The Effortless Ease | Lane Crawford HK

The effortless ease and carefree attitude of skate culture has always been a favoured reference point for designers, particularly those hailing from the movement’s home turf of California. While the subculture started swirling during the 50s in Southern California, it was during the Z-Boys and Dogtown golden years in the 70s that the subculture really began to cultivate in Venice, Los Angeles.

Today, the nostalgia-tinged, playful energy and humour of this scene runs through the veins of California’s new crew of contemporary brands. L.A. based menswear labels such as Hiro Clark, Daniel Patrick, Noon Goons and Second/Layer pair retro skate and surf swagger with clean, modern influences, peppered with a healthy nod to sportswear.

“The L.A. menswear style is classic and simple. It’s all about the uniform: the perfect t-shirt, lived-in jeans, and a sweet pair of kicks,” shares Andy Salzer, founder of Lane Crawford’s Creative Call Out finalist Hiro Clark, before adding “L.A.’s skate and surf culture plays a huge role in the fashion scene here. You’re always outside. You’ve got to dress for the way you live your life.”

What fuels Salzer’s happiness in the City of Angels? “Night drives down Pacific Coast Highway, catching secret shows downtown, crashing pool parties in the Hollywood Hills. If you’ve got a solid crew of friends out here, it’s almost impossible to get bored.”

It’s time to embrace that sun-bleached, California chill and pared-back attitude - skate and surf skills optional.

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The Effortless Ease Embrace a sunny disposition - skate and surf skills optional