Originally it was a camouflage corduroy sport coat that made me love Hickey. That was a few years back when they started the brand, back when Tommy Fazio (who is now the men’s fashion director at Bergdorf Goodman) was involved with the line. When Aaron Levine took over as design director for the SS08 season things only got better. I should point out that Aaron and I are friends, but that isn’t why I’m posting about Hickey. I genuinely like the clothes and I like that the company makes their suits in Rochester. With all that is going on with the brand, I hope that continues.
The AW09 line is everything I have come to expect from Hickey, nice looking outerwear, knits and of course the great selection of union made suiting. If you are wondering about the model, that would be very kind and earnest looking fashion editor Kevin Stewart. More looks from the collection and a little Q&A with Aaron Levine after the jump.
ACL: What is the inspiration for this collection?
Aaron Levine: Man, the inspiration comes from the honor of working for one of the best clothing manufacturers sprung from this wonderful country’s loins. I mean, the Hickey Freeman factory is an institution. My inspiration comes from trying to humbly and faithfully represent Hickey Freeman while at the same time challenging the consumer to reject any negative preconceived notions they may have about a century old tailored clothing company. This company has been producing amazing clothing for over a century. I just consider myself lucky to be able to carry the torch for a bit and show people how cool this stuff really is.
ACL: What would be the automobile pairing for Kevin Stewart as seen in Hickey AW09?
AL: You’re a bastard. You know this question sent me into cold sweats. That’s like asking, what’s your favorite album of all time. Anyway, here’s a shot, but you gotta give me three.
1. 1982 Jeep CJ-8 Scrambler Laredo. Soundtrack: The Band’s Last Waltz. Done and done.
2. 1970 Dodge Charger R/T with a copy of the Mopar Collectors Guide on the front seat with skull shift knob. Soundtrack: The Cult, Electric. I mean, come on Love Removal Machine…get out of here.
3. One import, for good measure: 1971 Porsche Carrera RS. Soundtrack: The Clash, London Calling. Starting with Death or Glory, then whole album on repeat.
And his commuting vehicle would be a blacked-out P-51 Mustang piping Metallica’s Kill ‘Em All through side-mounted loudspeakers. Think The Ride of the Valkyries scene from Apocalypse Now.
ACL: You are a true American hero Mr. Levine.
I do like the cuts on the suit jackets this time around.
I know we are to take the dedication represented here seriously. And I do honor that. But I must admit the gallery of teensy Kevin Stewart images made me long for him as a set of paper dolls.
Also – respectfully – for driving to/from the ranch on weekends – a 1966 Chevy El Camino Sountrack: Roky Erickson’s “You’re Gonna Miss Me”
Looks going, going to have to reblog. Thanks Michael.
The cuffs are a bit big, the pants sometimes a bit short, sometimes a bit long, and the sweaters look itchy. Fucking love it.
Who makes those loafer-boots that he’s wearing? They are fantastic.
Those boots lo0k like Gokey snake boots but the crepe soles are throwing me off. Most likely something out of Japan.
boots are customized russells out of berlin, WI.
called the knockabout boot, but the ankle strap was added, as was the white vibram sole and an little extra to the height.
Indeed Russell Moccasins, but maybe just the Cavalier model with the optional Christy Wedge sole…
Who’s that dude? Recognize him from the Sartorialist. Legendary beard.
Seriously Chaz — read the post.
ACL
I like the Hickey. Esp. the steals and deals. Right now there is a nice sailor bag made from wool flannel with a pot logo!
insane collection! well done Hickey, timeless yet, of the moment. awesome model too, should be in the AWO9 campaign.
Great collection and thank you for correcting the incorrect info on my side. Much appreciated!
Good stuff here.
I own that camouflage corduroy sport coat and I love it! And your blog.
Love the patch pockets on the blue blazer…
Love the khaki trousers. My one comment though,
I feel the Indy Boots and mocs don’t do this particular suit and trousers/blazer combo justice. I get it. The plaid suit w/wing tips, say no more. Never worn Hicky but I think I’ll pay them a visit this fall and try some things on. E.G. did this same Russell boot-white vibram sole collaboration a few fall seasons ago but the boots where really only available in Japan so hopefully the Hicky version will be a different story.
I’m not sure if anyone in this purer stratum of the active internet would know this, but Kevin Stewart has become a meme titled “Professor Badass.” i wish i could upload a picture so that he could possibly see it. haha.
Abe,
That was one of the better comments I have seen on ACL in some time. Cheers.
ACL
P.S. Send examples of Professor Badass in the wild.
Update: found it: http://mrldust.files.wordpress.com/2009/02/professor-of-cool.jpg
how about this then:
http://thesartorialist.blogspot.com/2008/07/when-first-we-metpart-2.html
“Seriously Chaz — read the post. ”
/puts tail between legs; leaves.
Freshest model I’ve ever seen. Clothes are awesome too.
i just love when people struck by his enigmatic beard see how he was clean shaven only two years before. he makes great shirt, so i can’t call him a phony. it’d be great to see a timeline of the progress between the two Kevins.
he probably just had to make up for the soul patch (http://tinyurl.com/pxdxh9) and got carried away.
Excellent choice of the model for this campaign.
the Urbane and the Urban meet nice and neat, sleek and uber chic all american male model !…nice work Mr. Levine…..
Theo