Hasta La Ideas

In just a few short years, the small t-shirt brand Impure has become immensely popular among Italians and collectors alike. The graphic concepts revolve around living and imaginary icons, but the treatment of them speaks to the belief that no cultural phenomenon is pure anymore—an idea clearly underlined by the slogan, “pure clothes for impure people”.

Impure (also to be intended as “I’m pure”) finds motivation in everyday heroes who mirror change and embody the most authentic challenge to contemporary culture.

Indicated by their website (by the Rome-based agency Xister) and shirt design, Impure embraces paradoxes and subtle controversies. As a result, their tees generate surreal and memorable images, such as Obama as the best DJ, Gandhi as a fighter, or Einstein as sex symbol.

The complete collection today includes fleeces, hoodies, button-downs and denim. The label is also certified environmentally friendly through Impatto Zero, meaning that it compensates what it pollutes through the seeding and care of trees in Costa Rica’. Both men and women’s tees sell online starting at €49.

While many try to imitate the exemplary ski style of Olympic gold medalist Ted Ligety, his panache off the slopes is also noteworthy and even more easily attainable. Shred Optics—Ligety’s line of sunglasses, goggles and helmets—are engineered for seriously pushing the limits and fashioned to reflect a buoyant sense of humor.

Inspired and designed entirely by athletes, the whole collection is great for hitting the slopes—but when Ligety stopped by Cool Hunting a few months ago we fell for the classic shape of his Akroid frames. The aptly titled series of sunglasses are made with the highest quality Italian plastic and scratch resistant lenses.

Known for shredding in pink goggles, Ligety is as freespirited as he is committed to his sport and his line of optics perfectly illustrates that. The Akroid sunglasses offer 100% UVA/UVB/UVC protection in four spirited colorways. They can be found at stores worldwide for $159.

For Valentine’s Day jewelery designer Laura Lobdell, known for casting found objects like champagne corks and matchsticks in silver, created four new pieces, which each come accompanied by hand-painted cards.

A more gritty version of Margiela’s hospital bracelet, the Four Letter Love Cuff says “I found you and you have made a big impression on me!” An immortalized cigarette butt reads “You are the one, no ifs ands or butts about it.” Another favorite, the candy heart with a bite taken out of it, becomes a sweetly abstract charm.

For those in NYC, visit Laura’s petite store filled with charming little trinkets, or order online from her website.