The Mt. Rushmore of American cool used to feature the giant, chiseled faces of Elvis, James Dean & JFK. It's not that they're not cool anymore, it's just that the rock formations have shifted. Anyone who says James Dean is not cool anymore honestly doesn't have the right influences or cultural touchstones. Young JD is forever young, forever Americana, & forever cool. But "the cool" - like the hands on a clock, shift. 

The point is, the seconds have been ticking over to Kevin Abstract O'clock since 2014. He has to be a chiseled out face on the new Rushmore of cool. The streets know this. He's been a beacon of hope for the disenfranchised youth, those struggling with their sexuality & the outsiders at the dork lunch table. His music videos make more people openly weep than then don't (not based on actual metrics of human crying) & he has made dressing like Larry David a high art. 

Hailing from Corpus Christi, TX - Abstract never met his father and was not close with his mother, not even knowing what her profession was. His family were Mormons, and "extremely religious" at that. Music was his escape.  Abstract began producing music at 11 and ran away from home at 15, staying at a friend's house for a year before moving to Georgia to live with his sister. 

The rest, as they say, is history. Fast forward to 2017-18, and BROCKHAMPTON- his self proclaimed "best boyband since One Direction" threw the illest coming out party of the year at Coachella. The 13-member group, and in turn, Abstract, were no longer some lo-fi scene kid secret. 

Out of all of his staple & touchstone looks, its the fact that he always wears his heart on his sleeve that is the most relatable & applaudable.

We broke down the soul of Abstract's essentials. Click on the images to shop the look.

I'll be, right outside your window on my ten speed. Now scroll. 

THE ALT GRUNGE DELETE PLAID OVERSIZE TOP SHIRT 

Always wear open, vintage thrift Americana tee under it. Motocross helmet not included in the Happy Meal. LGBTQ+ designer Reese DeLuca- who formerly led the aesthetic for Justin Timberlake's William Rast line hand made this collared shirt with snap front placket and cuffs. Hidden welt pockets at side seam. Oversized and drop shoulder. Imported lightweight flannel. Over-sized.

THAT HYPERCOLOR WIDELEG SWOOSHY PANT

Abstract doing Savion Glover tings in Syndney, Australia is a mood. So are these hypercolored parachute trackies from another Australian legend, Daniel Patrick. 

THE 1993 TIE DYE AESTHETIC STAPLE

Anyone who has ever seen Kevin Abstract needs no introduction to this connection. Say less. Simpson's flip as "Escobart" for the cemented full 90's XP.

THE LIME BEANIE THAT WILL NEVER MATCH A THING- DONT AT ME

Beanies should never match. If beanies match it's hella corny. Unless it's a full ass a monochrome fit, but that's not what we're talking about at all, stay focused. 

THE AMERICANA THRIFT STORE REGEN BLACK T

The thrift store Americana shirt is a Abstract staple, regardless of rotation. It's also an everyone staple since 2007. Thank you Tumblr & Vice & normcore peak levels being obtained by ironic baristas who fuck with Macklemore.

Shout the good homies at Florida's lo-fi/Soundcloud/scene kid atelier, Grim + Proper - the D.A.R.E. shirt flip is always a win. 

 THE PATCHWORK PANT DRIP

Abstract is a man of effortless & avant garde pants. It would almost be a sin at the alter of fashion to not highly suggest SoCal ska/punk/hiphop inspired narrative streetluxe designer Norwood Chapters is the answer here.