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By-Parra-Hoodies

By Parra Brand Guide

Bringing a playful graphics and saturated colours to Aphrodite’s repertoire of expanding apparel, By Parra is a brand rooted in eclectic humor and underground aesthetics.


By-Parra-Clothing


Dutch post-pop designer and brand founder Piet ‘Parra’ Janssen emerged onto the scene in the early 90s as a self-taught artist, mostly designing album covers for up-and-coming musicians or flyers for Amsterdam’s most à la mode discotheques, yet, he was viewed as a cult artist by his fellow creators throughout his novitiate years. It was not until Janssen began to produce graphics of his now world-renowned beaked figures that his career really took flight, depicting abstract bird-like characters in the most vibrant saturations of red, blue, and pink, illustrated on the ‘Emotional Neglect’ tees of which we are proud stockists. His 2-D aesthetic, bold lines and fills, and whimsical illustrations have rendered his style instantly recognizable yet impossible to categorize, gaining Parra a renegade following internationally.


By-Parra-Hoodies


Originally renowned for his contemporary works in imagery and typography, Parra has evolved into a multimedia artist, delving into sculpture, drawing, music; as a member of Le Le and MICH, and of course, textiles, with the launch of his brand Rockwell By Parra in 2002. Initially, the brand only consisted of t-shirts featuring the creator’s unique hand-lettering..

2004 marked the expansion of Piet’s apparel to a bi annual release of clothing, accessories, footwear, and even home-textile collections, yet it was not until 2006 that his wing-borne oddities appeared on his garments, causing his brand to soar into popularity. Since, creators have been lining up to collaborate with the label, including Viktor & Rolf, Nike, Stones Throw Records, and skate brand Zoo York, to name a few.


By-Parra-Clothing-Sweat


The brand aesthetic has developed over the years, branching out into more refined, minimalist graphics; similar to that of the geometric chenille applique found on the ‘Building Block’ sweatshirt, to more simplistic and contemporary stylings synonymous with modern skate and streetwear, like the ‘Striped Pocket Logo’ tee.

Parra’s rapid expansion and rise in popularity has led to a huge demand for the brands quality pieces, Shop By Parra online and in-store at Aphrodite Clothing.


Stussy Featured Image

Stüssy Spring ’22

Returning for Spring ’22, Stüssy have once again released an offering of on-trend streetwear pieces.

A brand adopted by surfers, skaters and rappers alike; Stüssy continues to conform and grow with its roots securely stuck in the ever developing streetwear scene. Unique garments featuring bold designs and wavy patterns are at the forefront of Stüssy’s creative process this Spring; Pairing them with everyday staples destined for your wardrobe, the collection truly showcases what Stüssy are about.

Here at Aphrodite we like to give our own spin on things and so our in house stylist has curated a collection of ‘fits using a selection of pieces from the drop. Browse the look book below for a bit of inspiration or head straight over to our Stüssy section to cop the new arrivals.

 

Stussy Button

 

 

Stüssy SS20 Drop 2: Preview

Stussy SS20 Drop 2 First Look

Hot on the heels of its inaugural 2020 collection, Cali born and bred label Stussy returns to Aphrodite this month with a fresh batch of spring/summer preened offerings. Building on the comfort-rich constructions and patterned palettes of preceding issues, Stussy SS20 Drop 2 sees a number of essential fits find their way onto our shelves.

Designed for when balmy climates set in, the capsule’s t-shirt assortment is both breezy and vibrant; expect a kaleidoscope of hues, ranging anywhere from candy pink to sunshine yellow. Of course, there are more subdued iterations too, navys, whites and other pared-back colourways can be picked up within the offering, teamed with striped silhouettes and seldom hits of colour blocking for an unexpected dose of colour clashing.

Also amidst the lineup, and sitting perfectly within the utility-wise zeitgeist, is a checkerboard black and blue gilet. Though not your average menswear staple, this sleeveless piece will assemble effortlessly with neutral tones, while adding texture and industry-approved credentials to your outfit. Below we’ve opted to style the off-kilter garment with Stussy’s signature Snooker Ball tee – also available at Aphrodite when Stussy SS20 Drop 2 launches later this week.

