Luckily, it is still cold enough outside to talk about parkas and sweaters and fall clothes. While out in Las Vegas a few weeks back, I had an opportunity to check out the new autumn winter 2009 goods from Columbus, Ohio based Relwen. The new offerings are fairly consistent with what the brand has done in the past, but I really like casual aesthetic of the line. I’m not normally one to wear RL or A&F, but Relwen fills that gap for me. A casual, Sunday brunch, day-off sort of vibe that works with my sensibilities.
Jamie Rupp — pictured in the gallery below — provided more info on the above drab-green army coat. “The Military Parka is the real deal, as authentic as you can find outside of original Korean War issue (circa 1951). Although, I think ours is even better made if that’s possible, and lacks the musty mystery smells of the 60 year old vintage.” After checking this guy out in Vegas, I would have to agree. More looks below.
Michael Williams
on Mar 9th, 2009
@ 11:59 AM:
Just a note on comments. If you use fake info, you will be moderated out, sorry. If you have something to say be upfront and honest about who you are. I should also say, those that live in glass houses shouldn’t throw stones.
ACL
Ryan
on Mar 9th, 2009
@ 12:28 PM:
Michael,
The line looks pretty solid. Obviously very wearable for any guy I would think.
I am curious as to why you said you aren’t likely to wear RL? If the question is suitable for such a forum of discussion.
Michael Williams
on Mar 9th, 2009
@ 12:31 PM:
I wear certain things from RL, but tend to avoid because I see it everywhere. If anything, I wear Rugby the most out of all of the different RL lines. Nothing against them, have just sort of moved on from those brands.
ACL
Chris
on Mar 9th, 2009
@ 12:37 PM:
Hey Ryan,
I was wondering where you got that shawl neck cardigan and plaid combo. I’ve tried to find an email on your site to email you about it but couldn’t find it.
Thanks.
Alpha
on Mar 9th, 2009
@ 12:45 PM:
Very cool group here! I can see some o0f where Alpha is headed here although we have some surprises as well. I would wear everything in this group you have up. Really nice!
EnzoAGC
on Mar 9th, 2009
@ 12:51 PM:
All in all, very easy, wearable styles. I’m digging the more relaxed cut of the denim.
And glad to know that you’re a fan of Rugby…
Matt
on Mar 9th, 2009
@ 1:54 PM:
That is one beautiful parka! I like it much better than the N-3B I have right now. Any idea on the cost?
Jared
on Mar 9th, 2009
@ 2:06 PM:
This is one of those brands that I guess I just don’t “get”.
Funny that you mention Abercrombie, because most of these looks look right out of the A&F playbook to me. Down to the usage of flip-flops (next to winter gear?) and New Balances.
Tintin
on Mar 9th, 2009
@ 2:10 PM:
I’m bored with it all but I’m a pretty old fart who refuses to wear jeans halfway down my butt and I like to keep my ball caps on straight. Cool Gander Mtn logo.
I think an entire sports line derived from the film, “The Dogs of War”, would rock. Just saw it last night. Chris Walken in a puffy coat with Savile Row suit. Berets. Lots of fatigues. Merchant Marine wear. Very trendy.
srcutler
on Mar 9th, 2009
@ 2:11 PM:
Just curious – is this line owned by Abercrombie? I know they are based out of the Columbus area as well, and when I saw some of the clothes at Steven Alan, some of the production details look similar.
Michael Williams
on Mar 9th, 2009
@ 2:12 PM:
Jamie (the designer / founder) used to work at A&F, I actually did as well — by proxy.
ACL
srcutler
on Mar 9th, 2009
@ 2:15 PM:
*looked
Ryan
on Mar 9th, 2009
@ 5:28 PM:
Chris,
The sweater is J Crew, wearing it today actually. The shirt was by Our Legacy. There’s a contact page in the magazine portion of our website with emails on it, hit me up any time.
Michael,
Fair enough, I was just curious. It’s funny, in Vancouver there is probably more Rag & Bone available then RL, of any sort.
citizen wayne
on Mar 9th, 2009
@ 6:47 PM:
Come to papa! This parka is the business. The OD color is spot on and the fabrication is butter. I will surely seek this out for fall. Ohio in da house! Not me, I’m not from Ohio. I mean Relwen and you of course Michael.
