As the end of 2015 approaches and with next year’s Spring/Summer collections announced, Britain’s best street wear clothing brands think ahead of the game to put together the most stylish garments for the streets. After another successful year for UK street wear brands and with the globe fashion month soon gone from the UK’s next generation of designers who performed at London Collections: Men, it is only left for our eyes to reflect on the street wear brands we anticipate to cement a name for themselves in the forthcoming year. We have narrowed down five UK street wear brands you should look out for in 2016
Words: Jadie White – @jadiewhite_ & @Mr_TrappedMag
Cottweiler
Owned by Ben Cottrell and Matthew Dainty, Cottweiler are concept led designers who forward think by responding instinctively to their social environment to form relevant, up to date pieces. Their preview to SS16 collection presented an innovative take on athletic gear that references new age cults as inspiration. Taking in mind that London is a city that lives in sportswear, Cottweiler’s label has responded to this and combines contemporary sportswear with a twist of high-end fashion to produce a base for next year’s streetwear fashion.
Cottweiler’s interpretation of sportswear has won much approval from the likes of Skepta and FKA Twigs. The brand’s signature tracksuit, which can be seen worn by Skepta in the recent The Fader cover page, is bonded by shorts, three quarter length track pants and mesh panelled caps. Their edgy interpretation on sportswear is sure to cement them as a label to watch for next year.
Places + Faces,
The creative Photographer collective from London have evolved from Social media recognition into a brand of global recognition that have exhibited their impressive portrait portfolio during a recent party at the Ace Hotel in Shoreditch. Founders Ciesay and Soulz have created their own clothing label. Starting off as just hoodies that the squad could wear on their travels tand evolving into a selection of highly coveted pieces that have added to their popularity on social media. Their collection includes tees, hoodies, tote bags and iconic ‘Plus’ hats which incorporate a retro edge with sportswear fashion catering to both comfort and street style.
P+F have travelled around the world capturing dope shots of famous faces from the likes of Kanye West, Travis Scott and A$AP Rocky, to fashion influencers and designers, in impressive places such as New York, Tokyo and behind the scenes of Music videos and photoshoots. As well as creating their own clothing and merchandise the collective have an online series that documents their journeys. Creating a movement gives a clothing brand credibility and pushes them into the realms of desire instead of having to rely on clever marketing to create demand, this is something that will ensure we see plenty of Places + Faces in 2016.
The Basement (Basement Approved )
Founded by Peter Mitchell, Basement Approved first started as a Facebook group that was described as an offshoot of Supreme talk UK, however as the demand for coveted streetwear items such as Supreme, Palace and more has grown, so has the Facebook page, into a fully fledged streetwear loving community. Starting online, The Basement has evolved, hosting a week long Pop up Store in Soho earlier this year as well as two Crepe City collaboration Pop Ups. The combined 20,000 + followers on Facebook and offline love has lead to The Basement producing its own Merchandise including box logo tees and logo dominated hoodies and tote bags. The merchandise has become sought after, with each drop quickly selling out creating a demand for the next. 2016 could see the merchandise evolve into a fully fledged clothing brand, or spur on even more pop ups, keep your eyes on The Basement next year.
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Other UK
Streetwear cannot be defined and thats what we like over here at Trapped, looking through this list you will see that we have mixed it up in our selection giving you a bit of hype, merch, sportswear high end fusion, well now we bring you in on a contemporary brand that stay on trend relevant and produce some really dope pieces. Other UK draw inspiration for their collections from Music, Movies, Fashion, Art, Life, they produce collections that reflect the current trend but own their personality, their pieced can be worn together in endless outfit combinations and they have extensive an product ranges including Bombers, denim, hoodies and outerwear that can be worn all year round. for the streetwear fan that is constantly switching up their look Other will definitely have a staple or standout piece that can be incorporated into a 2016 wardrobe.
Benjart Clothing
Over seven years deep in the Streetwear game, Benjart have been setting trends with a street luxe tracksuit range coveted by footballers, and Fashion influencers, as the perfect apparel to chill out in during their downtime, as well as making a huge presence on the streets, music festivals and social networks. During 2015 the brand has gained huge recognition by being worn by UK Rappers Krept and Konan, American RnB artist Jeremih and many other UK cultural influencers. For 2016 the brand has focused on UK manufacturing and is introducing a new sales space in West London. The brands range has extended from Tracksuits tees and snapbacks to include outerwear pieces such as their signature weatherman 2.0 Jackets and fur lined Bombers moving them closer and closer to a full range brand with household potential. With cameos in Music videos dope lookbook and product shots all over the web you wont have to look to hard to spot a Benjart piece in 2016.
