aesthetic designs make so much sense for festivals. And to celebrate hitting the big 3-0, Chrome is releasing a limited-edition, platinum finish Chromium collection.
Inspired by the metallic shine on the buckle that features across their heritage range, this fun capsule features metallic coated 400D crinkle nylon material with brushed aluminium finishes – I don’t think you could get more chrome if you tried.
It's available in the heavy-duty Tensile collection and the lightweight District collection, these bags are definitely worth a look for everyday use but also for gigs and festival season.
