Stefan Campbell Presents: Avry, the '80s Revivalist

This is Avry, a 14-year-old student and the self proclaimed leader of his 1980 revivalist clique at his middle school. I spotted him on the platform of the L train last Wednesday at 3:28 p.m. on my way to meet photographer/agent Peter Pugliese at Norwood on West 14th. When I first realized that it was a young boy strutting toward me in shocking, neon bubblegum pink, skinny jeans, I thought “Finally!” Ever since young boys and grown men started wearing T-shirts the length of dresses and jeans that sagged like diapers two sizes to big with giant boots, I was wondering when the style change would come. I understand the oversized look acts as fabric body armor which disenfranchised kids wear to hide and protect themselves from their vicious urban jungles. Their layering of coat over jacket over sweatshirt over T-shirt over tank top over jeans over sweatpants over basketball shorts over boxers over briefs allows them to hide many things, especially themselves. But with airport security the way it is today, who needs the bother. A few seasons back I tried having this conversation with some editors at The New York Times Magazine (I worship T magazine) but all they could see were messy kids in oversized rags. Then, Marc Jacobs came out his famous extreme post-grunge luxe collection -- dress over skirt over pants over oversized boots all under gigantic oversized caps in drab yet rich colors in February 2006 right after survivors of Katrina in late August 2005 were piling all they could on their backs.

But back to young Avry and his Notice Me ensemble which he calls “The New Style” that was born from his love of Run DMC. I, however, see Stephen Sprouse meets Keith Haring with a touch of South Park and a bit of ReBoot in his look… references he will soon understand as he explore his love of the Vintage Life. I'm loving that the bright cartoon computer colors are having a major moment again (check out the New Era shop on E. 4th St. -- the caps look like vibrant Christmas tree lights). However, what makes Avry's look and overall presentation stand out was his mix of genres really. Check out the eight button peacoat (not an anorak or a parka though a little oversized still); a flat billed team cap showing the pop of color (tilted up and not covering his eyes… not rounded or creased); his sneaks and backpack (not vintage but now). It's a mix of eras and silhouettes. The look is totally Nuovo Neo Retro (whatever, I just made it up). When I asked him were he gets his clothes, he answered in a voice as high as Eminem's Slim Shady but with rapid fire like Twistaa: “Avirex… Stussy… Union… We go SoHo shopping.” Mix it up, kids!