Before we potentially incriminate ourselves by reading this week’s post, I want to thank everyone for their support. For those that have worked in creative fields, you can probably relate when I say that putting out new work is nerve-wracking. I’m not a writer, and if I am, I’m certainly not a good writer. However, I do love discussing my interests with likeminded people, or even total randos who see me as just another tech-bro bode boy (The Cut, I will never forgive you).
So, thank you for indulging me in my madness, and I will certainly do my best to keep pumping these out for you.
Anyway, back to the show!
If you’re a total slug like me, your days will typically start off with a dose of doom-scrolling through Tik Tok and Instagram; trying to feel something first thing in the morning. This week, I had stumbled on an article on The New York Times, written by Jacob Gallagher, covering the Austrian brand you *probably* have never heard of, but will see more of - Rier.
Now, the first time I had heard of them was when Neighbour had dropped their updated brand-list and it featured Rier and Unkruid (will be covering them in the future) as two of their newest additions.
Founded in 2019 by Andreas Steiner, Rier has committed to produce responsibly sourced and ethically made garments; promoting natural materials and creating practical designs that fit day-to-day life. Andreas, like most of us, explored the Italian Alps in their childhood which inspired him to create, as they say, “mountain garments” that will last you a lifetime.
After taking a peek at their garments in-store, I could definitely see why Neighbour had picked them up. Each piece feels like it’s been carefully constructed, as you can feel how great the quality just by holding it in your hands. To further add to the lore, the brand works with local Italian craftsmen and use a pecial wool fabric in their garments. They’ve made it a point to eliminate microplastics in their products, which is lovely to hear considering how often we hear of microplastics being found in the ocean, in our food, or even in our blood. Our blood, dude. BLOOD.
(fun fact about me: I can make blood hand sign perfectly. use this newfound knowledge in whatever way you like.)
After perusing through the internet, the one piece by Rier that is lighting it up online is the Fleece, with a hefty price-point of $1,300CAD+. Personally, my favourites by Rier include the fleece, along with the Rain Boots ($1,497.20) and Walker Jacket City Crop Castoro ($1,313.87).
At the end of the day, I understand why their fleece is priced so high after trying the garment on, feeling the quality of the fabric, and seeing it’s simple, yet stunning, design. With what I’ve read so far, I do appreciate the brand’s beliefs and how they’re operating. The thing that troubles me the most is how normalized this price-point is becoming; making higher-quality garments more and more unattainable for enthusiasts like myself. Yes, I’m all for spending a pretty penny on something that will last me a lifetime, therefore, minimizing any additional waste added to the environment, but the affordability line here keeps getting pushed further and further each year.
Luckily, I’ve pulled a few alternatives that you can choose from at a lower price-point, and there are two polyester options, as not everyone can afford a $500+ fleece. If you’d like to learn how to treat pieces that are polyester-heavy, and help reduce any additional waste, you can check out this link.
These won’t hit as hard as Rier’s fleece, but they’re still good options to look into if you’re in the market for a fleece, or sweatshirt.
Tier One:
$49.90CAD, remaining sizes - XS - XXL
100% Recycled Polyester
Lady White Co. Quarter Zip Sweatshirt
$250CAD, remaining sizes - S, L, XL
100% Cotton
$380CAD, remaining sizes - S - XL
100% Polyester
Tier Two:
A.PRESSE Vintage Half-Zip Sweater
$550CAD, remaining sizes - 2
100% Cotton
Camiel Fortgens Track Fleece Jacket
(On Sale) $651CAD, remaining sizes - M
65% Recycled Wool, 35% Recycled Fleece Outer
Small Talk Studio Wool Fleece Jacket
$755CAD, remaining sizes - XS - XL
100% Wool (use SHOP24 to receive 25% off)
Tier Three:
$970CAD, remaining sizes - XS, S
80% Wool, 10% Polyamide, 10% Cashmere
At the end of the day, one of my many mottos is “do whatever is best for you”, but my suggestion is to be more conscious of the purchases you’re making. If you’ve got the $hells to do it, I’m always going to recommend snagging the higher quality option that will remain in your rotation for good (or at least, like, two years pls).