Jo
on Mar 9th, 2009
@ 7:26 PM:
Does anyone know the belt Jamie is wearing?
Andy
on Mar 9th, 2009
@ 7:27 PM:
Those paint splattered jeans are awful! Some decent stuff, but I’d rater J. Crew.
abh1wordpress
on Mar 9th, 2009
@ 8:10 PM:
I live in Los Angeles now, but have lived in Chicago, New York and Boston. These clothes remind me of everything that I always wore during those cold winters in Boston. Lots of navy, wool, army green, broadcloth shirts. I don’t see a lot of uniqueness to anything, but I don’t dislike any of it either. I see many of the items you feature as coming from the University of Ralph, whether they call themselves Polo or not.
Zachary
on Mar 9th, 2009
@ 9:25 PM:
I think I learn something new every time I check your site. I’m a Columbus resident (recent transplant) and had never heard of Relwen but I like the look of a lot of their items. I’ll have to look into them, always nice to support the locals.
Marcellus
on Mar 9th, 2009
@ 10:16 PM:
Knew he was an “alumni” of A&F, and do see the resemblance, but Relwen seems to be more mature, if that makes sense–the colors aren’t as wild and the pieces (other than the jeans) aren’t artificially destroyed. No over-the-top graphic tees and the outerwear, too, is much more developed than A&F. Actually, the brand reminds me most of Gilded Age (pre-fall ’09). I heartily approve.
brian
on Mar 9th, 2009
@ 10:17 PM:
I dunno – bought a t-shirt, couple of sweaters and a poly jumper this season from Relwen & all were winners. However, the shirts have that A&F massively long sleeve and a pair of khakis marked size 32 musta been at least a 36 – they completely fell off me. when it works its fantastic, but the quirky sizing & fits don’t make it an automatic purchase. not to be cheeky, but Jaime’s look is kinda shlubby in the gear. tighten it up, man!
chad
on Mar 10th, 2009
@ 12:06 AM:
Interested in the belt, too. Looks like it might be vintage, but I’ll definitely pick one up if the price is reasonable.
Chad
Memphis88
on Mar 10th, 2009
@ 6:51 AM:
The top halves of the pictures look great, but the pants are terrible. It’d be a no go for me though, because of the obvious size/fit issues they seem to have.
Michael K
on Mar 10th, 2009
@ 11:27 AM:
Forgive me for asking but what is the price range for this line?
Thom
on Mar 10th, 2009
@ 11:59 AM:
Why anyone would want to start an anonymous flame war on this site is beyond me. 4Chan this is not.
One can never have too many shawl collared grey sweaters (see Cheap Monday Fall 08).
Scott B.
on Mar 10th, 2009
@ 12:29 PM:
Hey, any idea if the m1951 parka actually has the proper wire frame in the hood?
I have an original but wouldn’t mind a freshly made alternative.
Michael Williams
on Mar 10th, 2009
@ 1:21 PM:
A little update on the parka, it retails for $588 and will be stocked at the following (come Fall ’09):
Camouflage (Chelsea/ NYC)
Bird (Brooklyn)
Ron Herman (Melrose/ LA)
Guise (Chicago)
Gorsuch (Aspen + Vail)
Lane Crawford (Hong Kong)
Cheers,
ACL
Damion
on Mar 10th, 2009
@ 1:26 PM:
I like the top halves as well…some of the jeans look a bit sloppy. I’m a huge fan of parkas and the like, but living in CA makes it a bit tough to justify.
Dan
on Mar 10th, 2009
@ 1:45 PM:
You could get a similar look yet be a lot more authentic if you would just stick to classics. LL Bean, Levis, Carrhart, Patagonia, Northface. For people that think that a lot of this stuff is just the overly trendy version of good clothes that have been around forever its frustrating to see so much stuff like this come out recently.
Scott B.
on Mar 10th, 2009
@ 2:22 PM:
$588, yowza you can find a mint original for that price.
Any idea if its manufactured in the US or overseas?
Greg D
on Mar 12th, 2009
@ 8:54 AM:
Although a nice looking line and $588 for that parka, you could actually get the original ultimate parka – Canada Goose Heli-Arctic. Having one myself, it is extremely warm and not an everyday wear item.