Just Arrived: Awake NY Spring 2022
Haven Neiman
Awake NY
Spring 2022
Inspired by the throwback aesthetics of ‘90s streetwear, Awake NY is a premium fashion label that considers New York City’s culturally-diverse approach to its people, music, and, most importantly, its inhabitants. First established in 2012 by former Supreme director Angelo Baque, the designer grew up in Richmond Hill, Queens, with a strong interest in photography, fashion, and the arts in its entirety. As a teen, Baque would take the one-hour subway ride down to Soho, New York, as often as he could to take in the ambiance of the eclectic downtown scene. Before being the director at Supreme and then the founder of Awake NY, Angelo Baque’s fashion resume was hefty. He had interned with The Source Magazine in 1997 and the famed designer/long-time Nike collaborator Jeff Staple at the Fader Magazine. By working from Supreme from 2006 to 2016, he helped steer the underground skate shop to a household name.
Initially born as a side project, Awake NY bends the traditional boundaries of high-end streetwear while embodying relevant cultural references. Awake NY’s deliveries present loud designs, vibrant colors, and clever graphics. The logo-driven streetwear brand is primarily known for its signature flowing script motif and designs grounded in New York heritage. Awake NY’s first drop of the Spring 2022 season is versatile in its aesthetic and is inspired by the late ‘90s and early 2000s of New York City. By capturing the free and aspirational spirit of the time, the delivery emphasizes the generational shift occurring at the time. This first drop includes apparel staples like cargo pants, cardigans, various knitwear, cardigans, sweater vests, and a selection of headwear.
One of the stand-out pieces from Awake NY’s first spring delivery includes the Butterfly Sweater Vest. Perfect for layering during unpredictable weather, the silhouette is composed of a premium blend of cotton and acrylic. Within the profile is a ribbed v neckline. The same ribbed detailing can be seen at the armholes and hem. The primary spotlight of this silhouette is the stitched butterfly graphics that comprise the exterior. Additionally, the Awake Star Printed Sweatshort is another notable item in this delivery. The silhouette can be worn with a variety of tops, as it makes a statement in and of itself. Composed of cotton, the silhouette’s aesthetic is primarily due to the all-over star graphics and embroidered branding at the thigh. In-seam side pockets make an appearance, while the rear zipper pocket offers a functional finish.
Hoodies are also featured in this new delivery. With the Awake Block Logo Hoodie, the silhouette features a premium french terry cotton construction paired with ribbed detailing at the cuffs and hem. A drawstring hood makes an appearance along with a kangaroo pocket, while the embroidered block branding at the chest spotlights the rest of the silhouette. With the Awake Script Logo Hoodie, this premium design makes a statement within any contemporary wardrobe collection. The cotton-cut design’s primary spotlight is the overlock stitching combined with the distinct embroidered script branding at the chest. Ribbed detailing can be seen at the cuffs and hem, while the functional drawstring hood ties together the remainder of the design.
The first drop of Awake NY’s Spring 2022 collection is now available online. Click here to take a closer look at this contemporary New York-inspired delivery.