I thought that May was going to be a restful month after an incredibly busy April (which had three wild parties). But I was wrong. Already in the first week, I attended two Asian American Mixers (one was at a Dave & Busters lol), another friend’s birthday party, and a film festival of Filipino-American shorts. I’m not complaining, as these were all such fun things that serve to get my mind off of well, writing the long essays my brain compels me to do.
What’s interesting is that while these were certainly Occasions to make a fun fit, they aren’t exactly menswear events. Outside of Dapper Day, there really isn’t anything happening here in LA, at least not ones that I’m aware of or are invited to. I don’t think that flea markets (where I do run into fell fashion compatriots), count. In that way, I do miss those events, though I’m plenty aware (and largely satisfied) that my life and interests have moved in a different direction. As I get older and make headway into my new job/career, I prefer to use my time to hang out with friends instead of being “tapped” in. [I once told a guy who ran a magazine that I could be his LA man on the ground for local menswear and have since cringed at my terrible self-plug lol].
But if something cool comes up and I’m free, you can bet that I (and the friends that are free) will be there. And that’s just what happened when SFC came to town again.
Scott Fraser Collection belongs to LA. I am very aware that camp collar shirts, big pants, white socks, loafers, and slouchy suits are a look in any location, but there’s just something about the brand’s DNA that feels made for our little town. Perhaps it’s the inherent casual vintage vibe that permeates throughout our palm tree laden soil (which are not native to LA and are actually dying).
Whatever the case is, it’s something that Scott himself has certainly noticed both in his customers and himself, which is why he makes it a point to come out here each year. Yes, I know he also visits NYC, but my hot take is that New York is a must for the customers. LA on the other hand is for the vibes, which I think is just as (if not more) important. Him coming back to LA this past weekend after just being here in March is proof enough for me!
Instead of holding his trunk show in Culver City, this iteration took place closer to my neck of the woods: on Sunset in Silverlake, right across from the Thirsty Crow (an infamous place for those of you who are unfortunate to be single and dating in LA). The space was smaller, which Scott told me he enjoyed, as it allowed him to be a bit more intimate and direct with his clients. The location was also a bit closer to more of his clients this time around; of course my bias is that East LA is just better than the Westside (because it’s far as fuck).
I’ve already got my beloved gauchos (which you guys know I wear quite often ever since I received them) so I didn’t want to visit during trunk show and take Scott away from on-going customers, but I knew that I wanted to see him. And thankfully, he had a little shindig!
To celebrate his early-Summer return to Best Coast, Scott hosted a party on Saturday night. Just like last year, he brought in some musicians; I missed La Lom last year but was happy to hear Los Caramelos. Scott was even able to use the space to showcase some amazing photography by Merrick Morton, a favorite of Scott’s that also shows just how his brand fits in with LA. I wrangled up a few friends (sorry MJ) and made sure to attend.
I don’t have to tell you guys how great of a time it was, but I’m going to anyway! >:)
It was really a fun night and something I feel like I have been missing. Not only was it great to catch up with Scott and Pascal, but it was also nice to chat with my friends, some of whom I haven’t seen in quite a while! Spencer, James, Michael and Jack were expected, but I enjoyed seeing Holly, Tommy, as well as Ryan and his wife Sayaka! There were also a few old pals in attendance, like Dylan and Luisa who you may remember from my Vintage Community days. And then of course there were a few heavies like Luke McGarry (who I am not acquainted with but love his comics) and the famous Jon Jawns, who along with Edgy Albert did a shoot with SFC earlier this week. It makes sense for the latter boys to model for the brand, as they are the current faces of menswear, at least here in Los Angeles.
As you could expect, the outfits were off the charts. Camp collar shirts and big pants were bound to be popular, but I loved seeing the subtle differences in each person’s expression. Jack took the opportunity to get suited up in SFC tailoring (is this like wearing the band’s merch to the show?), wearing the 4×1 DB with a truly epic striped shirt and patterned tie combination. Michael wore a tonal sport shirt (from the 70s) with green pleated trousers, cinched with SFC’s iconic gold snake belt. I also enjoyed Ryan’s camo chore coat, from Sid Mashburn.
For myself, I wanted to lean into spring tailoring (with a tie) with my fit. It actually had been languishing in my backlog for a long time, as we’ve been having a few bouts of cold and rain. I’m all for wearing what you want, whenever you want but white linens and sandals don’t make sense when it’s overcast and slightly cold.
My self-prescribed prompt was tonal separates, which was a fun move away from simply wearing the full white suit (which I did to Dapper Day in April). I kept the Fugue DB jacket and put it with a pair of khaki gab trousers (complete with dropped loops) that I found at the flea a few months ago. The khaki and white was echoed in a 90s striped shirt and 30’s geometric tie (that isn’t Palm Beach but feels like it). White bucks or color 8 loafers would have been an expected footwear move but I decided to mix it up and wear it with my black fisherman sandals. The outfit worked great for the party as well as a pre-mother’s day/Dad birthday lunch earlier that day!
With the mix of great outfits, fantastic music, and dramatic lighting, the event also presented an opportunity for some great photography. I mainly use my point-and-shoot digicam for most hang out photos but this time, I made sure to use my DSLR. And boy did the shots look cool. It’s just nice to use it for more than just fit pics.
I think you can tell that I had fun taking photos of all my friends that evening. It’s also a great activity to jump into when you get a little socially burnt out but don’t want to leave just yet.
Anyway, enjoy some photos and get some FOMO!
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Always a pleasure,
Ethan M. Wong (follow me on IG)
Big thank you to our top tier Patrons (the SaDCast Fanatics), Philip, Shane, Henrik, and Alexander.
a little bit of rest 
SFC makes great stuff and I would think it’s particularly well suited for SoCal.
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