This week, the Agenda show returns to Long Beach. Even though the fashion convention touts itself as one of the most diverse in the country, the industry-only show is steeped in skateboard culture and streetwear vendors. Every year, we sift through the T-shirts covered back-to-front in labels to find unique newcomers. Here are some brands to look for:
Native Shoes: These shoes are weird in a good way. As a cross between TOMS, chukkas and Converse, Native Shoes resemble alien pop art. They come in every color and are made from micro-fiber or rubber. nativeshoes.com.
Mission Workshop: This is what we'll wear when shit goes down à la Minority Report. Mission Workshop's clothing and accessories are high-tech and will keep you dry and comfortable in any weather, while also looking slick as hell with their long lines and wrap-around collars. missionworkshop.com.
Altamont: I never thought I would say this, but cool tie-dyed T-shirts exist. Altamont focuses on menswear basics, but its shirts stay away from lame messages, instead featuring sick designs such as tiger pythons and ladies made of circuit boards. altamontapparel.com.
Velvet Sphynx: This company makes bathing suits with cute, creepy animals on them—almost exclusively. I don't know how you make a Yorkie scary, but Velvet Sphynx did. How about a curious kitty poking out of the jungle bathing suit? That's here, too. velvetsphynx.bigcartel.com.
Picture Organic Clothing: The real standout in this line of environmentally conscious outdoor clothing isn't the clothes, but the Sleepen: part sleeping bag, part Snuggie, part romper. Now you can wear your sleeping bag around the fire! And look super-silly while doing so! picture-organic-clothing.com.
