The Truth Is Out There

October 27, 2015, 9:00 pm

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The prints and graphics scattered across both of the Kenzo men’s and women’s Fall/Winter 2015 collections are truly out of this world. From women’s to men’s, elevated basics and new additions each get the Kenzo graphic touch.

Timed in perfect unison with the discovery of water on Mars (not to mention the return of FBI agents Mulder and Scully in a 2016 The X-Files reboot), staple pieces in the men’s collection feature a subtle ode to the extraterrestrial. The theme of visual communication runs deep in the men’s Fall/Winter 2015 pieces, with symbols and shapes that will most-likely determine your outfit selections. A UFO from the land of Kenzo Creative Directors Carol Lim and Humberto Leon makes several hovering appearances in the form of sweaters, poplin shirts, keychains, and cardholders. We’re calling it: If Mulder and Scully end up back together in the later half of the upcoming reboot, we’ve got a few holiday gift tips for the rekindled pair.

This season’s visual communication theme also carries across the collection in less obvious ways than the extraterrestrial. A printed T-shirt features a graphic that plays off of care tag labels, where the words “Love, Kenzo, Respect, Others, Irony” are placed next to symbols that can be spotted throughout other pieces in the collection. Even logomania gets a toppled touch, with jumbled Kenzo lettering printed across a graphic tee.

For the women’s Fall/Winter 2015 collection, prints run amuck in the form of graphically alluring colorful stripes, abstract stripes, and logo-heavy staples. Off-set patterns and ribbed knit wools combine to form a collection that’s fit to brave the elements in style—no matter where you are. The autumnal color palette also presents itself as a soft contrast to the bold prints and dramatic shapes this season. Even the various UFO references and symbols from the men’s collection pieces carry over into the women’s accessories, with a “kanvas” backpack and weekender, paisley cap, and printed pouch that all feature the stylish symbol.

The Kenzo Fall/Winter 2015 men’s and women’s collect

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The White Briefs Gets The Nick Wooster Treatment

October 27, 2015, 9:00 pm

≫ Next: The Mirror Cube: Events The Week Of 10/29

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When it comes to men’s fashion, everyone knows that Nick Wooster can do no wrong.

For a man who has worked as a tastemaker and fashion visionary for brands such as Thom Browne and Bergdorf’s, the logical next step was to partner up yet again with Swedish undergarments company The White Briefs and their Creative Director, Peter Simonsson. Focused on promoting wool’s sometimes surprising textile versatility, The White Briefs also brought in The Woolmark Company to create a wide range of high-quality basics that every guy should add to their closet this season. Each piece is fabricated with the brand’s Australian Merino wool, purported to be one of the softest woolen fibers in the world. “I’m so happy to have had the chance to work with these knitters with this top-notch fabric,” says Simonsson. “It’s something that you rarely think about, but the whole background of Merino wool is amazing.”

So it only makes sense that a luxe wool that’s this soft to the touch should fabricate the pieces that interact with the skin the most.

“Underwear is not usually what comes to mind when you think of wool,” says Wooster. “[Simonsson and I] wanted to dispel the notion of what wool could be.”

The collection includes collarless shirts, slim fitted trousers, and even a detachable button collar that can transform any outfit to hold up against the elements. Each luxe piece in the collection easily completes a full outfit, from the Double Welt Pocket Shorts that can easily be layered over the Drawstring Pants, to the Classic Singlet and Belted Robe combo. “We wanted to take things to a new level of functionality and create a collection that you can play with and interact with in different ways,” says Simonsson. “It’s really versatile in terms of functionality.”

The collaboration was not only a great way to use new fabrics for a-typical pieces, but also a learning process for both Wooster and Simonsson to discover more about the properties behind the natural fiber. “In our research, we learned that because of the properties that wool has, it’s naturally absorbent,” says Wooster. “It has a natural stretch and it’s actually better suited for underwear than cotton.”

Another perk of using wool as opposed to a standard cotton in these pieces is the breathability factor and the discovery that wool maintains the body’s temperature, which means it can protect against the elements. The White Briefs x Nick Wooster is built for the streets, the gym, and… your bed.

Nick said it perfectly: “I love the ide

The Mirror Cube: Events The Week Of 10/29

October 28, 2015, 9:00 pm

≫ Next: Costume Status: Pending?

≪ Previous: The White Briefs Gets The Nick Wooster Treatment

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We all have that moment where Friday night rolls around and a Netflix binge is the primary “event” option. In order to cure your major case of FOMO, we’ve teamed up with The Mirror Cube, a new happenings site that features events recommended by artists. With their expert panel of visual artists, actors, writers, and directors, The Mirror Cube brings you the lowdown on what shows, screenings, and exhibits you should check out each week in New York and Los Angeles.

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NY: It Came from Within: A David Cronenberg Horror Weekend at Museum of the Moving Image
October 30-November 1
What: In celebration of the Halloween weekend, the museum will screen horror films by Canadian writer-director David Cronenberg in 35mm.

Why Go: Known for his “body horror” films including Shivers (1975), The Brood (1979) and his remake of The Fly (1986), acclaimed filmmaker David Cronenberg explores the psychological fear of physical transformation and infection of the body in his films.


NY: Deafheaven at Webster Hall
November 6 at 7pm
Picked by: Brady Corbet
What: Post-metal band Deafheaven headline in support of their latest effort, New Bermuda, with Japanese hardcore group Envy and Swedish death metal band Tribulation who open.

