1999 Cropped Sleeve T-shirt with Kinetic Youth Boys Print

Size 48 (stretchy): Best for any size between an IT 44 - 34 Chest - XS and a slim IT 48 - 38 Chest - S/M.

Raf Simons T-shirt from S/S 1999 'Kinetic Youth'. In vintage used condition with minor signs of wear throughout. Made in Belgium.

Simons's S/S 1999 collection was inspired by the restraint of Bauhaus and the nonchalance of high school gymnasium outfits. Sportswear was effortlessly combined with tailoring to create a relaxed atmosphere, while simple silhouettes and clean lines gave a uniform-like cohesion to the clothes, often disrupted by raw edges and subtle splashes of colour. The streamlined aesthetic of the show was given a monumental dimension by the location of the runway at the Cité des Sciences et de l'Industrie in Paris, with the models walking on concrete walkways before a gigantic mirrored globe. Cathy Horyn writes:

'The central question about Simons, and the one that has gone unanswered, is: How did he do it? How was someone without training or signs of genius able to project such a remarkably accurate portrait of urban youth? And not only that, but how was he able to give the idea by his choice of music and use of large public spaces that youth was also a monumental event?'

Minimal yet intriguing, this T-shirt has a skinny and short silhouette with a crew neck and slightly cropped sleeves that finish just above the wrists. The fabric is a thick and compact 90% cotton 10% lycra jersey with a structured drape and considerable stretch that complements the sharp cut. The simple design is finished with self-fabric binding around the neckline.

Most interestingly, the top's upper back is decorated with a depiction of the young models that walked on the 'Kinetic Youth' runway presentation. Probably based on a backstage photo, the monochromatic design shows the models standing upright with only their silhouettes preserved. The elimination of their features helps highlight the interesting proportions of their outfits, such as the sleeveless coats paired with baggy trousers. It could be argued that their formation has a militaristic undertone, yet like many of Raf's early prints the design is deliberately ambiguous and open to subjective interpretation. 

In addition to its great looks, this rare T-shirt serves as a wearable souvenir from an early Raf Simons collection. Its interesting proportions and highly symbolic print are emblematic of Simons's work from this period and make for an excellent conversation piece. Strongly recommended.