Stussy Gilet SS20

To finish, the brand’s iconic typeface hits garments in their dozens. Discover Shawn Stussy’s emblematic scribble across the entire Drop 2 capsule, surfacing on tees, sweats, outerwear and accessories, with added punctuation from the imprint’s main hotspots, comprising New York, Los Angeles, Londo, Paris and finally, Tokyo.

Get your hands on Stussy SS20 Drop 2 when the collection becomes available in-store and online from 13/03/2020 at 9am.

Balmain Denim Jacket

Style Guide : How To Wear Denim

Denim Styling For The Modern Man

Deriving from the work-mans’ aesthetic, denim has been a notable part of mens’ fashion culture for over a century, revolutionising the way men dress and express their style. Heavily influenced over the years by politics, music, art and youth culture, denim has become a timeless fabric in various forms, catering to every man in every generation. Whether it be in traditional indigo jeans, to distressed jackets in acid wash, denim has evolved beyond its originals means, allowing it to complement any outfit for any occasion.

Smart Casual

The first thing to come to someone’s mind when thinking of denim is a classic pair of jeans, being a statement piece for most male wardrobes. Being something that can easily smarten up an outfit without trying too hard, jeans are now a go-to for most day to night affairs. The versatility in the garment allows you to easily adapt to any formality, whether they be paired with a crisp white shirt and dress shoes for a smart day time look, or with some sneakers and a bold graphic tee for a more vibrant night time look.

One style that a pair of jeans is prominent in is the classic 50’s mod trend. Heavily influenced by music and modern style icons like Liam Gallagher, this look represents the essence of mens’ formal style clashing with a casual comfort.  Jeans have become a quintessential part of the look, with a roll up to highlight the socks typically styled with desert boots or dress shoes. Try styling it with an over shirt to layer up with various textures to nod to the smart comfort that the mod look boasts.

Edwin Denim JeansGet The Look:

ED 39 63 Rainbow Selvage Denim Jeans – BlueWallabee Shoes - Cola Suede

 

The Denim Jacket

Oozing style blended with a hint of edginess, a denim jacket is the perfect addition to any outfit. An easy way to dress up a basic silhouette, a denim jacket is the ideal ‘chuck-on’ that ends up making the statement for the full look.

Challenge yourself by stepping away from the traditional sense of a denim jacket and become bold with your choices, going for a treated version. With hand done distressing, a large logo embossment to the back alongside intricate metal detailing, the Balmain denim jacket featured in this look is forefront in its evolution. Let the jacket do the talking, pairing it with a darker hue such as black or a deep indigo navy to highlight the structure of the fabric and the natural wear and tear it will provide. Adding character and flair to your outfit.

Balmain Denim Jacket

Get The Look:

Balmain Denim JacketEdwin T Shirts Double Pack - BlackEdwin Jeans Slim Tapered - Kaihara BlackAxel Arigato Clean 90 Sneaker - White Leather

Double Denim

Usually a phrase that would spark dread amongst most, double denim is a trend that everyone should get in on. Allowing you to really appreciate it in all its’ forms, doubling it up gives you the chance to layer up on texture and shades, forming a coherent and versatile look.

DSquared2 is a main competitor amongst denim and experimentation, providing several treatments and design accents to nurture your style needs. With their statement distressing and paint splatter, layering up their items can really intensify the manipulation of the classic material, resulting in a raw and versatile appearance. Take advantage of the chance to layer up and introduce new prints amongst the acid wash, with a bold stripe to help break up the outfit. Match with a pair of sneakers to finish off the look.

DSquared2 Denim Shirt / Jeans

Get The Look:

DSquared Shirt Denim – BlueDSquared Skater Jeans - BlueFolk T-Shirt – Ecru / Navy Stripe

Denim allows you not only to nod towards a history of style, culture and revolution in your clothing, but also have fun and experiment with layering, fabric treatments and prints. Despite being a classic piece in menswear fashion, modernization of it over the years has introduced a youthful and raw aesthetic.

Explore our range of denim online at Aphrodite Clothing.

Gifts Under £250

The Best Menswear Gifts Under £250

From premium footwear courtesy of Scandinavian label Axel Arigato, to pastel offerings from Italian brand CP Company and luxe accessories from DSquared, our best menswear gifts under £250 guide will help you decide what to get the person who seemingly owns everything.

