As Alpha celebrates the 60-year anniversary of the MA-1 bomber, office chatted with Didi Richards, Dao-Yi Chao, Joekenneth, and King Marie who starred in their ‘Icons’ campaign to find out what makes the jacket iconic to them.
Didi Richards
“The bomber jacket is iconic to me because it can be styled so many different ways! Casual, business, business-casual, it’s a very versatile piece. I’m also pretty biased to olive green – I love a good earth tone!”
Dao-Yi Chow
“The MA-1 has remained a staple in my wardrobe throughout my life. I identify so much with its functional aesthetic and the idea that it can mean so many things to so many different folks but still stay consistent and unwavering. It’s democratic yet very special, and very few brands and products can mean that to someone. That’s the definition of an icon to me.”
Joekenneth
“The nostalgia of seeing the jacket throughout my upbringing in Brooklyn, makes it a memorable piece of apparel, but it’s also the timeless design and versatility of the jacket that makes it iconic to me; the wearer can style it in so many different ways.
The opportunity to collaborate with a heritage brand that has had such an influence on style and culture for decades, is not lost on me. It’s an honor to be a part of that, and to lend my spoken word talent to the campaign made it all the more special.”
King Marie
“Being from Chicago, a blue collared city, work wear is a huge part of our culture. Alpha’s utilitarian design with military roots speaks to that for me; it’s like wearing a uniform you want to wear everyday. To be recognized for who you are is always an honor, but to be labeled iconic by an iconic brand hits different.”
UGG and TELFAR Roll up Their Sleeves
UGG®, the shoe company known for its iconic sheepskin boots, continues its partnership with the New York-based unisex line TELFAR, marked by a stellar visual campaign featuring celebrities wearing boots on their hands. In the campaign, Mickey Rourke, Lil’ Kim, Morris Chestnut, Teezo Touchdown, Yung Miami, and Rolling Ray can be seen with the new product line.
The campaign showcases a "Crinkle" line featuring a shopper bag available in three sizes, loafers, mini boots, and tall boots available in Black, White, and "Spicy Pumpkin." UGG describes the collaboration as "sensational and hilarious."
Gentle Monster Takes Us Back to School
The global fashion eyewear brand, Gentle Monster, is set to launch its '2024 Optical Collection' on November 2nd, 2023. Through a 'GENTLE HIGH SCHOOL' themed campaign and with pop-up spaces in Seoul and Beijing, Gentle Monster brings a futuristic edge to a range of eyepieces adorned with bold and sophisticated metal detailing.
The collection boasts various styles, including accentuated futuristic goggles, bold contemporary squares, and oversized aviators, with temples adorned with star-shaped symbols. The '2024 Optical Collection' campaign portrays Gentle Monster's unique interpretation of the high school experience and features actress Nana Komatsu and musician Shinichi Osawa.
The 2024 Optical Collection ranges from $269 to $400.
Noon Goons Paints on a Fred Perry Canvas
On October 26th, Fred Perry and the California brand Noon Goons released a new line for their first-time collaboration. Noon Goons brings bold graphics to the classic Fred Perry shirt in two short-sleeved and two long-sleeved designs featuring leopard print trims, bold lettering, and a flame-encased skull design. Founded in 2016 by Kurt Narmore, Noon Goons quickly gained acclaim from the likes of SSENSE and Dover Street Market, thanks to its blend of Southern Californian subculture and the influence of L.A.'s surf scene.
"It's an honor to collaborate with Fred Perry, known for its iconic polo shirts and its role in the history of youth culture. Our three polos draw inspiration from the shared roots of Hollywood and London in punk rock music," says founder of Noon Goons Kurt Narmore."
GANNI x Barbour Brings a Sequel
GANNI x Barbour is making a return with their second collaboration, GANNI x Barbour 2.0. Nine pieces hit the shelves of select stores at the launch on November 3rd. The collection is crafted from organic waxed cotton and recycled polyamide. It blends GANNI's signature design flair with Barbour's iconic earthy tones, featuring oversized collars and removable hoods. To ensure longevity, Barbour's Wax For Life program ensures that these pieces remain fresh, with repair and re-waxing services intended to make each jacket last.
The GANNI x Barbour collection ranges from $130 to $645.
BAPE dunks with Russell Athletic
BAPE® and Russell Athletic have once again joined forces, this time drawing inspiration from the world of basketball culture.Their latest BAPE® x Russell Athletic collection showcases Russell Athletic's signature blue, red, and grey colors, infused with BAPE®'s iconic CAMO pattern. The collaboration features a lineup of 18 clothing pieces, including caps, hoodies, track jackets, and classic tees.
