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

Watch: Episode 1 of the Surf100 Challenger Series presented by Pacifico

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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.

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