The Buyer’s Dozen: 12 AMIRI Designs That Are Ready To Rock

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The Buyer’s Dozen: 12 AMIRI Designs That Are Ready To Rock

Words by Ms Francine Heath | Photography by Mr Francesco Nazardo | Styling by Mr Olie Arnold

6 September 2021

At AMIRI’s shows, the models don’t really look like models. Not in the traditional sense, anyway. Yes, they’re still really, really, ridiculously good-looking, but they’re often less like professional clothes horses and more like a band about to take the stage at Coachella, which might have a little something to do with Mr Mike Amiri’s background. After all, the designer did start his career by handmaking clothes for the likes of Messrs Axl Rose and Steven Tyler to perform in (think hand-distressed denim and crystal-embellished leather jackets).

Since launching his eponymous brand, inspired flashes of rock ’n’ roll have continued to supercharge each AMIRI collection. And while recent drops have taken on a slightly more relaxed and – dare we say – comfortable vibe, the musical heritage underpinning the brand remains strong as ever. Nailing frontman style isn’t always easy, but our 12 picks from the label’s latest collection will have you looking like the fashion equivalent of a microphone drop. Sorted.

01.

The distressed skinny jeans

In Mr Mike Amiri’s books, no pair of jeans can ever be_ too_ ripped or too skinny. Sharing a name with the skateboarding magazine Thrasher, this pair has a cool blue wash that’s faded, whiskered and distressed. They’re easy to wear with sneakers, but try them with Cuban-heeled boots to channel the style of rock legends Prince and Mr Lenny Kravitz.

02.

The road trip hoodie

OK, so we’ve chosen a theme here and we’re running with it, but we picture this hoodie being worn on tour bus that’s driving all through the night to its next venue. It’s not reserved solely for band members, however. The brushed jersey and slouchy fit make it an ideal pick for any upcoming road trip.

03.

The Amp bag

Maybe the band-on-tour analogy wasn’t so laboured after all, given the name of this bag: Amp. It’s been made in Italy from classic black leather that’ll only look better with time and wear and has a unique silver closure in the shape of an amp jack. You could even use the zipped pocket for plectrums.

04.

The Playboy shirt

Over on Instagram, AMIRI wrote that Playboy’s trademark rabbit head logo defines a narrative of relaxation. That’s why the repeated bunny graphic seen here emblazons everything from aloha shirting to louche shorts. While it’s still certain to be a conversation starter, this design from the capsule is considerably more subtle than the jeans with shredded magazine covers on.

05.

The statement sweatpants

Far from basic, these sweatpants are dyed with colourful splodges that look like they might’ve happened during a spontaneous art class in Silver Lake. They don’t just look good, either. The breathable cotton-jersey has a soft looped backing to make them feel ultra-comfy.

06.

The effortless blazer

Tailoring doesn’t always have to be stuffy and formal, as AMIRI’s blazer proves. It’s cut from a soft wool-twill with satin lapels that are neatly layered with strips of glossy leather, so it looks like you’re wearing a scarf. The only way to wear it is head-to-toe black.

07.

The morning-after sunglasses

Need to hide signs of a late night? Dark circles are always a giveaway, but these D-frame sunglasses will keep them concealed. The pearly acetate frames and blue lenses will make a fresh change from your usual tortoiseshell or black pair, too.

08.

The velour shirt

The word “velour” can strike fear in the hearts of even the most stylish men. But fear not – this shirt is a really easy piece to wear with jeans or shorts. Taking cues from the fabrics inside some of the venues on the Sunset Strip, it has a subtle geometric pattern and a relaxed camp collar.

09.

The nostalgic trucker

Mr Amiri often pays tribute to the subcultures that defined his youth in his collections, including pieces that he’d rarely leave the house without. Not one for minimalists, this trucker hat has a trio of white stars placed front and centre and a breathable mesh back.

10.

The cult sneakers

AMIRI’s Skel-Top sneakers are always a hit on our digital shelves, and this latest lace-up, high-top version will be no different. A good way to put some rock god swagger into your step, they’re detailed with signature bone appliqués with defined painted edges to ensure they’re truly unmissable.

11.

The who-needs-a-bandana cardholder

As anyone who has tried (and failed) to ape the style of Axl Rose will know, bandanas are not for everyone. This cardholder, however, is artfully embroidered with a recognisable swirling pattern and has a central compartment that you could stuff a gig ticket into.

12.

The collaborative jeans

AMIRI takes pride in collaborating with local, independent creatives to form a unique creative dialogue. The result of one such partnership, these jeans are designed with the help of LA brand Chemist. They’re almost fully covered with black leather stars, so you only need to throw on your favourite vintage tee and you’re good to go.