To kick things off we’ve called upon the faithful aid of British imprint Paul Smith to address things in the loungewear category. Flavoured with the label’s colourful persona, this Paul Smith Dressing Gown has been adorned in the brand’s ‘Signature Stripe’ – granting it not only a trusty investment but also a colourful piece that will never fade. In addition to its bold aesthetic, the design also employs a comfy towelling base which features two roomy pockets and a belt tie. Take downtime in your stride with this piece by your side. Price – £199.

 

 

Next up is Portland, Oregon-based boot company Danner. With over a century’s worth of industry experience, you can count on the brand’s footwear styles to see you through every adventure you set your sights on with both form and function. Danner’s Bull Run boots in all-black are the ideal choice for somebody who likes to harmonise urban and off-trail pursuits; their slip-resistant synthetic sole is designed to tackle any terrain while their hiking-like laces reference the label’s affinity for the great outdoors. Price – £195.

 

Danner Bull Run Boots

 

Mr. Ralph Lauren and his iconic Polo Bear can’t go without a mention in this gifts under £250 lineup. The duo come together once more this festive season to offer up a superbly soft hoodie for your casual rotation. Made with a smooth fleece interior, the cosy silhouette sees the brand’s time-honoured sidekick grace the chest in his favourite streetwise getup, complete with ribbed cuffs and a hemline for a snug, secure fit. Price – £155.

 

 

Pledging their case to logomania, DSquared’s Dean and Dan Caten return to surprise the people in your life this Christmas. Offering up an assortment of luxe, logo-laden accessories, the Canadian twins serve up several phone cases for your favourite tech along with supple leather wallets for organising your financial assets. Prices vary from £69 to £215.

 

 

DSquared Accessories

 

Perhaps someone you know deserves a touch of colour in their life, if you’re unsure, let Italian casual-luxury brand CP Company do the deciding for you. The label’s latest pieces for SS20 set a pastel agenda, we’re talking sky blues sweats, mint greens jackets and everything in-between, not to mention they all boast the label’s iconic lens detailing – a status symbol embraced by every generation. Prices from product to product vary.

 

CP Company Sweatshirts

 

Tapping into 2019’s neon trend is Barbour’s ultra-cool, younger sibling Barbour Beacon. The brand’s Earl jacket is guised in a zesty orange colourway with blue and red trims, while its Barbourtech® construction equips it with trusty weather management properties which will make the wearer’s life a breeze. Give the gift of care and colour this season. Price – £179.

 

Barbour Beacon Jacket

 

A pair of fresh white kicks round off our best menswear gifts under £250 guide. The Axel Arigato Clean 90 sneaker is a footwear classic, as many of you will already know, and this time around we’ve chosen a reworked version of the shoe to complete our lineup. The modest, refined look of the trainer has been elevated and embellished with an array of colourful swallows at its sidewall, while all the brand’s usual elements remain in place, including the expert Portuguese construction, gold-foil branding and sturdy rubber cupsole.

 

Axel Arigato Clean 90

 

Fulfil someone’s wishlist this Christmas with a plethora of gifting options available at Aphrodite online or in-store.

The Best Menswear Gifts Under £100

Blinked and suddenly it’s December? Don’t worry you’re not the only one feeling that way; somehow the festive season has crept upon us again and if you’re anything like us I’m sure the festivities are locking down your diary quicker than you can even keep up. So, with so much to do and so little time, get a hard start on Christmas now with our top menswear gifts under £100 list. From British design house, Vivienne Westwood, to Japanese imprint COMME des GARÇONS and sporting giant New Balance, find all you’ll need below…

If you’re living in the UK right now, you’ll already be well accustomed to the season’s bitterly cold temperatures, and of course, with these harsh climes comes the appropriate attire to match. Our European neighbours over at Parisian label Ami have seasonal dressing down to a T, as demonstrated by these chunky, ribbed knit beanies. Made with love in Portugal, both styles are crafted from a warming woollen construction with the brand’s iconic ‘Ami de Coeur’ emblem sitting in pride of place. Price – £85.

 

 

AMI Beanies

Keeping in tune with the cosy theme, the following BOSS Slippers are perfect for the man who enjoys his home comforts. Dressed in neutral tones, this pair arrive adorned in plush servings of suede with a super-soft fluffy lining for unbeatable warmth when you’re in need of some well-deserved R&R.