Why Go: Allmusic wrote that New Bermuda, the follow-up to Deafheaven’s breakthrough record Sunbather, is “simply a powerful, enrapturing experience” that demonstrates the band’s abilities to “effortlessly traverse genre borders and create transcendent music.”


NY: Lynda Benglis: Water Sources at Storm King Center
May 16-November 8
Picked by: Jess Manafort
What: Over a dozen sculptures, including some working fountains, by Guggenheim Fellowship recipient Lynda Benglis will be on display in the outdoor garden.

Why Go: This is the first installation centered around Benglis’ functional fountains that she has been developing for the past three decades of her career. In addition to examining the relationship between humans and water, the outdoor sculptures also explore the artist's fascinations with landscape and nature.


LA: DRINKS with Feels at The Echo
November 5 at 8:30pm
Picked by: Soko
What: DRINKS (Cate Le Bon and Tim Presley) will perform in support of their latest album, Hermit on Holiday, with LA-based indie band Feels to open.

Why Go: Singer-songwriter Cate Le Bon and White Fence’s Tim Presley collaborate on the psychedelic rock project DRINKS. Their debut album was recorded on analog tapes and was heavily improvised—a songwriting process Presley called “brain-to-tape recording” in an interview with Noisey.


LA: Rain Room at Los Angeles County Mus

Costume Status: Pending?

October 28, 2015, 9:00 pm

≫ Next: This Denim Life: Matthew Dolan Shares His American-Made Secrets

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Halloween really snuck up this year, didn’t it? The time you had to assemble your costume seemed endless until you blinked your eyes and... bam! It’s October 29th. If you're having a real “oh shit” moment about your still-pending costume (like quite a few of us over at OC), fret not. We hit up Deer Dana, creator of the best wearable fan art around, to turn some of her most iconic t-shirt drawings into printable masks that you can download too.

With the diverse selection of celebs such as Marilyn Manson, Prince, and Dolly Parton, there’s a Deer Dana costume out there for anyone and everyone. To prove this, we assembled some OCNY staffers to don the printed masks—and coordinating looks. See? Your entrance at that Halloween bash is going to be a lot easier than you thought after all.

You’re welcome.

Download the masks via Wetransfer here

Shop all Deer Dana for men and women 

Photos by Bjorn Jonas. Download the mask templates via Wetransfer here. Y Projects Coat in black (available in stores), Tigran Avetisyan Wide Velour Trousers in black, Dr. Martens shoes in black (available in store)Comme des Garcons girl top in pink (available in store), Fleamadonna Dress in white (available in stores), Marques'Almeida Metallic Leather Handbag in pink, Toga Archives Ankle Boots in bordeaux (available in stores), Tuleste Pom-Pom Earrings in pink (available in stores)Yves Salomon Hood in cream (available in stores), Issey Miyake A-POC Rib Mesh Turtleneck in pink, Fleamadonna Denim Wide Pants in blue

This Denim Life: Matthew Dolan Shares His American-Made Secrets

October 28, 2015, 9:00 pm

≫ Next: Happy Halloween From The Opening Ceremony Fam!

≪ Previous: Costume Status: Pending?

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I first met Matthew Adams Dolan strictly by loving of his work and being a fellow denim enthusiast. The story goes: Girl follows boy on Instagram, boy follows back. And thus our friendship was born. So I was obviously thrilled to find out that all of the denim used in Matthew’s collections is made in America and all of his pieces are produced in New York. Not only is Matthew extremely talented, but he’s also one of the nicest and most soft-spoken individuals I’ve ever met.

Feeling like a fangirl in head-to-toe camouflage, I decided to invite myself (and Opening Ceremony photographer Matt Kelly) over to his beautiful South Street Seaport studio to talk about his Fall/Winter 2015 collection, Western wear, and (most importantly), denim.


Shop all Matthew Adams Dolan here

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KINDALL ALMOND: Denim and American workwear is clearly a starting point for your collections. What is it that makes you so attracted to traditional fabrics such as denim and camo?
MATTHEW ADAMS DOLAN: It’s always something that I’ve been interested in. When I was in school, it was really the main thing that ran through all of my projects that I’d worked on. It was what I wanted to focus on for my thesis collection. I guess what I like about it is that it’s something that is so familiar, something we’re so used to seeing. So then it becomes something that you can play with a lot.

Has denim always been a reoccurring theme in all of your collections, or is it something newer?
Not always. My second year [in college] was mostly focused on all-denim. I was obsessed with looking at what people were wearing and how they were wearing it. That then sort of turned into exaggerating it, which is when everything became really oversized.

I feel like there’s always an element of nostalgia with all of the work you create. I noticed, especially in the Fall/Winter 2015 collection, that there are very clear Western and Southwestern references.
Yeah, there’s definitely that element of Western vibes, especially with the weaving. I did all of this research on craft and the history of weaving in the U.S.A. I read this book about the Navajo and how they would trade military jackets with the army, take the fibers apart, and reweave them into rugs. That’s where the weaving and the denim sort of came together. It’s all made from vintage Levis and is then rewoven back together. Denim has also played a huge part not only for cowboys, but also for hip-hop. Even though these worlds are complete opposites, denim is still such a major part of both of those cultures.