The collaboration also introduces the BAPE® CLUTCH STA, a pair of high-top sneakers that seamlessly blend the Russell Athletic logo with tonal BAPE® ABC CAMO.
BAPE®, a perennial symbol of Japanese street fashion, merging with Russell Athletic, a brand recognized for its unwavering commitment to sports spirit and quality, is poised to deliver an exciting drop for basketball enthusiasts worldwide.
The fusion of BAPE®, an enduring icon in Japanese street fashion, and Russell Athletic, renowned for its unwavering commitment to the spirit of sports, promises to result in a captivating collaboration that will appeal to basketball enthusiasts globally.
The BAPE® x Russell Athletic collection launches worldwide on October 28th, 2023.
I met with Char over zoom but our conversation weaved so seamlessly between books we’ve read and Youtubers we love that I felt like she was sitting right across from me at a local café. Sure, she’s an “It girl” with countless NYFW invitations and an A-list social circle. But I can personally attest that her charm, wit, and most remarkably — her genuity — set her apart from the rest.
How’d NYFW treat you?
It was so fun. I normally skip it but this year for some reason I decided to go. Honestly, the best part of fashion week is getting to see my best friends who live in New York.
If you had to describe NYC in one word, what would it be?
Independent.
What was your favorite show?
Oh. STAUD. It was the only show that I was grinning from ear to ear the entire time. It was very much my style. It was just so ‘90’s… and I loved how the models walked in threes. It was literally perfect. The ultimate show.
Love STAUD! Is there a current trend you hate?
That’s a good question! I remember I did an episode once and I said I never did cowboy boots. It was probably the one big trend I didn’t do. For me, if it’s overdone then I can’t do it. Or if a certain person I know started a trend then I also don’t want to do it. It’s their thing and I don’t want to take it. I guess it’s more subconscious than it is really a thought.
That makes sense. Is there a current trend you love?
I love micro mini skirts. Come to think of it, I love micro anything. I think it’s so cute. I also like stripes a lot but they’ll probably take a while to come back.
Totally agree. Is there another trend you’re waiting to have a comeback?
I think skinny jeans will come back soon. Kind of like Jenny Humphrey style.
That’s actually such a good reference.
I mean, yeah! Nobody on Gossip Girl ever wore mom jeans or boyfriend jeans. I still love oversized pants. All my pants are oversized… but I know that eventually it won’t be like that. I still keep all my pants that are skinny fitting even though I never wear them. I just know that I’ll want them again in a couple years.
Congrats on the third season of your podcast “Between Good and Evil"! What can your fans expect more of in this chapter?
Honestly, things have changed after the actor strike. I had a lot of actors booked before this but they can’t do press right now. But it’s kind of a happy consequence because now I’ve pivoted to more authors and experts because nobody can really do anything. I can still have musicians and youtubers on. There’s so many interesting guests with backgrounds in psychology and other topics I’m interested in, so the third season will definitely be an interesting mix.
What’s something we should talk about?
Well, lately I’ve been on a TikTok cleanse. It’s been almost a month. It’s been nice because it’s so addictive even though it's something that actually changed my life. Usually, if I post on it, I’ll go off it right after. Scrolling is really the problem and I haven’t done it in a while.
What does a typical day in your life look like?
Oh God. I don’t think any model has a typical day. It’s always different but usually I wake up, check my phone, and try to see someone during the day. I also work on the podcast, like thinking about who I want to bring on, in between work or class. I also watch a lot of Youtube during my free time.
What do you like to watch?
I love psychology or anything psychology related. My whole recommended list is just like a lot of politics and psychology. I’m not huge into politics but for some reason I can’t help but notice it’s all I watch. I just love listening to both sides because I’m usually surrounded by radical people so I find it interesting.
What’s on your Youtube recommended, if you mind sharing?
Let’s see. Olivia Rodrigo on The Today Show because I love her. I have to shout her out because her new album is all I’ve been listening to this past week. Theo Von. I like him a lot, I think he’s really funny. Andrew Huberman. First We Feast. And then there’s a lot of things about stoicism that I’ve recently gotten into.
What’s something you can’t leave the house without?
Headphones. I don’t care what brand they are, they just have to be the squishy earbuds. Not wireless or Bluetooth. Fuck no. Just wire.
How would you describe your style?
Honestly, the best way to describe my style is whatever looks good in the mirror. I can’t even say it’s like nineties or early two thousands. Like, sure — there’s a taste of eighties or even fifties but it’s kind of just whatever I think looks nice. And I don’t discriminate. I pretty much like every single style honestly, like I really do. And I think I’ll be like that till the day I die.
