Rusty's Been Rad Since Forever and Their New Collection is No Exception - Stab Mag
948 Views

Rusty’s Been Rad Since Forever and Their New Collection is No Exception

The appropriately named ‘Before Crowds.’

style // Dec 11, 2020
Words by stab
Reading Time: 2 minutes

The re-birth of the 90s has fallen right in Rusty’s wheelhouse.

There’s nothing that says 90s core surf like a long sleeve tee with a small R. on the breast and a big one on the back, and Rusty modern is doing a fine job of capitalising on the revival of their peak era by cherry picking the best logos and blending them with some modern silhouettes. And, their latest instalment of their fluid range ‘Before Crowds’ is everything that’s good about borrowing from the past and bring it to the now.

The latest BC release leans heavily on the latter years of grunge, where trends began to move away from the grimier aspects of the Seattle movement, incorporating more 50s hot rod and Punk elements, but with a Southern Californian beach wash. The modern Rusty design team have delved into the archives, and leafed their way through graphics and looks, blowing dust off those that deserve to be revived. Think screen printed, washed out tees, Momentum style trunks without them touching the ankles, and bowling shirts, which we’re particularly fond of. 

Whilst we’re on the subject of Rusty, we’d like to celebrate the beautiful simplicity of their Yin/Yang team. They’ve got pretty Sydney fly boy Letty Mortensen tickling the hip box, and Central Coast axe wielder and every Australian tradie’s favourite surfer (and, if we’re being honest, one of ours) Wade Carmichael hacking the Avoca be-Jesus out of the everyman box. And really, what more do you need on a surf team?

As an interesting caveat, a passing of the torch if you will, the Rusty gang invited one of the brand’s Australian originals, Shane Powell, to join Letty and Wade for a couple of surfs whilst filming for Before Crowds. Rusty Creative Director George Henderson said that Powelly’s still got it, managing to reel off a couple of flawless, trademarked nooners on a vintage Rusty craft.

If you’re after something a little different for summer, then look no further than Rusty’s tastefully nostalgic new capsule.

Comments

Comments are a Stab Premium feature. Gotta join to talk shop.

Already a member? Sign In

Want to join? Sign Up

Advertisement

Most Recent

“Not Only Did He Beat That Frickin’ Temper-Tantrum-Throwing Goober, Thank God, But He Did It On A Board He Crafted Himself”

Joel Tudor celebrates the maiden Longboard World Title of Kai Ellice Flint.

Nov 7, 2025

EAST With Mikey February, Episode Two

Five more shapers and five eliminations at rush-hour Malibu and Trestles.

Nov 7, 2025

“I’ve Won Three World Titles, But This Is The Biggest Win Of My Career.”

The true story of how Joel Tudor brought an international airline to its knees.

Nov 6, 2025

200 Anglegrinders Vie For Slab Tour, Bitcoin Winner Cut Loose, World Junior Champ Plunges Life Savings Into Luxury Eyewear

Industry news. Heaps of it.

Nov 6, 2025

Russell Bierke’s Latest Clip ‘Inner Mechanics’ Comes With A Content Advisory Warning

"Those tiny surface imperfections can give you clues as to how a wave breaks down…

Nov 5, 2025

Boat Flipped By Rogue Wave In Oceanside Harbor, Survivors Rescued By 12-Year-Old

“I’ve never seen waves break this far into the harbor."

Nov 4, 2025

Episode Two Shaper Reveal — EAST With Mikey February

Five more shapers, 18 more finboxes — and a whole lotta righthanders.

Nov 4, 2025

The Best EXACT MOMENTS SURFING WENT WRONG, Ranked!

Includes: Floatergate (2011), board bags with wheels (2002), legropes (1970) + more.

Nov 3, 2025

For 24 Hours, Watch Every Episode Of Andy Irons & The Radicals — Free

15 years ago today, we lost AI.

Nov 3, 2025

Eye Witness Account: What Actually Happened At The GB Cup?

"I heard one of them say to the girls: 'Can you just fuck off my…

Oct 31, 2025

Can You Hard-Launch A Twinzer in 2025?

The Panda 'Noz Model' is a fruity Swiss army knife.

Oct 31, 2025

Mick Fanning Has A New Board, A New Fin, And A New Favorite Thing About Surfing

The Stab Interview with surfing's indefatigable 3x champ.

Oct 30, 2025

“The Best Part Of Surfing That Wave Is Coming In”

McKenzie Bowden leads team Roark into the Atacama Desert.

Oct 29, 2025

Watch: Dane Reynolds Explode Back To Life In Chapter 11’s ‘83 S Palm Street’

"Dane's looking all sparky and young again. Even his kickouts are looking aggressive."

Oct 29, 2025

UNLOCKED: The 17-YO Dominating Cape Solander

Kash [Brown] is king.

Oct 29, 2025

Johnny’s Got Your Gun

Seventeen months after slipping off a yacht in Tasmania, a custom surfboard washes up in…

Oct 28, 2025

Great Britain Surfing Finals Canceled After Incident At Thurso; Ian Battrick Responds

"Most of the community supported the comp. It was just a couple of fuckwits who…

Oct 28, 2025

Premium Peek: There Is No One Like Matt Meola

Albee Layer directs a biopic on his best friend — and the greatest aerialist of…

Oct 27, 2025
Advertisement