Are you continuing to weave in your current and upcoming collections?
I definitely want to keep that element of craft moving forward as it’s something I’ve always been obsessed with and have always done. It’s not only about having these woven objects, but also about finding new ways to wear them and reproduce them, which can be difficult.

Where do you see that crafty element in your Spring/Summer 2016 collection?
I introduced smocking which you can see in the little bikinis. These are all vintage t-shirts that were woven and smocked together.

Do you have a favorite piece of denim that you’ve owned your entire life?
Yes! I had these flares that I used to wear all the time when I lived in Japan.

I still remember my first pair

Happy Halloween From The Opening Ceremony Fam!

October 29, 2015, 9:00 pm

≫ Next: L7 Is Just As Riotous As They Were Yesterday

≪ Previous: This Denim Life: Matthew Dolan Shares His American-Made Secrets

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The truth is, we here at OC want to strut around in the clothes we sell just as much as you do. And we look for any excuse to do so. Luckily, there is a perfect holiday excuse that arises year after year: Halloween. For the past six years, OC staffers have banded together for a creative game of dress up, turning even our most high-end pieces into some of the funniest/scariest/sexiest costumes around. Do we expect you to pick up, say, a Galvan gown or an Anne Vest coat to compliment your Halloween get-up? Common sense tells us “probably not.” But let us have our fun anyway.

From Bane in a Fleet Ilya face mask to Little Edie in a Coach coat to the cast of the anime One Piece in Dries Van Noten, this year’s class of Halloween revelers showed how even some of our most serious pieces can have a fun side. View this year’s round of costumes in the slideshow above, and check out our selections from Halloween’s past here.Photos by Katie McCurdy  OC's Tyler as Bane: Fleet Ilya Muzzle Mask in black (available in stores), Komakino Cargo Pocket Army Trousers in black, Undecorated Man Fur Bomber Jacket in khaki, Coach Shearling Coat in brown (available in stores), Hood By Air Avalanche Boots in black OC's Oak as a dog: "I guess "woof." I know this because I Googled it." Larose Black Pony Hair Cap in black (available in stores), Dries Van Noten Fala Scarf in orange (available in stores), Coach OC Exclusive Shearling Track Jacket in mahogany (available in stores), Coach High Top Sneakers in natural (available in stores) OC's Ashley as Frida Kahlo: “I am my own muse. I am the subject I know best. The subject I want to better.” Proenza Schouler Printed Crepe De Chine Tiered Dress in green/yellow floral, O Jour Liora Platinum Nappa Shoes in sangria velvetOC's Abby as Elle Woods: "Bruiser couldn't make it for the photo. He had a nail appointment." Comme des Garcons Girl Peter Pan Collar Pocket Shirt in white (available in stores), Toga Archives

L7 Is Just As Riotous As They Were Yesterday

October 29, 2015, 9:00 pm

≫ Next: Not Just For Debutants

≪ Previous: Happy Halloween From The Opening Ceremony Fam!

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Growing up the only girl with three older brothers is as big of a hot mess as it sounds. Every possible tormenting scenario you can imagine happened. However, I’d be lying if I said it didn’t have its perks. One of those perks is the fact that I can honestly say I never listened to shitty music. The downside of that is that you often become a fan of musicians who no longer tour or aren’t around anymore. L7, the all-female rock band and leaders of the grunge movement, was on my “I’ll probably never see them live” list.

This fall, after nearly two decades of not being in the same room together, the girls went back on tour. The reunion was sparked by the Kickstarter campaign in efforts to fund the documentary L7: Pretend We're Dead. As a fan who never thought this moment would happen, I was instantly pumped. But what people don’t consider is the fact that it’s kind of nerve-racking to get on stage and perform after all these years. Will they live up to all your expectations after so long?

Below, we chat with L7’s vocalist/guitarist Donita Sparks about what it’s like hitting the road after all these years and why younger women need to pick up where the band left off and fight the war on women.

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CARLY AIMI: As a fan, it’s nerve-racking because you’re so excited but never know what to expect after so long, but you guys KILLED it. How did it feel on the opposite end onstage?
DONITA SPARKS: Ah, thanks very much. All of the shows have just been so amazing with the positive vibes going on between the audience and the stage. There’s a lot of singing along with fists in the air. A friend of mine told me how different crowds were now with all of the cell phones out, but our audience seems really engaged and attentive. They make take a quick photo or two on their phones, but then they’re back rocking out. It’s super fun to see.

What’s different about performing now?
The audiences don’t seem to get violent anymore, which is a really good thing. That shit does not seem to fly anymore, thank God(s). There’s a lot of joyful rocking as opposed to aggression. I’ve also noticed that the bouncers in front of the stage are super cool gentle giants too and it wasn’t always that way. Sometimes we used to have to stop songs to chill everybody out, especially when security would get rough with the crowd surfers.

What are the things you missed about touring? Is there anything that you forgot about touring that you definitely don’t miss?
What I missed the most about touring was exiting the stage exhausted and drenched in sweat at the end of the show. That feeling of giving it all you’ve got for the good of the show is really a high, and if it’s appreciated...well, that is just the best. The crowd cheering ain’t bad either. What I did not miss about touring was lugging my bags around between dressing rooms, hotel rooms, vans, and planes. That’s a pain in the ass...and my shoulders.

