CLOTHES MAKE THE MAN

It’s official: Indie Sleaze is back. If you’ve been feeling like edge, grit, and carefree coolness has been missing in your wardrobe lately, this style is for you.

This unpolished aesthetic-born from the late 2000s music scene-is all about returning to the rebellious style of the pre-filtered internet era. Think of it as the forerunner of the “Brat Summer” aesthetic we saw earlier this year.

Nick Drewe, the trend expert at Wethrift, commented on the resurgence of this look and how you can incorporate a little Indie Sleaze into your life this autumn.

What is Indie Sleaze? 

“At its core, Indie Sleaze is about rejecting the polished, filtered world we live in today.

“It’s a style that taps into a nostalgia for the simpler days of grainy photos, Myspace, and fashion that was thrown together rather than planned for weeks.

“The beauty of this style is that you don’t even need to buy anything new to achieve this look. Since Indie Sleaze places a strong emphasis on sustainability, we actually encourage thrifting, mismatching layers, and pulling pieces from the back of your wardrobe.

“This trend is all about expressing your individuality and letting your personality shine through.

“It’s a stark contrast from the polished looks that dominate social media today, and a trend I predict will eventually overtake the classic ‘influencer’ aesthetic.”

Indie Sleaze is rooted in the early 2000s music scene, drawing inspiration from the underground fashion and nightlife that were prominent at the time.

“The style was a staple amongst fans of the likes of The Strokes, Crystal Castles, and The Cure. It was derived from the indie and punk movements of the time that celebrated nonconformity.

This era of fashion was in direct opposition to the overly polished looks of mainstream Y2K pop icons like Britney Spears, Christina Aguilera, and Beyoncé.

“In the late 2000s, the Indie Sleaze crowd was the cool, anti-pop culture alternative. People who embraced this look weren’t interested in designer labels. Instead, they gravitated towards vintage finds and style choices that defied the fashion norms of that era.

In a world of fast fashion trends, Red Wing Heritage has always celebrated the opposite. Established in 1905, Red Wing is a renowned American footwear brand celebrated for its iconic footwear and leather goods. The brand’s legacy is rooted in a dedication to quality American craftsmanship, traditional construction and timeless design. Through a unique combination of advanced technology and handmade craftsmanship, all Red Wing Heritage boots feature premium materials and over a century of archival inspiration stitched into each pair.

In their latest initiative they are encouraging their customers to keep their boots for years – even decades – by offering tiny wills to be stitched into boot tongues designating who will be next to write their own Red Wing story.

As part of the campaign, a tiny will with “Worn By” and “Left To” fields can be stitched into customers’ boot tongues, designating who will be next to write their own Red Wing story. Born from the same mission as the brand’s Out of Fashion campaign that launched in 2021, Will Your Wings champions a commitment to high-quality, handcrafted product that’s built to last and gets even better with age. As part of that commitment, Red Wing’s repair shop in Minnesota refreshes, re-soles and reconditions upwards of 40,000 boots each year, ultimately diverting 54 tons from landfills.

“This effort is inspired by the countless letters we’ve received over the years from beloved customers sharing stories of their Red Wings being passed down over decades,” says Aaron Seymour-Anderson, head of brand and creative at Red Wing Shoe Company. “That’s what Will Your Wings is about — timeless style, giving great products the fullest and longest life cycle possible, and celebrating the personal stories created with each pair of Red Wing boots.”

Their latest booting triumph is a  collaboration born between the Design team and Sales team in Norway, to create a heavy-duty, winter boot. Red Wing Heritage’s durable Roughneck model was updated to create a style with better performance in snowy, icy winters, originally intended for the winter in Norway.

Norway Moc Toe 8209 features the Vibram TC4+ outsole with superior ice traction; water-resistant Oro-Russet leather, a water-resistant Norwegian storm welt and an an internal Poron/Texon insole for immediate off-the-shelf conforms (no long break-in period for winter) to create a style that is ideal for wet, snowy, icy conditions in Norway and in the colder regions of the world where during a large part of the winter the land is covered with snow and ice…

With a +24% increase in searches for foil shavers in recent weeks, with over 8,000 people in the UK alone searching for them every week. Whilst there are many on the market to buy (Remington F6 Series Foil Shaver Aqua – a Jacamo best seller), people are also searching for how they can style their beards to curate the perfect well-kept beard without making it look like you’ve made too much effort.

