After a spring collection that pulled heavily from traditional Japanese workwear and anime, cult streetwear label Stüssy is returning with a Summer 2018 collection that goes in a completely different direction—namely 70s psychedelia and re-worked military garb.
The unusual pairing reflects the brand’s attempt at highlighting a historic turning point in American history, where war and overall societal and political discontent gave way to an anti-establishment revolution full of creativity and innovation, not to mention the free flowing of ideas and speech that fueled the counterculture movement of the 60s and 70s.
So how does all that come to life in Stüssy’s latest collection? Well, for starters, there are plenty of bold prints and new dying techniques that reflect much of the innovative wares donned during the time period, including the obvious use of tie-dye that can be seen in pieces like a pink tie-dye washed denim jacket and pink/white and blue/white tie-dye swim trunks.
The collection also makes use of complex patterns coupled with intricate stitching, like a leopard-printed linen field jacket and matching leopard short-sleeved button down along with various checkered pieces, including a black and white “psychedelic checker” shirt and a black zip polo with pink stripes and black/white check running the length of the zipper.
While certainly a bit of a departure for the label, the collection still manages to feel like the Stüssy fans know and love, albeit with some more diversified, if not eye-catching, pieces to help lend a more personalized look and feel.
The first half of the collection is available now online and at Stüssy shops, while the remaining half is set to debut on various dates throughout the coming weeks.