The crowd (and crowd-style) at the Warsaw show in September was awesome and refreshing because everyone felt authentic. How would you define your fans from back then and now?
I’ve always gotten the sense that our crowd was filled with an awful lot of outsiders from all walks of life. Something about our music hits a chord with these people, which is super cool because we as a band have always felt like outsiders. So these are our peeps. When we’re all together, it is a weird gathering of people who kind of see the world as we do, which is that things are really fucked up out there. But for an hour and a half, let’s blow off some steam and have fun.

How has your style changed

Not Just For Debutants

November 1, 2015, 9:00 pm

≫ Next: Who Really Invented The Mini-Skirt?

≪ Previous: L7 Is Just As Riotous As They Were Yesterday

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Frills have long been misrepresented as a design feature reserved solely for pageant queens and debutants. With the potential for some serious structural intrigue, it is truly a shame that frills have been dismissed by the general public as frivolous and dated. Luckily, for Fall/Winter 2015, Nicola Formichetti and his team at Nicopanda opted to fight the good fight for frills everywhere.

With an unexpected primary color palette, cyberpunk zipper detailing, and structured neoprenes and vinyls, Nicopanda’s frills are a bit more “apocalyptic anime badass” than what you would find at your nearest tea room. Even the guys can get into Nicopanda’s reinvented frills, with unisex pieces like the Frill Shorts or Frills Sleeveless Top.

It’s not that hard to embrace your soft side when it can look this good.

Shop all Nicopanda for men and womenFrills Sleeveless Top in red/black, Zip Pants in black Photos by Christine Hahn and Isabel PenzlienVarsity Jacket in red/black (available in stores), Frills Sleeveless Top in red/black, Zip Pants in blackDouble Zipper Jacket in red, Furry Skirt in blackDouble Zipper Jacket in red, Frill Skirt in redDouble Zipper Front Tie Top in purple, Multi Zip Pants in purple

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Who Really Invented The Mini-Skirt?

November 1, 2015, 9:00 pm

≫ Next: 1993 to 2015: The History of X-Girl

≪ Previous: Not Just For Debutants

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Don’t call it a comeback, Courrèges has been here for years.

The fashion world is currently experiencing a space age reboot, with extraterrestrial Kenzo collections, nods to the outer planets, and, of course, odes to the original spaceman, André Courrèges.

Spring/Summer 2016 Paris Fashion Week was monumental for the Parisian brand. For the first time in over 13 years, Courrèges presented a celebrated public runway show that showcased 15 interchangeable looks available in a colorful range of 15 different textures and fabrications. Designed by newly-appointed creative directors Sebastièn Meyers and Arnaud Vaillant, the collection was a well-placed transition for the pair, who presented an ode to the brand’s space age roots, which were originally launched into the fashion galaxy by founder André Courrèges back in 1961.

Born in France in the year 1923, the young fashion mastermind went on to study weaving in Elbeuf before moving to Paris in 1945. In 1950, André would go on to work for Cristobal Balenciaga, where he met his future wife (and business partner) Jacqueline Barriere, also known as Coqueline. While at Balenciaga, André gained the necessary couture skills needed to branch out and create his own eponymous brand, which he started in 1961. With a mix of spheres of art, design, advertising, and more, the designer quickly made it clear that he was light years ahead of his time.

In 1962, André began to play by his own fashion rules, introducing trousers, little white dresses, and flat boots that had all the stylish ladies flocking to his namesake stores. Three years later, in July of 1965, André would go on to introduce the “Courrèges Future” concept, which focused on the idea of offering women all over the world the same clothing at the same time—fast fashion at its earliest stages.

Much to the fashion world’s surprise, in 1969, astronaut Neil Armstrong became the first man to walk on the moon. This newfound discovery in the world would continue to influence the spacy silhouettes and bubbly shapes seen in Courrèges collections to come. The ‘60s were also an age of discovery, with ladies in France first discovering the pill, a newfound sexual renaissance, and... miniskirts. While both Courrèges and Mary Quant are credited as the inventors or the miniskirt, Quant has famously stated, “It wasn’t me or Courrèges who invented the miniskirt anyway—it was the girls in the street who did it.”

The girls on the street...and the man behind the minis, of course.


Shop all Courrèges herePhotos courtesy of Courrèges  

1993 to 2015: The History of X-Girl

November 2, 2015, 9:00 pm

≫ Next: Forget Fifty Shades Of Grey...

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Those browsing around the Opening Ceremony stores or website with a knowledge of ‘90s cult fashion might have spotted a familiar logo amongst our most recent additions. The X-Girl brand’s signature line of logo tees have long been rare, coveted vintage finds many undertook an exhaustive search for. But recently, that all changed with the resurgence of some of the brand’s most iconic pieces.

With a new collection hitting OC shelves (and even a collaboration in honor of Spike Jonze), those without a prior knowledge of the brand’s cultural importance might find themselves scratching their heads. To help you truly understand the long and winding journey of X-Girl, we have assembled a comprehensive (and star-studded) timeline.

Streetwear brand X-Large—which touts The Beastie Boys’ Mike D, Eli Bonerz, and Adam Silverman as founders—opened its first store in Los Angeles back in 1991. The brand quickly gained notoriety amongst skaters and streetwear buffs alike, expanding to NYC in 1993. Amongst X-Large’s NYC hires was Daisy Von Furth, a former Sassy intern and personal friend of Kim Gordon. A year later in 1994, Eli Bonerz’s brother Eric, who was then working at the New York X-Large store, approached Gordon and Von Furth to create a female counterpart to X-Large. Kim Gordon told Paper magazine in 2012, “[Eric] knew we were interested in fashion. We were always going to thrift stores and looking for, like, the perfect '70s 517 Levi's cords or talking about the way T-shirts fit. Stuff like that.”

