R13. Pre-Fall 2026 - lookbook
Chris Leba's has revealed a more layered style and protective aesthetic for his label R13, yet maintaining his punk, counterculture ethos, and that very New York City late 1970s vibe which we all have a nostalgic love affair with (don't we?). And one of the biggest mysteries and most potent question in fashion, is; how do you style, without caring about being stylish, and yet, appear to be style personified? Paradoxical or what? Even harder is when a fashion brand attempts to portray this within a collection. And for Leba's R13 Pre-Fall 2026 lookbook, it appears he has tried to portray this punk-esque nonchalant as one his most stylish collections to date, with, and yes, dare I saw, a nihilistic, maybe even a doomsdayish slant, to which he commend on, in relation to his bedraggled styled, and effortless cool looking coats, "I can walk down the street and go nowhere with" .
So, yes, "nowhere", could be our renewed counterculture term, as what is occurring globally in the world, the epicenter being America, is horrifyingly becoming a reality as it unfolds in real time, in front of us all, Fascism. And unfortunately majority supported by forlong generations such as the Y's and Xers, who dropped the counterculture ball in 1989. And now we're all paying for it, three decades of social stagnation and middle class dreams of stability over change became the norm, and this renewed version of fascist ideology is the calling card. As the weight of the world bears down on Generation Z, to set up a renewed counterculture and push against the Far Right. "Nowhere" is right up there with anarcho terms such as, "Abolish Time".
Leba avoids politzing his collections, but one cannot dismiss his ""Fuck You, You Fucking Fuck" slogan which appears on the waistband of R13 underwear, and the Pre-Fall 2026 collection still holds that 'fuck you' attitude, with washed out floral prints, frayed stitching, drapey overcoats, slouchy shorts, heavy set wool, leather pants (note the distressed looking oversized cargos) and jackets, with tones reflecting a looming winter. As the cold months ascend onto the Northern Hemisphere, and Gen Z takes a breather from their monthly/weekly rallies against a dictator, while retreating slightly, allowing their nervous systems to recalibrate.
We are just at the cusp.
I adore this collection.
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(A.Glass 2025)
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