An exclusive preview of Hood By Air’s SS14 collection by Samuel Bayliss-Ibram and Mollie Mills.

Hood By Air has given voice to the New York City youth spirit . Designer Shayne Oliver usually serves up street basics, but this go around, the collection consisted of crafted garments with mere street infusion.

Oliver hosted an exclusive on-schedule launch presentation at Selfridges to display the new collection in the stores car park.

The collaboration between the Designer and the acclaimed Department Store acts a celebration of Hood By Air’s launch as part of an all-new Contemporary Mens concept which sees the introduction of twenty new brands to the store’s offer in an aesthetic where casual, street and skate looks collide

The models (with dirt caked faces) quite literally were a representation of the grueling New York City streets. Looks varied from oxfords, blouses, jackets and shorts with the “HBA” logo printed across in bold laminate, to more crafted trousers and jumpers with zipper details streamlined throughout. Our favourite look was a double-layered ivory jacket that was straightjacket chic.

The collection started out with less than great tuxedo style looks but progressed into more conceptualized pairings of stylized pieces that showed the thought put into the collection. The final look was an abominable snowman-like sweatshirt and skirt combo that propelled the notion that New York style will always be unpredictable. Best of all, the collection showed fashion infused to street, rather than street infused to fashion—Oliver stayed true to his “hood” visions.

Amin wears all clothing by Hood By Air Spring/Summer 13

Photography by Sam Bayliss – Ibram

Styling by Jayson Hindley
    
Video and Stills by Mollie Mills

Grooming by Bea Sweet