The Elder Statesman Grabs a Board and Hits the Waves for Pre-Fall 2023
Collaborating with local artisans to craft oceanic swimwear and reimagined Ugg boots.
Since its founding in 2007, Los Angeles-based label The Elder Statesman has defined itself as pure fun. Founder Greg Chait is often inspired by high-quality craftsmanship, while Creative Director Bailey Hunter keeps antics lively, laidback, and cheerful all around.
Last season, The Elder Statesman pulled inspiration from Kenji Kawakami’s 1995 book 101 Unuseless Japanese Inventions: The Art of Chindōgu, dominated by humorous motifs found across the playful range. For Pre-Fall 2023, the label hangs around its home ground and takes a trip to the beach to present its chilled-out surf-inspired offering.
Patchwork ensembles came alive by the sea through whimsical embroidery and handmade toggles with vibrant accents, while large shells replaced common swimwear tops and adorned gradient skirts in sunset hues. Further oceanic details dangled from relaxed belts and necklaces paired with hand-crochet bikinis, cardigans, and shorts that ooze with SoCal flair.
This season, the brand collaborated with South African label Mami Wata on illustrative sweater vests and cashmere hoodies with a youthful glow. Tie-dyed button-ups and dresses saw semi-translucent decorations, while fishnet-style garments were matched with reimagined Ugg boots crafted by local artisans with vibrant woven graphics and blown glass.
Take a closer at The Elder Statesman’s Pre-Fall 2023 collection in the gallery above.
In other news, Studio Nicholson delivers understated excellence for SS23.