And thus, X-Girl was born.

Going into creating X-Girl, the duo’s design philosophy was far different from the loose, grunge trend permeating style at the time. Opting for fitted, flattering silhouettes (as well an an uber-accessible price point), Gordon and Von Furth looked to create a brand that all girls felt comfortable with. This fact could have been helped by the finding of the perfect design muse, none other than Chloë Sevigny. Having met Gordon during the shooting of Sonic Youth’s video for “Sugar Kane” in 1992, the then-Sassy intern came on to the X-Girl team initially as a fit model, and then became a source of inspiration to the duo thanks to her cutting-edge personal style. Sevigny’s muse status became public during X-Girl’s first fashion show, where she took starring roll in the guerilla-style spectacle directed by Sofia Coppola and Spike Jonze. The show made its way onto MTV’s House of Style, skyrocketing both Sevigny and X-Girl to new heights.

X-Girl’s rise was not only taking place in the United States. Like X-Large, Japan was rapidly developing an X-Girl obsession. Gordon and Coppola staged a fashion show in Japan that co-incided with a Beastie Boys concert. As Mike D recalls, the brand was welcomed warmly by the cool kids of Japan: “I remember going down to Harajuku and you'd see, like, five or 10 girls in X-Girl shirts walking down the street all at once.” This was an important development to Gordon and Von Furth, who at the time both had young children and were increasingly busy with other artistic projects. Feeling that their time with X-Girl was coming to an end, the duo sold the brand to B's International, X-Large’s Japanese distributor, in 1998. In 2007

Forget Fifty Shades Of Grey...

November 2, 2015, 9:00 pm

≫ Next: All Hail Velvet

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Forget Fifty Shades of Grey, Calvin Klein Collection men’s designer Italo Zucchelli had the game on lock way before Christian entered the office. For Fall/Winter 2015, the designer created pieces that are built on the monochromatic subtleties of black-and-white films from the film noir era. Stark blacks, soft charcoals, and varying grey tones combine to make a collection that’s fit for a paint color swatch.

This season’s collection also bridges the gap between high tech and heritage, with refined classics that get a modern, functional (and sometimes, animal printed) update. An abstract static pattern is printed all-over a skim blazer and printed pant combo while animal prints somehow find their way into the various film noir pieces, with a Tweed Oversized Coat overlaid with a leopard jacquard print and an animal print double breasted jacket.

If Calvin Klein Fall/Winter 2015 was a movie, we’d watch it over and over again.


Shop all Calvin Klein men’s and women’sCalvin Klein Collection Wool Melange Double Breasted Jacket in charcoal, Animal Print Luxe Cotton Polo in black, and Slim Embossed Wool Melange Pants in charcoal, and Opening Ceremony Hayden Shiny Leather Lace-Up Boots in black. Photos by Balarama HellerCalvin Klein Collection Leather Mesh Baseball Cap in black/black, Animal Print Tweed Oversized Coat in charcoal, Animal Print Crewneck Tee in tan, Slim Embossed Wool Melange Pants in charcoal, and Opening Ceremony Hayden Shiny Leather Lace-Up Boots in black.Calvin Klein Collection 

All Hail Velvet

November 3, 2015, 9:00 pm

≫ Next: The Mirror Cube: Must-See Events The Week Of 11/5

≪ Previous: Forget Fifty Shades Of Grey...

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Velvet has always been a symbol of luxury. Since its invention in Egypt in around 2000 B.C., the fabric has been viewed as the ultimate symbol of status. This could be because of the technically complex process behind its creation. Velvet is a product of a complex form of weaving, in which a specialized loom is used to weave two pieces of fabric together at the same time, joined together by the tight series of fibers. These fibers are usually silk or rayon, but things like mohair and polyester are not uncommon.

Once the two fabrics are completed, the fibers that join the two pieces are snipped apart, revealing two pieces of fabric with a short, silky pile (or textured surface, like the loops of a towel). Because this process was incredibly difficult and time-consuming before the industrialization of fabric looms around 1795, the cost of velvet reserved the fabric only for royalty and society’s most elite.

You don’t need to rule a country to don some velvet duds nowadays, but the textile still has a certain je ne sais quoi that you won’t find in any other fabric. From a Wales Bonner pants set, which is bejeweled in a way that any royal would reach for, to the more discreet opulence of Tigran Avetisyan’s hoodies and track pants, it’s hard to deny that velvet is still next-level in the fabric department.

Shop our favorite velvet picks hereFanmail Velvet Crossweave Shirt Jacket in stone brown, Wales Bonner Aime Mushroom Crushed Velvet Jacket and Prosper Crushed Velvet Flare Pants in mushroom, Tigran Avetisyan Chest Pocket Top in brown, Toga Pulla Velvet Buckle Shoes in brown, Opening Ceremony Athena Crushed Velvet Lunchbag in midnight navy, O Jour Loira Platinum Flat Nappa Shoes in grey velvet, Ami OC Exclusive Cap in pink Tigran Avetisyan Velour Hoodie and Narrow Velour Trousers in maroon Skodia Carlton Sweatshirt in black Moses Gauntlett Cheng Velvet Night Before Dress in brown Toga Archives

The Mirror Cube: Must-See Events The Week Of 11/5

November 4, 2015, 9:00 pm

≫ Next: Air Force Fashion Gets The Opening Ceremony Treatment

≪ Previous: All Hail Velvet

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We all have that moment where Friday night rolls around and a Netflix binge is the primary “event” option. In order to cure your major case of FOMO, we’ve teamed up with The Mirror Cube, a new happenings site that features events recommended by artists. With their expert panel of visual artists, actors, writers, and directors, The Mirror Cube brings you the lowdown on what shows, screenings, and exhibits you should check out each week in New York and Los Angeles.

