The Tamesis
Ahead of the season, New Yorkers Jin Kay and Dylan Cao swap photos of inspiring outfits they encounter on their daily commutes, whether they’re standard financial men’s suits or more unexpected looks. “We’re really interested in people, and that’s kind of become our design language,” Kay said. For fall, they wanted to reflect the different characters that inspired them (and hired many friends as models for a diverse tapestry that reflected different styles and emotions).
The resulting series is full of little quirks. Since its inception, Commission has excelled at infusing classic American sportswear with a cool, subversive twist; the new range continues that focus. “A lot of our clothing is very classic, but if you look closely, there’s always something there,” Cao said.
A wardrobe staple gets a new update: This season’s denim jackets feature lower yolks, so they have a subtle slouch in the back. Athletic football shirts can be worn two ways: with traditional sleeves, or with arm cutouts in the back so the sleeves hang down in the front. Business dress shirts also have panels on the chest, while polo shirts are double-layered.
Jackets and coats are just so cool. Leather cropped bomber jackets were boxy and technical nylon jackets harkened back to the 1980s, a time designers still remember. “[The brand] “We based our designs on our memories of how our parents dressed in the ’80s,” Cao said. It’s hard to make tailoring interesting, but the pair succeeded: A wool blazer was reworked with reverse princess seams and curved shoulders for a sophisticated, shrunk fit. “People are hungry for something that fits,” Kay said, declaring that everything loose may be out of fashion.
While the brand has long had a fairly genderless approach, Kai and Cao noted that recently they’ve been considering separating women’s and men’s clothing. This season, they’ve designed dresses and skirts that are perfect for occasions. A silk blouse has pleats and frayed edges at the hem; a matching skirt has the seams you’d typically find on jeans. Nothing is too pretty or perfect. A sleeveless top made from a striped shirt with an open back. Office attire can also wow you!
