ONES TO WATCH: BASIC RIGHTS

Founded in 2016 as a collaboration between a musician, a tailor, and a designer, Basic Rights’ original premise was to provide foundational wardrobe pieces inspired by icons of men’s style that deliver on quality at an attainable price point. Fast forward to 2019, the brand is now creatively helmed by musician Freddie Cowan and continues to look to music and culture for inspiration.

Basic Rights celebrity fans include Jude Law, Seth Rogan, and Idris Elba. The appeal is its core of relaxed loose shirting and versatile tailored trousers, which makes up the brand’s signature silhouette. Premium and luxury fabrics are sourced from limited end of roll supplies mostly from Japan; interesting collaborations include its fall 2018 partnership with Scottish heritage manufacturer Aero Leather to re-release the leather jacket worn by David Bowie on the cover of the 1977 album “Heroes”. Pricepoints are reasonable: between $50 and $225 retail, with leather jackets up to $750.

The brand is also focusing on sustainability. “By sourcing fabrics from deadstock, much of the most damaging activity involved in developing fabrics is bypassed,” says Jack Cameron Gove, brand director. “The brand is building on this and has just announced a partnership with Trees for the Future to plant a tree for every item sold in an effort to offset the carbon created by each product. More initiatives are planned which the brand will be announcing this year.”

For spring 2020, the collection takes inspiration from the color and life of Mexico City; expansion into suits and tailoring is next.