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NY: Out 1: Noli Me Tangere at BAM Rose Cinemas
November 4-19
What: French New Wave filmmaker Jacques Rivette’s 13-hour intimate epic has its New York theatrical premiere.

Why Go: Rivette’s magnum opus was originally released in France in 1971, but it’s rarely screened here in the U.S. and it was recently restored for this run. Out 1 is considered a seminal work of the French New Wave and a must-see for cinephiles.


NY: DIIV at Webster Hall
November 8 at 8pm
Picked by: Natalie Neal
What: The Brooklyn indie rock four-piece play in support of their forthcoming sophomore album, Is the Is Are.

Why Go: The first Is the Is Are singles, “Dopamine” and “Bent,” have received rave reviews, with the former being designated a “Best New Track” by Pitchfork.


NY: New York Comedy Festival at Various Locations
November 10-15
Picked by: Carlen Altman
What: A six-day span of stand-up sets, improv and sketch shows, live podcast tapings, and more from dozens of comedians like Sarah Silverman, Nathan Fielder, Norm Macdonald, Bridget Everett, Kate Berlant, and Kumail Nanjiani.

Why Go: The festival is the perfect opportunity to see a mix of established and up-and-coming comedic talent. Plus, the wide variety of shows means that there’s something for everyone’s sense of humor.


LA: AFI Fest 2015 at Historic Hollywood Theatres
November 5-12
Picked by: Rebecca Dayan
What: Eight-day film festival that features LA premieres and advance screenings of foreign films, indie darlings, awards contenders, and midnight movies, as well as conversations with actors and directors like Benicio del Toro, Michael Caine, and Ridley Scott.

Why Go: The entire festival is free (with tickets) and open to the public. It’s also an opportunity to see some of the best films of the year weeks or months before they’re officially released in theaters, with special guests in person for many screenings.


LA: Micachu & The Shapes at The Echo
November 9 at 8:30pm
What: Musician Mica Levi (Micachu) brings her band The Shapes to the intimate venue in Echo Park for a night of experimental indie pop.

Why Go: Levi won acclaim for her score to the 2013 sci-fi film Unde

Air Force Fashion Gets The Opening Ceremony Treatment

November 4, 2015, 9:00 pm

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When it comes to military-inspired (and approved) gear, Alpha Industries is the pinnacle. For the last 60 years, the brand has provided durable gear for countless military and army soldiers. Fast forward to 2015 and Alpha Industries calls to the fashion-conscious set, thanks to their new collection with Opening Ceremony.

This season, Alpha Industries’ classic MA-1 flight jackets get the OC treatment with a diverse color range, tonal embroidery, and the introduction of our signature box logo on two of the colorways. Available in dark black, olive green, stark white, and rich burgundy, each unisex reversible jacket is fabricated in a water repellent nylon and also includes a zippered sleeve pocket outfitted with a branded silicone rubber tag. Each of the four jacket styles are reversible, with the option to switch up your look with the flip of a, well, jacket. The dark black MA-1 flight jacket can be reversed into a bright orange; the rich burgundy transforms into a dusty pink; and the olive green kicks things up a notch with a spicy red tone alternative. The best part? Each jacket features tonal embroidery engineered for color consistency in the seaming and ribbed trims. This unique design ensures that no hints of the reverse color are visible.

The white and black MA-1 jacket styles are also fitted with the signature screen printed OC box logo on the back, in addition to a minimized logo on the chest.

Durable, weatherproof, and brand loyal? Hence why we had to make four.


Shop all Alpha Industries for Opening Ceremony hereAlpha Industries for Opening Ceremony OC-Exclusive Reversible MA-1 Jacket in white/white, OC-Exclusive Reversible  MA-1 in bur

Ryan McGinley Slips On The Ice

November 5, 2015, 9:00 pm

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“People were really cold. You can sense that in the emotion of the photographs and almost feel the tension in their body.”

Artist/photographer Ryan McGinley was elaborating on Winter, his beautifully ethereal exhibition, which pits the titanic forces of nature against human fragility. The exhibit opened last night at Team Gallery in SoHo and features McGinley’s trademark nudes, which have previously gone on bacchanalian romps, jumped off cliffs, and posed with owls and wolves. This time, they brave the bleak landscapes of upstate New York, which resemble Siberia or Hoth.

Last night’s opening began at 6 PM and immediately overflowed onto Grand Street, signifying that Winter was off to a remarkable start. In the crowd, a lanky denim-clad McGinley towered over most. He was an easily identifiable target for autograph hounds, to which he graciously obliged.

When asked if his work mirrors the relationship of nature and feminine forms à la Duchamp’s Étant Donnés, McGinley replied, “For me, it’s really about working with a different color palette. I never get to work with these kinds of grays and blues.” “They don’t pop up in my work very often, so to work with ice and snow was really challenging. Snow is so bright and reflective; it allows you to make imagery with a lot of depth.”

