mad plaid - crooks & castles spring ’14

A new look from our friends at Crooks…

by Josh Madden

Mad Plaid - Crooks & Castles spring '14

Our buddies at Crooks & Castles openly admit to rooting for the villain, whether it be in a movie, a comic book, a novel, a rap song or everyday life. The Los Angeles-based outfit lists everything from robber barons of the early times like the Vanderbilts, the Rockerfellers, the Carnegies, to the modern day billionaires like Bill Gates & Microsoft as influences. Which is interesting because I've kicked it with them from time to time and the biggest impression I get from them is that they're super nice, extra creative dudes, but hey, inspiration is everywhere.

Looking through their new spring '14 offering, this 

Mad Plaid

zip-up, oxford-style shirt stood out the most. The cut and sew approach in this new collection is a departure from graphic based designs the brand is known for and this piece is by far one of my favorite things I seen in a while. The color selection of the plaid paired with the red zipper give me serious Vivienne Westwood vibes. The hidden pocket and the fact that this piece is offered in multiple colorways are just plusses. I also like the fact that the brand offers sizes up to 3XL because there isn't any reason a big boss can't get fresh.

I like that the Crooks team is stretching their comfort zone--and while they'll always kill it in the fleece and graphics game, I think they are just beginning to grow into some exciting new territory. Check out the full spring '14 offering 

HERE

and follow the brand on Twitter 

HERE

.