Words by Suzie Bakos
Redefining the idea of luxury casualwear has happened rather quickly for Mike Amiri’s namesake label, especially considering the brand hasn’t yet celebrated its first decade in fashion and has already garnered a cult following. The LA-based house is known for its experimental approach to menswear, with fresh takes on archetypal streetwear, tailoring, accessories and signature reworked denim all key in capturing the designer’s relaxed yet wholly elevated vision.
Amiri has built a reputation for LA-influenced style that can be worn just about anywhere, and its recent debut at Paris Fashion Week — which was met with acclaim among fashion critics — has cemented the brand’s high-fashion status. Here, our senior menswear editor, Luke Raymond, shares the key details and pieces to shop in Amiri’s spring/summer 2023 collection.
Unmistakable graphic shirts
Shirts came in every kind of fit, cut, color and print for Amiri’s spring/summer 2023 offering: from boxy, summer-ready options to structured denim styles that will translate to the cooler months seamlessly. ‘There really was something for every type of Amiri man,’ says Raymond. ‘That’s what makes Amiri such a trailblazer when it comes to elevated casualwear.’ Among the noteworthy callouts are the patchwork baseball shirt and the California Hawaiian-print shirt. The first is made in a light-blue patchwork design with collegiate references imbued with a varsity-inspired twist, while the latter showcases ‘island hopping adventures’ with a colorful graphic print that wouldn’t go amiss at a pool party.
Signature experimental denim
Mike Amiri’s design roots are founded in denim, and his unique artisanal applications of fashion’s failsafe fabric continue to reign supreme in the label’s latest collection — washed denim, innovatively reworked with technical details, providing the baseline. ‘Amiri embraces head-to-toe denim this season, creating coordinated looks that its loyal fan base will love,’ Raymond shares. ‘The 1990s-inspired, light washes and matching logo-jacquard finishes on the jeans, shirts and shorts are technically impressive and among spring/summer 2023’s key callouts, while the minimalist popper buttons serve as a sleek finishing touch.’ When it comes to how Amiri jeans fit, each pair tends to run true to size, so we recommend choosing your regular size in the classic-fit options.
The cult sneakers
‘First released in 2020, the Skel sneaker was an instant sellout,’ notes Raymond. ‘Fast-forward a few seasons and fresh revisions of the 1980s LA-inspired style — complete with Amiri’s signature bone detailing — are shaping up to be a highlight of 2023, too.’ The classic court style has a quiet luxury feel, but if a dad-style silhouette is more your thing, the Bone Runner sneaker is a strong choice. The chunky rubber sole is also defined by the house's signature leather bone appliqué, which is designed to resemble the foot’s anatomy. But how do Amiri sneakers fit? The Brand recommends you choose your usual size, and opt for the nearest whole size if you wear a half, as pairs generally run true to size.
Most-wanted jackets
Marine-like colors — tranquil blues and greens — set the tone for Amiri’s Paris runway show as light, relaxed layers that lean into the brand’s muted elegance took center stage. The varsity jacket is a hero style in the collection’s outerwear offering, and speaks to the label’s expert fusion of collegiate references and Californian ease. Designed in its LA atelier, this patchwork varsity jacket is a natural choice for the streetwear fan. ‘Varsity jackets styled with loosely tailored trousers? It’s the new way to do smart-casual,’ notes Raymond. ‘This is a look that will work whether you’re on vacation or updating your everyday wardrobe for the season ahead.’
The finishing touches
Amiri's accessories game spans from the timeless and functional — think neutral-toned backpacks — to high-impact, look-defining styles such as the patchwork denim cap. ‘When it comes to accessories, homage is paid to Amiri’s Iranian-American founder via the MA (Mike Amiri) embroidery at the front,’ Raymond says. ‘If you’re into the brand’s signature bandana print, the pale-blue cross-body bag is a must-have piece to consider and leans into the collection’s mood for all-denim-everything.’ Finished with a branded adjustable strap, we think this one is the perfect summer companion. You can shop this style and more of the brand’s most-loved accessories on FARFETCH now.