During shooting, McGinley and his team used a sauna tent as shelter from the extreme conditions. “We had about one minute to run to the place we needed to be, and then rush back,” says McGinley of the ambitious shoot.

Winter reflects the beauty of harsh terrain and the dedication and grace it takes to overcome such difficult circumstances. McGinley’s nudes are all framed against the primal forces of snow and stone, through wide-angle landscapes, and close-ups of bodies.

A truly striking photograph was of a woman’s ice-burnt back, bent in an S-curve and framed by freshly reddened skin. In the photo, her hand reaches behind her, where two fingernails are bloodied—or perhaps, painted red. What could, (under other circumstances) be a frightening image is instead a literal embodiment of the arid landscape. While other photographs contrast models in effortless, graceful brushes with an unforgiving climate, this one captures the elements’ true effects on McGinley’s subject.

Yet this picture was not a metaphoric exploration of the effects of society on women, or the dangers of rural living. As McGinley explains, “We both slipped on the ice.”

Winter runs until December 20th.

Team Gallery
83 Grand Street
New York, NY 10013 
MAPImages courtesy of Team Gallery

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Reporting Live From OCLA...

November 5, 2015, 9:00 pm

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At their core, the holidays are about spending time with friends, family, and let’s be real, shopping. That’s why Opening Ceremony has teamed up with our friends at Nordstrom to create a one-stop shop for all of your gift-giving needs. The project is part of Pop-In@Nordstrom, a pop-up series developed for Nordstrom by OC alum Olivia Kim aiming to highlight some of Nordstrom’s most innovative brands, as well as current trends.

To compliment this partnership, a special section of OCLA which has been transformed with custom white-noise printed flooring and chiseled granite displays by the artist Max Lamb. The space has been carefully curated to feature items even the most discerning recipient would be happy to unwrap, including pieces from our Resort 2016 collection as well as exclusive giftable accessories and some of our favorite pieces from brands such as Venessa Arizaga, Nicopanda, Alix, and Adam Selman.

Carrying the glitchy theme of the shop’s decor, we even set up a trippy pop-in cam to capture all of the goings-on in OCLA. The best part? You can view a livestream of that camera below, and revel in all of the holiday goodness.

Shop all Opening Ceremony for men and women


Photos by Lee Thompson

Nick Wooster Goes Down Under

November 8, 2015, 9:00 pm

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It’s no secret that Nick Wooster is a well-traveled man. From business trips in Tokyo to in-store meetings at Opening Ceremony in New York, the influential tastemaker’s passport is well-stamped. This accumulation of diverse passport sign-offs might lead one to believe that the menswear maven might be quite jaded when it comes to traveling unexplored territories. This couldn’t be further from the truth, as was made evident during his ten-day trip to Australia last year, where Wooster traveled down under to get some firsthand knowledge on wool cloth farming and see the process from start to finish.

Wooster took the trip in honor of his new curated collaboration with Swedish undergarments brand The White Briefs, which aims to dispel the notion of wool and its’ uses with the collection’s inclusion of the fiber in a-typical pieces. Hence why this collection is a collaboration with The Woolmark Company, thanks to its' use of 100% Merino wool, which is purported to be one of the softest fibers in the world. In order to properly understand the functionality and elements of the textile, Wooster traveled to Australia to visit the various cities and their institutions, as well as the wool farms that were a bit further off the beaten path. In addition to visiting the main cities such as Sydney and Melbourne, Wooster spent a few days on several farms a few hours away from the urban locations that he’s so familiar with.

“That’s the part I ended up enjoying the most,” says Wooster. “I was excited to go to the stores and do all of those kinds of things, which is what I do everywhere. But I never interact with farmers or sheep, so it was really an amazing experience.”

During his travels, Wooster visited Jock McCrae’s Elan Dolan farm property in Victoria, where he quickly experienced the amount of love and respect each farmer has for their flock. Another realization that Wooster quickly grasped was the fact that wool farmers who keep the flock alive and thriving must also act as veterinarians, geneticists, and meteorologists at the same time. “They have to master all of these things, not just feeding and shearing sheep,” says Wooster. “It’s way more complicated than that.”

In-between visiting the various wool cloth farms, Wooster was also treated to several small-plane trips, which made for an easier travel commute from farm-to-farm. “We did take small planes,” says Wooster. “The farms are so big; that’s how the farmers get around on their own property.”

When he wasn’t interacting with various sheep on the farms and visiting The Woolmark Company headquarter offices in Sydney, Wooster was simply enjoying all of the new Merino wool knowledge and cultural beliefs that he was discovering. “Through all of the years that I’ve been working in this business, something I’ve always thought of is how important wool is to menswear,” Wooster admits. “It never occurred to me how it gets there.”

Luckily, for this trip, Wooster got the chance to learn about the true source of wool from the Australian communities and their strong-willed farmers. But that doesn’t mean he wouldn’t go back for more. “The trip was only ten days, and it’s just crazy how quickly flew by,” says Wooster. “I could stay another ten days, easily.”