In other news, I’ve finally lost my Comoli virginity by picking up their Cotton Double Layered Shirt. I’ve always been hesitant to pick up anything by Comoli as I wasn’t very familiar with the brand, nor do they have a strong online presence, therefore, they didn’t have very much information about their collections, history, etc. Regardless, I’ve tried on several pieces by them before and ended up leaving each piece behind to pick up on a later date; thinking it was going to sit until I can fully afford it, or possibly go on sale. Yeah, definitely not the case. If you’ve got one of their pieces in your hand, and you’re debating whether to pick it up or not - please, for the love of god, pick it up.
The Tokyo-based brand believes that the most important part of design is “the feeling of air between the person wearing the clothes and the clothing itself.” When you throw on one of their garments, you will absolutely understand what they mean as each piece feels airy, relaxed and is meant to be worn everyday.
As mentioned in my previous post, the goal is to build a wardrobe that will last me a lifetime, and can be worn everyday without hesitation. Comoli is one of the those brands worth investing in. Fuck paying rent fr fr. Catch me sucking down rice and lemon water for the foreseeable future after spending my savings on their latest collection.
I’m kicking myself for leaving their Wool Crewneck Knit behind as it is truly - and I can’t emphasize this enough - the perfect crewneck. Washida currently has the Wool Knit Jacket, as seen above the photo of me with a bindle, available in size 2 and 3. If you’re looking for a blazer that’s slightly oversized and stupidly comfortable, then definitely take a peek.
Warning: It will cost you a pretty penny, but you will be wearing it when you’re 50 and applying for the Golden Bachelorette.
*I should be allowed to apply to be on Golden Bachelorette as a 30-year old. Come on now.
As promised, here are my picks for week two of Duchump. If only my picks for fantasy football were as good as my picks for this newsletter.
I’ve loved everything Chris Kontos has produced for years now, and if you’re looking for a banger playlist, I recommend listening to the one he made for Neighbour way, way back in the day.
(Pre-Owned) Lemaire Mockneck Sweater
Size: XL
(Pre-Owned) Willy Chavarria Black Denim Jacket
Size: L
Taiga Takahashi Lot 507 Crewneck Sweater Ivory
Size: 40, 42
Colbo Banaras Shirt Brown Stripe
Size: XS - L
Yoko Sakamoto Jazz Slip-On Shoe
Size: 9, 10US M
Tried this bad boy on at Neighbour, definitely a bit more of a cropped fit compared to other jackets by the Vancouver-based brand. Recommend sizing up for a looser fit.
Size: S - XL
(Pre-Owned) Vintage 70s Jersey Shirt
Size: L
(Pre-Owned) Sony Long-Sleeve Shirt
This shirt kinda bangs - reminds me of the one by b.Eautiful. If you’re looking for a cheaper alternative to their shirt, this is a good option as it’s currently listed at $29.37CAD.
Size: XL
Also, for my Vancouver friends, I highly recommend taking a peek at the Turnabout on Granville Street and the one on Main Street. The former is currently stacked with pieces by Margiela, The Row, and other heavy hitters. The latter currently has Our Legacy, Yohji, and plenty of Comme des Garçons.
Seeing cashmere Margiela sweaters for $100 is always lovely. The Main Street location currently has a runway Yohji coat that will leave you drooling, and by doing so, inevitably, escorted out of the store.
Final Notes
We’ve wrapped v.02 of Duchump and I’d like to thank you for reading, and for putting up with my rambling ass. This has become a new outlet for me creatively, so definitely stay tuned as I’ll continue releasing these weekly posts with additional posts scattered in-between for paid subscribers.
In the future, you will see more features and interviews, though I am also available to help in case you need styling advice, help searching for pieces, etc.
Now hit that mf subscribe and like button.
Outfit of the Day
Album Recommendations
Winner’s Circle by John Coltrane
154 by Wire
Solaris (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) by Cliff Martinez
Eastern Sounds by Yusuf Lateef
Music For Objects by CFCF
Homesick by Ciel
Ten Days of Blue by John Beltran
Currently Watching
The Penguin - S1E3
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Thank you!
love your style of writing. currently thinking of ways to apply the knowledge of you knowing how to do the blood gang sign 😅
Keep it up, this is great!