Quiet Luxury for Tasteful Soldiers
"I'm so materialistic, so well-connected, just ask about me, so well-respected"
The recommendations this week all feature subtle elegance. We’ve got bangers from Quasi, The North Face, and Snow Peak. Our kind of Quiet Luxury :)
TACTICAL UPDATES
UPPER UNIFORM
Phlux Striped Tee by Quasi
The t-shirt is the staple of any Brand. Most brands treat the t-shirt as a billboard and slap a graphic on the front of a cheap blank. Quasi respects the t-shirt as more than just a canvas. This tee is as considered as every other piece of their apparel program, with the type of material selection and detailing one would expect from a Fashion House instead of a Skateboard Company. The Phlux tee is done up in a tasteful cotton/spandex striped material that gives the garm some flex but doesn’t veer into Gymfluencer Mesh. The black contrast color and side hem label give it Subtle Swag™. Quasi also does banging graphic tees on good blanks for those that want them, but we’re thankful for their exploration of the humble t-shirt as much more than that. Quasi deservedly gets their due for consistently putting out great videos and sponsoring The Most Stylish Team In Skateboarding and it’s time their apparel gets the same love.
LOWER UNIFORM
TNF pants by The North Face
Palace makes the best track pants. These are sick as hell, though. The North Face’s Easy Wind Pants are everything a track pant should be: relaxed fit, elastic cuffs, solid colors, and subtle detailing. TNF enhanced the perfect look with their patented Field-Ready Features like wind resistant fabric and water repellent coating. We spotted them In The Field being put through their paces at Adjacent PDX and they’re definitely ready for any maneuvers the city or trail might bring. Unfortunately, they’ve been discontinued by The North Face and are getting more scarce over time. It is a bizarre choice to stop making Cool Pants but keep making Bad Pants. It’s even more bizarre that the Bad Pants are just like all the other bad pants. It’s sad to see some of our most important legacy brands fall victim to chasing the trends and pleasing the Sauceless. The good news is that they originally retailed for $90 (a steal) but are marked down around the internet around $60-70 (a bigger steal). Cop while you can!
EQUIPMENT
Nylon Waist Bag by Snow Peak
We recently rolled through Snow Peak’s Portland Outpost . They’re known for beautifully crafted outdoor equipment and apparel, but the retail experience is just as exceptional. The storefront showcases Snow Peak’s full offering in an earthy PNW setting with a top tier Japanese restaurant in the back. We were there on a General Reconnaissance Mission but were really scouting for a new bag and this waist pack practically jumped off the display. It’s the right size for daily use and packed with utility. It can be worn as a fanny pack or a crossbody bag with a buckle for quick switching and uses X-Pac fabric that’s waterproof and UV resistant to keep your Shit safe. The elastic front pouch is what makes this bag truly special. Accessibility is often sacrificed for security but Snow Peak found a clever way to have both. It’s open at the top corner for quick access to whatever you need but still keeps your valuables secure. We usually keep our phone or camera in there for urgent garm research or fit pics. It’s big enough to store a bunch of Shit but don’t overdo it. Stop in to Snow Peak for a new bag or a bowl of ramen next time you’re in Portland!
FIELD NOTES
SOLDIER OF THE WEEK
Alex Fazekas-Boone of Adjacency Bias
This past weekend was Adjacent PDX, a skateboarding event in Portland featuring panel discussions about Industry Issues, art shows, street missions, and all around great vibes. But most importantly, well-dressed skaters displaced ANTIFA in the streets of Portland for at least one weekend. The event was masterminded by Alex Fazekas-Boone, bossman of Adjacency Bias, and brought together skaters from all over the country at a time when The War Effort desperately needs strong organization. The world is quickly collapsing around us all, and skateboarding is probably collapsing faster than most other Industries. Moments like this are important reminders of how strong our community is but also how it’s always teetering on the brink of extinction. We influence their style. We make the Pants they love. Our shoes have always been favored by the sauceless masses. Multinational Corporations have pillaged our culture and Fashion Houses have plundered our jawns. Skateboarding union? Work stoppage? General strike? It’s time to circle the wagons and take care of Us.
LOSER OF THE WEEK
Nobody! The vibes are good and we’re gonna keep it that way this week.
You’re now up to speed on the latest from the battlefield. Use this intel wisely and pass it on to others who may need our guidance. We can’t win the war unless we’re in it together.