A.P.C. SP21: Collection Overview

A brand admired for its established staples and for introducing a new generation of denim designs during the 1980’s, Paris-based atelier A.P.C. may have created their latest SP21 collection throughout the confinements of 2020, but appear unphased when it comes to moving forward with their creative legacy and new range of pieces. Offering premium denim, organic cotton t-shirts, plaid overshirts and practical jackets, A.P.C. is dedicated to incorporating key characteristics associated with their design history and has proudly established a signature aesthetic that continually speaks for itself. For this new season attention has been brought to showcasing their very best considered cuts and wardrobe classics shown in seasonally appropriate fabrics and a signature palette of neutral creams, blues and summer-inspired corals.

Recognising minimalism as a luxury and drawing attention to fabric, construction and timeless allure, few brands can do as A.P.C. does when it comes to achieving a finely tuned blend of contemporary styling with timeless appeal. Like many leading names within menswear who are taking note of their environmental impact and production methods, A.P.C. have made the transition into using organic cotton for t-shirt designs such as the A.P.C. VPC T-Shirt which appears in a variety of colour variations and reworks each season to capture the brand’s personality through simplistic statement branding across the chest. Limiting seasonally-driven stripes and graphic options to t-shirts and sweatshirts to retain a refined look across outerwear, the A.P.C. Gio T-Shirt is adorned with a repeat turquoise, white and coral horizontal stripe which playfully touches upon what continues to be the epitome of French style - a striped t-shirt - with a fresh, summer-inspired colour combination. Alongside this, the classic fit A.P.C. Item T-Shirt will appeal to anyone who prefers their branding low-key with a reference to production count which can be noted back to the ‘Atelier de Production et de Création’ vision behind the brand; to perfectly balance production with creation. Whether you admire A.P.C. for their focus on providing premium classics, or appreciate how they see that less is more, even the most simplistic of t-shirts demonstrates why the label has become so well known for its seemingly basic designs.

When it comes to selecting the right layer for wear throughout summer, the ease of an overshirt or throw-over collegiate-inspired sweatshirt is encouraged within the A.P.C. SP21 collection. Incorporating traditional patterns such as stripes and tonal blue plaid, founder Jean Touitou intends to consciously present historically significant pieces at their very best for effortless charm, without the need of any drastic change. Looking to heritage sportswear and leisurewear favourites, A.P.C. sweatshirts are simple but effective, cut from carefully selected cotton fabrics with stand out logo branding that proudly brings attention to the label’s acronym title. As the most refined option with barely-there embossed detailing highlighting the year Touitou launched his own label, the A.P.C. Dan Crewneck Sweatshirt is reminiscent of conventional sportswear and can be worn for active and relaxed occasions. Progressing upon this same basis but with more apparent decoration, both the A.P.C. VPC Crewneck Sweatshirt and A.P.C. Rufus Crewneck Sweatshirt show a stylised design in reference to the label’s Parisian roots that continues to be incorporated in some form within every new collection. Reflecting the character of a Breton stripe jumper with a casual sweater introduced for a greater level of comfort, the A.P.C. Terrence Crewneck Sweatshirt can be appreciated by any fans of maritime inspired styles as essential influences within Parisian street style and trends associated with French heritage. Hitting overshirt trends spot on for the season, the A.P.C. Trek Overshirt introduces A.P.C. approach to incorporating recycled cotton into their selection. Although this is something new to be noted, as always there is a sense of effortless ease behind the design with an established all-over plaid print that never goes out of style and neat bartack stitches for a reinforced finish.

Inviting you into the world of A.P.C., denim styles remain at the core of the brand’s legacy-driven offering and for good reason. Offering ‘A.P.C. denim washing recipes’ that assist you in prolonging the life of your favourite denim jeans, jacket or shorts, the range of cuts, selvedge editions and colour wash variations ensure that everyone can find their ideal denim style. Originally favouring raw Japanese denim as a fabric that helped to initiate the establishment of A.P.C., a combination of Touitou’s desire for well-made basics and a passion for denim is yet to dwindle and has assisted in A.P.C. becoming more than a fashion label but rather a connoisseur in creating style-driven designs with respect to design specialists. Shying away from the darker tone jeans that prove popular during the winter months, designs such as the A.P.C. Martin Jeans and A.P.C. Teddy Denim Shorts share a lighter wash appearance reminiscent of denim trends throughout the 1980’s and 1990’s. As two eras that are providing key influence to current designs and styling, detailing is kept to a minimum as opposed to often garish or DIY features of original pieces, in favour of all the essential elements that make for a staple pair of jeans or shorts. Similarly, for beach days or warmer-strolls around the city, the A.P.C. Kaplan Denim Shorts have a wide-leg cut, elasticated drawcord waistband and a fuss-free finish to encourage interchangeable styling, movement and breathability.

As seen in previous seasons there is an underlying air of nostalgia across A.P.C. jacket designs, with nods to 19th century French chore jackets, 1990’s denim and protective parka coats made popular by Mod subculture styling in the 1960’s. Perhaps the most detailed design of the season, the A.P.C. Alan Parka offers a more technical approach to everyday styling with durable ripstop construction that is destined to increase versatility and styling options throughout the year. Adding a luxe touch, polished silver hardware across the design reminds us of the focus A.P.C. has on refined quality, whilst multiple pocket compartments and an adjustable drawcord hem demonstrate the essential blend between style and practicality. Comparably, the A.P.C. Gregoire Jacket takes an established bomber jacket silhouette and introduces a weather-protective technical-gabardine material for greater suitability during the transitional months. With no visible branding across either jacket, ease of integration into your everyday wardrobe has been offered and a quiet sense of confidence behind A.P.C. to be recognised without large slogans but rather through conscious, high quality construction and material sourcing is proven further.

Just as with any A.P.C. collection, SP21 may not be full of surprises but the familiarity and recognised characteristics continue to be executed without compromise and builds upon the label’s already iconic reputation. Attaching equal importance to both production and creation, A.P.C. stays true to what they know and present the impact a brand can have when it comes to establishing its own style and legacy that refuses to waver throughout time.

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