This week Chicago went through a distinctive change, from the high heat of the desert to the oppressive humidity of the jungle. However unpleasant it might be outside, there are still plenty of new fly products to highlight. This week’s edition of Local Threads showcases products from across the city, with staples RSVP Gallery, Leaders 1354, St. Alfred, Sir & Madame, and Jugrnaut. We also included a newcomer to the column, a young brand called FreshWater Chicago.
RSVP Gallery
Chicago’s foremost retailer of high-end streetwear is one of the coolest spaces in the city. I stopped by the other day and to my surprise just happened to run into G.O.O.D. Music’s own Pusha T; no biggie. I also was able to catch a glimpse of the newest stock of Common Project sneakers. Sporting a “minimalist design and hand-stitched Italian leather,” it is hard to argue with RSVP’s statement that they are “the perfect sneaker.” The clean construction and muted design elements evoke a sense of elegance that is rarely seen in a sneaker, making these suitable for nearly any occasion. Though they sport a hefty price tag, there’s little doubt that they would disappoint you with this purchase.
RSVP Gallery also recently received the newest shipment of BBC t-shirts and is awaiting the arrival of the highly coveted Don C x Mitchell & Ness hats, which sport a snakeskin bill and tab in the back.
Leaders 1354
Leaders 1354 seems to always have the fitted game in a chokehold. They’ve continued to stunt on nearly everyone with the release of their big letter ‘LDRS‘ New Era in kelly green. What makes their hats so special….? It’s the little things. Like a light gray undervisor and GLOW IN THE DARK lettering. The hat dropped yesterday and is available in-store or online.
Yesterday also marked the release of Ends/Wealth Corp.‘s collaboration with GLC on the ‘Cathedral’ t-shirt, capping off a week long video campaign with an in-store release at the shop. No word on whether there are any tee’s left, but the shop is worth a visit anyways. Also in is the newest line of BBC shirts and a restock of Enstrumental.
St. Alfred
When ever you’re looking for some really nice Nikes, STA is a safe bet. Their newest arrival is the EA Sports Nike Trainer 1.3, which features a varsity Letterman styled upper, with EA Sports logo on the tongue and some contrasting yellow laces. They were created to coincide with the release of the latest installment of NCAA Football.
The store also received a restock of both Kicks/HI gear and Original Fake t-shirts. Kicks/HI happens to be a St. Alfreds affiliate based in Hawaii and the newest shirts are a celebration their 20th anniversary. Original Fake is street artist KAWS brand of clothing, known for its luxury construction and hefty price tag, but like the Common Ground sneakers it’s well worth it. Chicago brand The Joneses has some new product in-store as well. On another note, after speaking to the guys at the shop, I learned that there will be one final drop of summer gear from the stores personal brand, which never disappoints with its hometown inspired designs.
Jugrnaut
Tomorrow is the release date of Jugrnaut’s latest collaboration hat. Previously they have teamed with Raekwon for a limited edition snapback, but now they will be releasing one is accord with Starter. They come in 2 different designs, one with the signature ‘Power‘ logo and the other with Jugrnaut’s typographic logo and the phrase “Can’t Stop • Won’t Stop.” The black and red colorway is very fresh and comes with the classic green undervisor. It is really hard to beat and authentic Starter cap, their fit is impeccable, so this drop is not one to ignore. They will go on sale online tonight at midnight and tomorrow in-store and are VERY limited, with likely no more that 20 a piece.
Sir & Madame
In order to remain fresh in this broiling whether, Sir & Madame has offered up an alternative to their Rafterman shirts in a v-neck and a t shirt. Both feature a waxseal graphic depicting their S&M usual logo. This design is a fitting one for the store that is characterized by its simple designs, but betray that title due to their eye-catching nature. These can be purchased in-store or online.
FreshWater Chicago
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FreshWater Chicago is a rookie for Local Threads, but this dope visual preview of their Summer line and some pretty slick designs help them look more mature. The brand draws inspiration from Chicago’s culture, one that is directly connected to the beautiful lake we reside upon. Below is the brands statement, citing one of their goals as helping Chicago become its own distinctive hub of streetwear greatness. We’ll have to wait around and see what this brand offers up in the coming months, but so far they’re looking pretty damn fine. Props to Young Wonder for putting me on and giving us some dope BTS flicks of their lookbook (they’re also modeling the Jugrnaut x Starter caps above).
In a place where the two juggernauts in streetwear fashion are Los Angeles and New York; Freshwater strives to place the great city of Chicago on the map. Strategically located next to Lake Michigan, Chicago now offers a fresh alternative to the East and West coasts. Nautically inspired with a goal of living that good life, Freshwater Chicago cuts straight to the chase through creativity in simplicity.
From us to you, have fun, live life and keep it simple. Simplicity is key.