Boss Slippers

Hitting our menswear gifts under £100 list next is a Japanese imprint that has its finger on the pulse of every subdivision out there, including fragrance. The COMME des GARÇONS Parfums line has been in circulation since the mid ‘90s and is still going strong today; from woody scents to musky aromas, the diffusion label has a smell for everyone to adopt as their signature. In particular, the COMME des GARÇONS Blackpepper Eau de Parfum is a standout selection, it’s formulated with spicy, addictive notes, not to mention its unisex – meaning it could solve two presents all at once! 50ml price – £70.

Comme Aftershave

Placing third on our round up is rebellious British designer Vivienne Westwood. Utilising contrasting tones of silver and mustard to deliver a sumptuous offering, this Vivienne Westwood Orb Keyring is the perfect item for gifting over the Christmas season, whether it’s for a male or female. It’s guaranteed to electrify your keys with its unmissable lightning bolt and studded leather charm. Available in yellow and black colourways. Price – £65.

Vivienne Westwood Orb Keyring

For that passionate sneakerhead in your life look no further than the latest New Balance 997H. It’s a contemporary rework of the Boston-based brand’s iconic 997 model, updated here in an emerald-green and silver colourway, featuring all the usual NB credentials, a combined mesh, leather and suede upper, complete with the lightweight support of the brand’s REVlite midsole to take you into the city streets and beyond with the utmost ease. Price – £75.

As we start to come to the end of our top gifts under £100 selection, we can’t go on without mentioning apparel. For a look that stands up for British heritage we’ve picked out this Fred Perry Taped Sweatshirt in black. Exuding retro sportswear vibes, the ‘70s inspired silhouette sees the brand’s Laurel Wreath drape both sleeves and the chest, complete with ribbed detailing for a close, secure finish at the neckline, cuffs and hem. Price – £89.

 

Fred Perry Sweater

Finally, we’re wrapping things up with some stellar headwear styles. These Drôle de Monsieur Caps, available in black and yellow, are ideal for raising your street credibility. They’re both fabricated from cotton twill and feature the Dijon-hailing label’s signature ‘Not From Paris Madame’ slogan across their crown, finished with an adjustable slider for a close fit that’s custom to you.

Drole De Monsieur Cap

As we touched on at the very beginning, the clock is ticking to get all your festive plans in place before it’s too late, so, make sure you act wisely and dodge the dreaded mid-December rush by putting our gift guides to crucial use this year… Enjoy!

The Best Menswear Gifts Under £50

If you’re reading this, give yourself a pat on the back; not only have you taken the plunge in leaving your chaotic Christmas approach of yesteryear behind, but better yet, you’re even prepared to do a little digging to find the perfect present. Granted, we’ve all participated in that last-minute Christmas rush at some point, but there’s certainly no need for it this year because here at Aphrodite we’re on hand to help you find the perfect gift, and for this one, we’re sticking to a budget. So, sit back and relax while we list our top menswear gifts under £50.

Kicking off the selection is a brand-new arrival from British brand Folk and if you’re not yet familiar with the London-hailing label, let’s just say they live by the mantra ‘less is more’. Minimalist at its very best, this new-season Folk Tote Bag is perfect for gifting; it comes in both black and fawn colourways and has been expertly crafted in Portugal. As well as a spacious interior – big enough for all your commuting essentials – it also boasts two sturdy carry handles, refined Folk embroidery and a quirky back pocket. Price – £49.

Folk Tote Bag

Sitting second on our list is the Jason Markk Gift Set. Perhaps you know someone who finds it impossible to keep their kicks clean, or perhaps that person is you? Whatever the reason, this box set has everything you need to keep fresh white trainers WHITE – it comprises a 7oz premium foam cleanser, 2oz stain and water repellent spray, buffing brush and three quick wipes. Price – £35.

Jason Markk Cleaning Essentials

Placing number 3 on our top gifts under £50 list is lauded Italian label Napapijri. Just to refresh your brain, Napapijri originally fell into the industry via their affinity for outdoor gear, this quickly led the brand to uncover a harmonious balance between apparel bound for extreme conditions and casualwear… Enter the Napapijri Semiury Beanie. Symbolic for its fuzzy texture and unmissable logo, this cosy bobble hat is the perfect piece to ride winter’s wave with. Price – £35.

