1999 Double Winter Jersey T-Shirt with Military Shoulder Patch
Size L (oversize): Best for any size between an IT 48 - 38 Chest - S/M and an IT 52 - 42 Chest - L.
Helmut Lang military long-sleeve T-shirt with shoulder application from A/W 1999-2000. In excellent used condition. Made in Italy.
A/W 1999-2000 is seen by many as one of Helmut Lang's most coveted and groundbreaking seasons. The collection was the designer's most ambitious to date and marks the label's most financially successful period, during which Prada acquired a majority share. Unprecedented in both detail and range, the collection presented a variety of iconic designs that are just as relevant today as when they were designed. Since then, many of these pieces have acquired grail status among Helmut Lang connoisseurs as well as more recent admirers. Their distinctive aesthetic paid tribute to an eclectic range of workwear garments including astronaut uniforms, protective garments for firefighters and motorcyclists, as well as paramilitary police forces' ballistic equipment. Combining these influences with his idiosyncratic touch, Lang created a subversively elegant and uncompromisingly modern universe that has since then inspired a long list of contemporary designers and stylists.
An essential demonstration of the collection's utility-inspired aesthetic, this long-sleeve T-shirt is decorated with a rectangular patch application on the left shoulder. An abstracted adaptation of the shoulder pockets found on military and workwear jackets across the world, the patch creates a subtle and unconventional point of interest that is quintessential Lang. The silhouette is effortless and slightly oversize with dropped shoulders, long sleeves and seams that spiral slightly towards the right.
The top's fabrication deserves an analysis of its own: The piece is crafted from a thick double-layered cotton jersey that has a heavy cushioned feel. The two layers of fabric have been precisely attached together with stitches that form a barely perceptible grid pattern over the material's surface. Furthermore, the fabric has been washed and brushed to give it a vintage finish with a soft, fleecy texture. Overall, it is a high quality fabric that is rarely seen on T-shirts and feels very pleasant against the skin. The crew neckline is finished with ribbed trim.
To conclude, this is beautiful basic from one of Helmut Lang's most celebrated collections from the 1990s. Crafted with the designer's typical attention to detail, it is a testament to the timeless appeal and relevance of his approach. Strongly recommended.