Streetwear Standouts at London Edge New York (Fashion Wire Daily)

New York - Streetwear trade show London Edge New York breezed into town this week, July 21-22, amidst New York mens fashion week.

Besides the expected streetwear fare such as studded leather, gothic graphics like skulls and spiders, and t-shirts printed with graphics to satisfy every taste and urban clique, a few independent designers stood out with their own take on hip, casual, everyday clothing.

Tarantula Clothing Co., a forties and fifties-inspired collection for men and women, is already a favorite label amongst L.A.s rockabilly scene for its emphasis on curve-hugging high-waisted dresses with Lucille Ball-style popped collars and clever hidden zippers behind the buttoned up fronts, to prevent the shirt from "flaring" open for those ladies with their fair share of curves. "People think poodle skirts," said Tarantulas art director Cherrie Vasquez, "but no, think of the bad girls!" For men, there are sharp, cool shirts and Tarantulas signature "weekender" jackets. Designer David Contreras said he started making clothes when he couldnt find any more good examples of fifties-era jackets in thrift stores – most had succumb to moths, stains or otherwise deteriorated fabric. So he made his own, and soon everyone he knew was asking for one. "Our aspiration is to end up in a thrift store one day. You got to replenish them for tomorrow!" said Contreras.

Eric Wilson of Florida-based Agorables Clothing likewise had a personal reason for starting his company of hand-painted and hand-printed shirts, wallets, ties and bags. A teacher by day, Wilson said hes always comfortable in a button-down shirt, which is why he decided to take discarded thrift store button-downs but added a slightly macabre twist: red splatters resembling blood stains. Paired with one of Agorables hand-painted ties - Wilson designs all the artwork himself - its like a darkly humorous after school special.

Kevin Belfort of Camden, N.J., designs the graphics for his t-shirt company, Creative Justice. Inspired by music, the hand-screened t-shirts center around lyrical messages, like "We Let the Dead Lead the Dumb." Explained Belfort, "You have to be really dumb to follow someone whos dead. Learn from their mistakes, dont follow them." Another t-shirt, "Freedom in Death," seems dark and nihilistic, but Belfort said it was inspired by a conversation he had with a friend mourning the loss of both his parents due to cancer. Said Belfort, "He told me theres a sense of relief in death. For him, there was no more worry."

Timeless, a streetwear label celebrating rockabilly and hot rod culture, featured the kind of clothes youd want to wear while hanging out with your buddies on a Saturday afternoon: Tough black t-shirts emblazoned with Bettie Page-like pin-up girls or motorcycles. "We like girls. A lot!" laughed one of the founders and designers of the brand, Richard Burton. "Were just a bunch of guys who drink beer. My parents would be nervous if it were otherwise. And Id be nervous!"