POP-UP

Hood By Air Visits Los Angeles

Urban gear is not some fad represented by a specific demographic. This is proven by New York-based Hood by Air (HBA), a streetwear brand that translates an effortless cool, vogue-esque, gully scene that can’t be forced (I started buying its covetable items on V-Files where I became an instant addict).

The 25-year-old designer, Shayne Oliver, who launched his label in 2006 with a few tees quickly moved into ready-to-wear. Oliver, who also DJ’s some of the best battle music ever, is responsible for taking streetwear to an elevated level, pushing the boundaries of conventional fashion introducing the idea of "ghetto goth."

Last weekend, HBA launched "Morph," a pop-up in Los Angeles’ Scion AV Installation gallery space to celebrate the brand’s West Coast retail debut that included an eight piece luggage collection - think of a locker room that somehow got raided by meat packing goth/futuristic/industrial/hip hop/ravers morphed into one harmonious grouping.

The shop’s Saturday opening hosted a slew of HBA fans, also attended was rapper A$AP Rocky who premiered in Oliver’s Fall 2013 show and the FRANK 151 team.

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A$AP Rocky

The central theme played around with silicone objects such as a black leather backpack and a fleshy, skeletal hiking bag cultivated into an art piece, with prices ranging from $800 to $2,500.

Oliver described the capsule collection to Style. com as “subversive luxury luggage.” He added, “The line has to do with me playing more with the actual realm of luxury. With these bags, I’m confronting that sense head-on and feeling things out for myself.”

Scion A/V also partnered with HBA, producing limited edition items such as the sought after Hood By Air “Classics” tee collection in new color-ways, backpacks, posters, water bottles, Emory boards and accessories.

Oliver has other plans in the works, including a knitwear collection that will be available in June at London-based Selfridges department store, as well as a denim collection that will be sold at Milk Studios in New York City coming this September. During Paris Spring/Summer 2014 fashion shows, Oliver will include suiting and formalwear into his brand.

HBA’s "Morph" will be open through June 16 at the Scion AV Installation. space.