Chicago

9.22.08

Wrath Arcane

At p+L Boutique: 2956 N Clark St, between W Oakdale & W Wellington; Lakeview; 773.248.3758
At Bonnie & Clyde's: 1751 W Division St, between N Hermitage and N Wood; Wicker Park; 773.235.2680

Provided you're not unsalvageably ugly, dressing crisply can attract women, but it can also attract snide comments from men who insist you're out to attract not-women. Silence them with a touch of menace, with Wrath Arcane.

Midwestern sons who go by the motto "Big Labels Are F**ked", Wrath's fall line of stylishly understated duds coyly hint at badassness, both by drawing on specific military & political history, and by incorporating (on many pieces) a signature harness construction that gives off the illusion the wearer's shoulder-strapping heat (they also sub in Vs for vowels in piece titles, so break yourself). Prime outerwear includes the double-breasted wool "Nvrth Vne" (named for North's Civil War victory); the 4 patch-pocketed, belted-trench "Cvstro", inspired by a vintage photo of the dictator; and the water-repellent, 100% Japanese cotton "Raglan Blvzer," whose three-piece diagonal sleeve was first crafted to minimize the armlessness of British Waterloo vet 1st Baron Raglan. Other standouts are the double-harnessed "Sym" buttondown, the "Hvstory Woven" flannel shirt w/ snap button closures (gives off a sophisticated East LA "ese" vibe), and the "Assvm Pvllover," with an asymmetrical neckline and a Grim Reaper hood, signaling the arrival of certain dvvth.

More toned down action includes the slim-fit "Drvss Shvrt" and the "Bvnker Pvnt", dress pants made from 100% poly-rayon -- so you'll stay wrinkle free as you sit on your couch, proving everyone wrong by watching Red Dawn alone.

Wrath's got the common decency to cover all their male models' faces. Check out Fall at WrathArcane.com