With the short winter season good as gone, we’re already looking ahead to spring fashion forecasts; the first release to make news this year is the collaboration between Herschel Supply Co. and Mission Viejo-based textile manufacturer Hoffman California Fabrics. The old-school accessory retailer recruited the legendary Hoffman to bring a stylish, retro-surf vibe for its Spring ’18 collection, which includes duffel bags, wallets, hats, outerwear and backpacks.
Hoffman, which is celebrating 90 years in business, designed three different colorful patterns for the collection—wavy zigzag, crossword and screenprinted surfer images. With their neon color schemes and juxtaposition on the fabric, they harken back to ’80s surf culture. As Herschel Supply’s Design Director Jon Warren said via press release, though the company aimed for a Hawaiian-inspired look, it opted to stray from the Magnum P.I. clichs to instead “reflect the neon and pattern-clashing of that time period.”
Although the overall collection screams more Southern California than Hawaii, I’m loving it for its bright colors and pattern medley. The merchandise itself is typical of Herschel’s regular rotation of well-crafted, functional products, especially when it comes to accessories. The Strand duffel bag allows the Hoffman patterns to be on wider display; its slim, boxy shape allows for easy storage, yet features multiple pockets and compartments for maximal use. The various wallet styles each include an RFID-blocking layer to prevent scammers from wirelessly stealing valuable payment-card information while you’re on the go.
The entire collection is available online (www.herschelsupply.com), but its official launch happens with a party this Saturday at Curl Surf in Downtown Disney. Get there early to nab your favorite accessories, as the first 200 guests will receive an exclusive limited-edition tote bag, while others can vie for a custom Herschel x Hoffman surfboard emblazoned with the zigzag print, take Polaroid photos and listen to live music. Now, that’s how you make waves!
Herschel x Hoffman Launch Event at Curl Surf, 1570 Disneyland Dr., Anaheim, (714) 772-2410; curlsurf.com. Sat., 1-9 p.m.
Aimee Murillo is calendar editor and frequently covers film and previously contributed to the OCW’s long-running fashion column, Trendzilla. Don’t ask her what her favorite movie is unless you want to hear her lengthy defense of Showgirls.