With the rise in popularity of well-groomed, casual beard styles, it’s essential to know how to achieve that perfect look. This year, more men are embracing a balanced approach—combining a relaxed beard style with a sharp, clean shave for a look that’s both effortless and sophisticated. This is why the men’s fashion experts at Jacamo have put together their guide on how to have your best shave yet using the benefits of a foil shaver:

Sarah Beatham, Buyer at N Brown, says “As the fresh faced summer close shave is trending, foil shavers have seen a 24% increase in searches this past month. At JACAMO, we understand the importance of a precise and comfortable grooming experience. The foil shaver, a staple in men’s grooming kits, offers numerous benefits that make it a preferred choice for many. These are our top tips for maximising the effectiveness of your foil shaver:

1. Close and Comfortable Shave:

3. Speed and Efficiency:

1. Pre-Shave Preparation:

3. Regular Maintenance and Cleaning:

If you’re taking part in Second Hand September, you might be tempted to a new outfit. With this in mind, academics, Kayleigh Parkes, and Lucinda Holbrook-Hase, have these top tips for shopping sustainably without breaking the bank.

1) Invest in high quality, timeless staples

Focus on building a wardrobe with versatile, high-quality basics that can be styled in multiple ways. Even in charity shops and vintage sales, these may have a slightly higher upfront cost, but their durability means you’ll save money in the long run by avoiding constant replacements or ‘fad’ garments. Think classic items like a well-made pair of jeans, a versatile jacket, or a neutral sweater. Before buying, always check for stains, holes and loose stitches.

2) DIY and Upcycle

Learn some basic (or advanced!) fashion skills to breathe new life into old clothes. Upcycling or repurposing garments you already own can create one-of-a-kind pieces that you’ll want to hang on to. Simply DIY projects like dyeing, patchwork or altering clothes can transform something outdated into a fashion statement, all while keeping your budget in check and reducing waste.

3) Find new ways to shop

Apps like Vinted and Depop have grown in popularity, especially as the cost of living rose and people moved away from fast fashion. But don’t forget that your local charity shop can also have some hidden gems, without the delivery fee! Vintage clothes events and kilo sales can be cost effective but make sure to check items and their branding, so you know you’re getting a good deal. Or if you fancy something for free, why not organise a clothes swap with friends to refresh your look while decluttering your wardrobe!

4) Discover what you love to wear

With fast fashion and social media, clothing trends can last for months or even just weeks. Shopping to suit your personal tastes rather than a fad immediately prolongs the life of a garment, and you’ll be less likely to get rid of it in the short-term. The better you know your style, the easier it can be to find second hand clothes, especially online.

5) Be unique!

Experiment and try new things while second hand shopping. It’s a great way to discover a look that suits you. Try out pieces you would never think of, or even use different sizes, such as turning a large men’s shirt into a dress. Clothes can be an easy and affordable way to express yourself creatively, while learning how to repair, tailor and embellish.

Priestleys, nestled in the heart of Lincolnshire, was established in 2021 by husband and wife team Karen and James. The back story to the development of their brand, is film plot worthy. The story began with James’s time as a submariner for the Royal Navy Submarine Service. During his long patrols, he would be away for months, leaving behind handwritten letters for each week he was gone. Each note held a clue to the next, accompanied by a small gift or luxury. This heartfelt tradition inspired them to create little luxuries for others, crafting cherished memories that endure.

Their daughters, Eleanor and Evelyn, became the brand’s muses. They inspired them to design with circularity to create timeless, heirloom pieces that could be treasured for a lifetime and beyond, told you it was good !

Inspired by Karen’s passion for handbags and accessories, and her background in Fashion and Textiles, their luxury leather goods are meticulously crafted in their workshop. With a range of signature patterns designed exclusively for the brand, each leather accessory is designed with circular design principles, using traditional artisanal leather techniques. This dedication ensures that every item stands the test of time, embodying the values of impeccable craftsmanship and enduring quality.

Each piece is handcrafted using responsibly sourced leathers from gold and silver-rated tanneries in Europe. They select the finest full-grain leathers, known for their quality, eco-friendly production methods, and exceptional durability. Their commitment to circular design is evident in every one of our handcrafted leather accessories, ensuring longevity, repairability, and uncompromised luxury are seamlessly integrated into our designs. Everything is handmade and can be personalised, making it perfect for gifting. The brand also has also been awarded a full military license from the Ministry of Defence, and currently offers products carrying the ‘Dolphin’ emblem of the Royal Navy Submarine Service.