Kris Van Assche for Fashion Mortals

by: Jennifer Eve Eisner

It’s always exciting when a talented, coveted designer undertakes a collaboration with a brand recognizable (and purchasable) by mere fashion mortals. So get ready to multiply that excitement, because famed designer, and artistic director for Dior Homme, Kris Van Assche, has collaborated with two, yes two, time-honored American brands.

The classic modernism and elegant tailoring inherent in all KRISVANASSCHE collections has breathed life into timeless, all-American Lee denim. Reinterpreting the classic denim jacket, five pocket jean, denim shirt, and simple chino trouser, Van Assche juxtaposes the common workwear cotton twill with a rich logo tag and gun metallic detailing.

In addition to this wearable, modern masculine denim collection, Van Assche has collaborated, for the third consecutive season, with EASTPAK. Based around an exaggerated idea of industrial detailing, Van Asshe has played with functionality as well as fashion. A mat coated hard shell, various industrial materials, and prints of screws and nails elevate EASTPAK from basic backpack to fashion-forward necessary accessory. Messengers, shoppers, and suitcases are also available in dark brown, black, a basic blue.

And as both collaborations hit stores in July, that leaves just a few weeks of fashion frenzied anticipation.