In The Exhibitionist Issue i-D gets the lodown on Carhartt and Adam Kimmel’s spring hook-up as they create a collection celebrating Kimmel’s chic, utilitarian aesthetic and Carhartt’s illustrious workwear history.
The 29-piece collection of apparel, outerwear and accessories was the brainwave of Barney’s senior menswear buyer, Jay Bell. “Jay came to us separately and said you two should meet,” Adam explains. “If you can work together to create a line of clothes at a reasonable price, we will place an order. I have been a true devoted Carhartt customer since I was ten years old, so of course I was thrilled at the proposal!” With that, the idea was born. “I never imagined I would get so lucky to link up with a brand with so much heritage as Carhartt,” Adam continues. “And work with its brilliant owner Mark Valade. In terms of fashion values we really see eye to eye.” Regarding what inspired the designs, Kimmel is quick to point to Carhartt’s heritage: “This is a fresh vision of the timeless all-American product,” he says. Cue a collection of rugged, timeless authenticity fused with modern fits and fabrics, and a series of newly engineered Adam Kimmel Carhartt textiles in luxuriously soft denim moleskin, plaid flannels and rich cottons in deep blue, black, indigo and grey. Standout pieces include an artist work coat with a Kimmel twist – that continues the designer’s ongoing relationship with painters, sculptors, videomakers and photographers such as Oscar Tuazon and Ryan McGinley. “Carhartt has an integrity and honesty that very few other brands possess,” Kimmel continues. “It was a unique opportunity for me. I’ve had a lot of fun working with everyone. We would design clothes, eat pizza for lunch, and then go for beers.” Total bliss.
