In the first half of the century, clothing was more about function than fashion -- strategically placed pockets and epaulets kept handy items readily available, and skinny pants were worn because food was not readily available. Celebrating yesterday's utility today, Kai D's inaugural pop-up.
Operating under the credo "a pocket must be available when needed, accessories are designed with a purpose", D's initial Fall line seeks to "serve the needs of modern day artisans" by taking inspiration from the functional threads of the workers who built Manhattan and mixing in vintage hunting/military detail (though not the one military detail olden-day workers could have used most: parachutes). Jackets are the cornerstone, with offerings like the brown wool felt Rivington Work, based on the typical 1940s heavy work jacket and rocking a triangle cuff panel w/ adjustable strap and a detachable phone pocket; the wool plaid-lined Varick Military Moleskin, with double loops on one shoulder, M65-style quad pockets (three w/ flap, one w/ vertical zipper), and gusseted sleeve plackets; and the butt-covering Bond Street Felt, w/ large cargo-ish waist pockets, buttoned epaulets, and a double-vented back, envisioned as a barn jacket/sportcoat hybrid, for those who take Horse Fancy literally. Other highlights include pants like the full straight leg, oversized hammer loop havin' Delancey, in fabrics like cotton moleskin, felt, and twill; vests including the hunting-inspired Freeman's, with quilted lining and six front pockets; and knits such as the safari-inspired Great Jones, a heavily pocketed, dark indigo denim zip up that features extra-durable double locker loops, ensuring the success of locker stuffings' most important element, dangling.
Kai's also launching a vintage-style "Build the Future" t-shirt collection, from which 20% of proceeds will go to New York Cares and the child-education program Give Something Back International -- a far cry from the 1st Half of the 20th Century method of helping children grow, by outfitting them with pockets and sending 'em to the dice factory.
