1. Gant
Gant has come a long way since they started their quest to create that perfect Oxford shirt. After a major relaunch of their website, the company is now a force to be reckoned with and is more accessible to consumers with the introduction of e-commerce. With their range Gant Rugger, and separate collection designed by Michael Bastian, it make us want more signature chambrays, more madras, more blazers, hell, we just want more Gant.
2. Mark McNairy
Mark McNairy is just the thing the fashion world needed, a dose of reality. You may not be the guy who can wear blue-suede wingtips, a ring that reads an expletive, or plaid madras cargo pants, but he's not doing it for fame, and unapologetically so. He's making well-crafted clothes for an effortlessly cool guy—these are the makings of becoming a household name.
3. J. Crew
You can love or hate the fact everyone is wearing the same J. Crew chambray shirt as you, but that says a lot about the powerhouse brand's presence this year. With footwear collaborations with New Balance, Converse, Nike, to designers like Billy Reid, and let’s not forget the opening of their specialty shop the 'Liquor Store,' we are sure J. Crew still has some tricks up their sleeve to crush the rest of the year.
4. Levi’s
Let’s face it, Levi’s is synonymous with denim jeans and the brand showcases another banger in its spring collection. Levi's stays, killing it each season with both the timeless denim and the endless collaborations with Stüssy and Opening Ceremony. And for advanced level denim heads, Levi's Vintage Clothing and Levi's Made & Crafted have got something for you to be excited about for the fall. Also, be on the lookout for the cycling specific Commuter Collection due this summer.
5. Givenchy
Ever since designer Riccardo Tisci took the reins at the house of Givenchy, the fashion world and public alike have been trying to get ahold of his clothing, or find a way to adapt his runway looks. Each season, he presents a new way to wear a classic piece, or completely trick a bomber jacket out. Spring/Summer 2011's leopard print collection was hard to beat, but he outdid himself for Fall/Winter 2011 with his rabid Rottweiler prints. Riccardo and Givenchy are definitely worth watching for the rest of 2011.
6. Supreme
Supreme is pretty much known for its exclusivity and long lines on release days, so it stays on its A-game. This season, Supreme released its collection with a grip of paisley, floral prints and even leopard. They also scored huge points by partnering up with none other than hip hop legend Prodigy from Mobb Deep. You might be tired of seeing the box logo on everyone you pass in SoHo, but we'd like to think of it as a unifier; a Supreme army standup. And get used to it, because this brand isn't going anywhere.
7. Norse Projects Europe is making big moves this year. Norse is a Danish brand that has wicked street style cred from coast to coast. We have to respect the simplicity of the clothes, concentrating on functional basics made of quality materials. And with a great fit such as soft suede brogues with Trickers, simple raglan sweatshirts, and five-panel hats, the designers are often influenced by the Scandinavian weather and surroundings with subtle streetwear twists. Also, Mikkel Groennebaek, one of the founders, and his crew roll deep with KAWS.
8. Saturdays Surf, NYC
Besides designing dope surf graphic tees, Saturdays NYC brings the West Coast spirit to the dirt-lined streets of New York. Located in SoHo, the shop also sells La Colombe coffee, books, artwork, and surfboards. Make sure you check out the outdoor deck in the back of the shop, it's a great escape from the city. Saturday’s mantra of “surfing, living and working in New York City” definitely lives in its Spring Collection—a clean and complete apparel line of shorts, tanks, chinos and shirts with a casual surfer vibe.
9. Mitchell & Ness
When it comes to throwbacks, Mitchell & Ness has definitely got you covered. The sports apparel company crafted tennis racquets, golf clubs among other equipment since 1904. It was love at first sight when the Standard and Scripts were released. Today snapbacks are the official summer staple. Recently Don. C, the G.O.O.D. music manager, custom created a Chicago Bulls hat for Kanye West. And Wale has made a mean push for the return of throwback jerseys. M&N is already on your radar, and they should stay there, they've got some major projects in store for the coming months.
10. Herschel Supply Co.
Mixing up contemporary and vintage styles, Herschel Supply Co. makes ill bags and backpacks, but you can't expect any less from this young Swedish brand. Everything is made with function, durability, and style in mind, and all of this at reasonable prices. This year they have already done smart collaborations with Need Supply and Stüssy, focusing brass and canvas materials. It’s nice to see a brand doing it well for the post-recession market.