Russell Simmons Argyleculture Spring-Summer 2009

Article written by: Jacob Breinholt
Posted on: June 15, 2009

In addition to menwear apparel Argyleculture, hip hop and media mogul Russell Simmons has introduced a new apparel brand for 2009 called “American Classics.”

The full line is exclusively available at Wal-Mart.
The brand has drawn criticism since it was released in February 2009, as “not being urban enough”. In late February, Simmons fired back in an article via an article in the Huffington Post saying,

“Their definition of urban seems almost to be a bad word and is certainly a confining one. My intention is to dress America without limitation. My designs speak for themselves and make clear that intention.”

Turning to the spring/summer 2009 Argyleculture collection: For the most part, it appears that Argyleculture is keeping to the loose business casual-esque, look.

Generally,  the sweaters, or sweater vests bear argyle of some similar pattern, while the jackets tended to be solid colors. The most commonly used solids were variations of  lemon yellow; teal; salmon; navy and khaki.

Argyleculture for spring/summer 2009

Argyleculture for spring/summer 2009

While maintaining the consistency in the overall look, Simmons offers some variety in the style and cut. In the combinations to the left, the patterned sweater with solid jacket is varied by the size of argyles and jacket cut.

The collar-less, more casual “Member’s Only” style jacket is contrasted well with the over-sized collar and lapel featured next to it.

Some examples of some slightly more casual looks can be seen above. In both cases the shirts are very fitted, with the shorts, hanging a little more loosely. The length of the shorts, in both of these looks, was hitting just below the knee cap. The messenger bag and single chain are also a nice touch to both of these ensembles.

The look featured below is a little bit off center, by mainstream standards. The look consists of  a button-up vest or jacket and bow tie, with shorts.

It seems to be a pretty good mix of elegant and casual (although it seems that the vest combination is more fluid than the one with the jacket).

In addition to the solid button up shirts, the show also included a handful of button-ups with prints.

Included in the runway show were  polo shirts with printed designs. Here again, Simmons allows for some variety, by offering both traditional cut polo shirts as well as a relaxed, deeper v-neck golf style.

The color white was a big feature. The pants varied from chino style to flowy linen-style. The white shorts included several variations of cargo, as well as plain. All of the white shorts featured in the runway show, were hitting right below the knee cap.

If white pants or shorts aren’t enough, throw in a vest and jacket for the look modeled below.