 

Napapijri hats

Next is a gift that will serve your favourite tech device endlessly; this Paul Smith iPhone Cover demonstrates the namesake label’s ‘classic with a twist’ aesthetic perfectly. Clad in the British brand’s iconic ‘signature stripe’, the partial leather design will back your phone in a kaleidoscope of colourful hues while ensuring easy access to your charging port and most importantly, guaranteeing everyday protection.

 

Paul Smith Phone Case

For apparel, we recommend something with a heap of branded elements and for this one we’ve headed straight to the label with the Three Stripes. This adidas Trefoil T-Shirt is a true wardrobe staple; it’s brimming in adi’ heritage and features the brand’s iconic logo to the core, paired alongside a modest ‘Skateboarding’ tab woven at the side seam. Available now in grey and white. Price – £28.

adidas tees

In terms of grooming this Christmas period, organic Scandinavian skincare specialist, L:A Bruket, has everything covered. Think luxurious vanilla body wash that’s been blended in the brand’s homeland using a mixture of refreshing yet soothing ingredients, or moisturising beard oil that’s formulated from a combination of Jojoba, Argan & Hemp oils. Prices vary across a range of items, starting from £18.50 to £49.

 

LA Bruket

Finally, we’ve got another designer tote to round off our top gifts under £50 list and this time it’s chic Parisian label Maison Kitsuné offering up the goods. Renowned for their tricolour, folklore fox, the luxury house deliver this navy bag in a flexible cotton blend construction, featuring their synonymous mascot, two carry handles and a wealth of uncompromised interior space for all your daily necessities. Price – £49.

Maison Kitune

If you’re still reading this – well done – you got through it! We’re pretty confident that somewhere down the line this gift guide will spark a starting point for all your present planning, after all, getting the gifts in early means more time for festive shindigs.

Ami de Coeur T-Shirt

Latest AW19 Arrivals: AMI, APC & COMME des GARÇONS

Discover What The Autumn-Winter ’19 Season Has In Store

Luckily for us, and especially luckily for you, we here at Aphrodite have found ourselves in the possession of some stellar attire for the upcoming AW19 season. So, whether the understated, clean lines of APC are just your thing, or COMME des GARÇONS’ unconventional silhouettes are the must-have pieces for your collection – we reckon you’ll have no trouble picking up some staples this season.

Two noteworthy labels, both of whom operate from their base in the tangled streets of the City of Lights, have transcended this season’s offerings with their clean-cut aesthetic and comparable design codes. Parisian imprints, AMI and APC, are steered by lauded male designers and share the same minimalist outlook and effortless French elegance through each and every collection.

Bringing a much-needed pop of colour to the doom and gloom of the autumnal period, AMI’s Alexandre Mattiussi has indulged in a selection of sweet shades to kick things off. With hues ranging from punchy pistachio, buttery beige and vanilla, AMI’s tees, sweats and hoodies will illuminate any dull weather standing in your path and serve your ensemble a brighter note. Silhouettes are anything but slender, in the mind of Mattiussi – the boxier the better. But, of course, no AMI piece is truly complete without the signature ‘Ami de Coeur’ emblem in pride of place, again – showcased larger than life for AW19.

Ami Hoodie Ami de Coeur Tee

Much like its French neighbour AMI, Jean Touitou’s label APC is very much predictable, and we mean that in the greatest possible way. Every year APC avoids ‘trend’ fashion and the unsustainability associated with that; delivering in turn styles that promise to remain relevant for years to come, free from ostentatious surprises and certainly nothing too out of the ordinary. For AW19 you can expect to see a plethora of branded pieces, whether it be tees, sweats or accessories, they’re all proudly sporting the label’s abbreviated ‘Atelier de Production et de Creation’ moniker.