Shop a

Turtlenecks: Fashion’s Most Rebellious Garment

November 8, 2015, 9:00 pm

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The turtleneck has always been seen as a form of rebellion. Traditionally a men’s garment used in athletic and naval fields, the turtleneck was turned into a feminist fashion trend back in the ‘20s, due in part to Coco Chanel’s trendsetting, controversial designs. During the mid-20th century, the garment, which was co-opted by radical academics and artists, was unofficially deemed the “anti-tie.” From Carl Sagan to Michel Foucault, the turtleneck became the go-to staple for smartly-dressed gents that rejected the traditional notion of dress shirts and ties. Once described in Esquire magazine as being “the boldest of all the affronts to the status quo,” the turtleneck goes down in history as one of the most defiant fashion staples of modern history.

Even today, turtlenecks carry a sense of nonconformity. With season after season of cut outs, low necklines, and high slits, the sophisticated mystery of the turtleneck feels intrinsically exciting. With this season’s class of high-necked garments, it’s hard to not want in on the movement. Whether it’s J.W. Anderson’s innovative colorblocking, Kiko Mizuhara for Opening Ceremony’s unexpected cropped silhouettes, or (the late turtleneck king Steve Jobs’ favorite designer) Issey Miyake’s edgy ribbed mesh, it’s easy to see that the turtleneck is set to make waves for years to come.

Shop our favorite turtlenecks here and in the slideshow aboveL-R: Alexander Wang Studded Long-Sleeve Back Zip Turtleneck in nocturnal, Raf Simons Embroidered Rollneck Sweater in red, Opening Ceremony Pilot Jersey Pullover in black Eckhaus Latta "My Own Private I Don't Know" Turtleneck in grey Low Classic Turtleneck Knit Dress in navy/white T by Alexander Wang Dropped Needle Long-Sleeve Turtleneck in midnight KTZ Dogtooth Print Poloneck in white/black Ryan Roche in black

Take 11% Off And Date Yourself On Singles Day

November 9, 2015, 9:00 pm

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This year, Opening Ceremony wants you to take a moment to forget about those “complicated” relationships, missed Tinder swipes, or single life in general, and reward the real number one in your life: YOU. In honor of Singles Day, China’s biggest holiday celebrated on 11/11, we’re encouraging you to spoil yourself and take 11% off almost everything online. But hurry, you only have until Thursday, November 11th at 11:59 PM EST to woo yourself with new gifts.

So who cares if Chinese mega-store Alibaba made up another commercialized holiday? Ultimately, we’re all victim to the “one for you, one for me” holiday shopping syndrome… Singles Day just makes us feel a little less guilty.


Use code Singles for 11% off on 11/11

Shop men’s and women’s


*Promotion starts Tuesday, November 10th at 11:00 am EST and ends on Wednesday, November 11th at 11:59 pm EST. Promotion is valid on full-priced merchandise only and cannot be combined with other discount offers. Promotion is not valid on: Alpha Industries for Opening Ceremony, Commes des Garcons, Delfina Delettrez, Kanye West x adidas Originals, Maison Margiela, Minnetonka for Opening Ceremony, Opening Ceremony x Rains, Yves Salomon, Yves Salomon for Opening Ceremony, and all Pre-Spring 2016 collections.

Use code Singles for 11% off on 11/11. Read below for more details 

Over The Moon For adidas Originals Yeezy Boost 350

November 9, 2015, 9:00 pm

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On Saturday, November 14, the YEEZY BOOST 350 sneakers are back...this time, in an elevated gray moonrock tone. The low-top trainer upper is made of Primeknit, a material adidas’ top engineers created to make sure the sneaker feels like a second skin. Not to mention, the shoe is sleek AF with its elegant color palette, thick rope laces, moonrock suede arch panels, and purposeful stitching on the back pull tab.

Let’s be real though; getting your hands on these won’t be easy. Retailers world-wide have very limited quantities, and while we appreciate anyone who is willing to go the extra mile for fashion, we figured we’d prevent any pre-Black Friday madness with an in-store raffle held at our OCLA and OCNY Soho stores. See below for a detailed play-by-play on how to enter OC’s raffle and remember, if you’re a lucky winner—just make sure you remember adidas Originals recommends going down a 1/2 size.

Please note, due to high demand, we cannot guarantee your purchase of a pair of YEEZY BOOST 350s. Thank you for understanding!


adidas Originals YEEZY BOOST 350 In-Store Raffle to Purchase

—Register for raffle entry at either OCNY Soho or OCLA store locations
—Raffle begins on Wednesday, November 11 at 11:00 AM at both locations (Note: all times are local time)
—Raffle ends on Thursday, November 12 at 7:00 PM at OCNY Soho and OCLA (Note: all times are local time)
—Raffle entries are restricted to one entry per person
—No phone, email, or online entries will be taken. All registrations must be made in person
—Must have valid form of ID
—Must be at least 10 years old
—We will contact winners via phone by 7:00 PM Friday, November 13
—If a winner does not pick up their phone and their voicemail is full or isn’t set up, they will be disqualified
—Winners can pick up and purchase on Saturday, November 14 between 10:00 AM — 10:45 AM
—If a winner does not purchase his/her pair in-stores by 10:45AM he/she will forfeit the right to purchase
—Any unclaimed units will be sold in-store on a first come, first serve basis
—Winners must bring valid photo ID to complete purchase
—Winners will be escorted by a security guard to car/cab/train (Note: we do not recommend taking any public transportation)
For real-time updates on the Yeezy Boost 350, follow us on Twitter @OpeningCeremony.