Take for instance the simple navy sweat below, both cosy and comfortable, the design wouldn’t look out of place in five years’ time thanks to the timelessness of Jean Touitou’s fuss-free aesthetic, an element of APC that’s helped it pave such a presence within Parisian youth culture.APC SweatshirtAPC Sweatshirt Navy

Across the globe and within the affluent, architectural streets of Tokyo’s Aoyama district, Rei Kawakubo’s talented team has been hard at work producing the next COMME des GARÇONS SHIRT range. Less avant-garde than the brand’s main collection, Kawakubo’s SHIRT diffusion line sees a range of shirting designs delivered in a multitude of palettes. The hoodie and coach jacket below play on the pinstripe theme found across the COMME des GARÇONS SHIRT collection this season.Comme des Garcons HoodieComme des Garcons Coach Jacket

Built in fine stripes of blue and white, the traditional coach jacket is seldom seen in a pattern of this kind, making it almost certain to stand out throughout urban settings this season. Also subverting the norm, the hooded, pinstripe piece in the brand’s line up is definitely not bound for off-duty days like the conventional hoodie, instead, the cut, construction and fit nod more to formal, weekend outings.

All of this, plus a variety of sleek, smart accessories on offer both in-store and online will ensure your wardrobe receives the seasonal refresh it needs. Shop all the featured garments on our website or in our Sunderland city centre store now.

Stussy AW19: First Look

Stussy’s AW19 Collection Showcases The Brand’s Dedication To Pushing Boundaries

Presenting an exciting mix of tactical and contemporary pieces, the arbiter of streetwear Stussy returns with a refreshing instalment that boasts the brand’s signature Californian roots. With a heritage that started way back in the ‘80s, Stussy is now considered a global standard within skate, hip-hop and street culture. The AW19 collection plays with the brand’s rebellious aesthetic and features instantly-recognisable logos, signature silhouettes and classic prints.

Stussy Panel Jacket

Transitioning from summer to winter requires a fit that can withhold the unpredictable weather and the Panel Track Jacket does just that. Assembled with jagged contrasting colour-block panels that channel ‘90s inspiration, the track jacket showcases the brand’s dedication to taking classic silhouettes and re-thinking them with signature Stussy aesthetic. Masterly lightweight, the nylon construction is the ideal layering piece. We paired the track jacket with some of our favourite garments from the latest batch; including Stripe Crew T-Shirt and Utility Cargo Pant.

Stussy Stripe Crew Tee

Committing to the ‘90s theme, the Stripe Crew T-Shirt boasts a nostalgic, sporty aesthetic. Adorned with the label’s world-famous logo amongst striking, colour-block stripes – the heavy build crew neck is offered in a loose, period-appropriate fit. This season Stussy has created truly energetic and wearable pieces that will add that well-needed pop of colour to any winter wardrobe.

Stussy Utility Jacket

Stussy Utility Jacket Grey

If you’re looking for a functional, cold-weather necessity – Stussy have you covered. The next highlight from the collection is the Utility Jacket. Boasting four front pouch pockets with three additional zip pockets, the utilitarian design is ideal for storing all your every-day essentials. Rubberised branding adds a modern update to the piece whilst retaining traditional utility features. Water-resistant, versatile and perfect for layering – the nylon jacket guarantees to stick with you for many seasons to come.

Stussy Utility Cargo Pant

Again, we paired the jacket with the Utility Cargo Pant in Black. Dripping in utilitarian design – the nylon trousers are fitted with two back flap pockets and roomy cargo pockets to the legs. Developed to hold your everyday must-haves. Adjustable waist and cuffs allow the functional trousers to fit perfect to you.

Stussy Torque Jacket

Stussy Torque Chore Jacket

Adding to their already impressive arsenal of lightweight jackets, Stussy presents the Torque Jacket. Dressed in an orange colourway, the 100% cotton jacket gives off some serious autumnal vibes. Point collar, button-down placket and four double pouch pockets – the piece combines the classic overshirt silhouette with Stussy’s favoured utilitarian design.

Stussy Basic Sweatshirt Orange

Stussy Basic Hoodie Yellow

Of course, no Stussy instalment would be complete without a handful of classic sweats that provide premium comfort and work perfectly for the season. The rich autumnal colour palette really shows within the collection of bold layering pieces – offering hoodies and sweatshirts in a variety of different colourways. Our personal favourite is the Basic Crew Sweatshirt in Orange and Basic Stussy Hoodie in Lemon.

The Stussy AW19 collection will be launching on 30/08/19 both in-store and online at Aphrodite.