The 15 Coolest Things We Saw at the Capsule New York Trade Show

Image via Complex Original

It's no secret that Scandinavian menswear brands are producing some of the sickest stuff out there, and Han Kjøbenhavn is for sure at the front of the pack. This murdered-out trench coat-length bomber jacket from the label is a sure-fire banger for spring/summer 2015, but the entire collection was one of the strongest at the show. Definitely get on board with this Danish label, because a piece like this could be worn every single cool spring night and would never get stale.

Of course menswear's OG punk Mark McNairy would print Sex Pistols lyrics on a shirt, and of course it'd be "Never Trust a Hippie" on a tie-dye button-down. McNairy's collections always have a few pieces in them that focus on textual wit and humor, and spring/summer 2015 is no exception. Besides neck-snapping items like this, the majority of the season is comprised of high-quality menswear staples done up in a way that will never relegate you to another ol' suit. If you're a serious dresser with a sense of humor, then you already know that McNairy is always operating on another level than the rest of us.

AXS Folk Tech is only a few seasons old, but with accounts at Union Los Angeles, Need Supply, and a whole slew of Japanese shops, it's imperative that you pay attention to what this brand is doing. The general motif of the brand is rooted in kooky rock climbing and mountain culture, but a huge emphasis is placed on materials and performance without looking too tech-y. For example, this shirt is made of boiled indigo seersucker, but not the kind that WASPs wear to garden parties. The boiling process shrinks the cotton in the shirt but not the polyester, giving the piece a scrunched up texture. The entire collection exudes offbeat vibes, which is a giant positive (unless you're the kind to never venture off the beaten path).

Garbstore acts as a conduit for timeless clothing items to get slapped with modern materials and alterations, resulting in classic items that don't look like anything else that's been done before. Garbstore's racks were chock full of tastiness, but the eye is immediately drawn to this safety orange denim jacket with a small amount of paint splatter. This piece could either work as attention-grabbing outerwear, or layer it under a bomber jacket to create a more complex fit that will become a mainstay in your rotation.

Not much praise can be given to Naked & Famous that hasn't already been heaped upon them. Every season this Montreal-based denim brand experiments with materials and technique to create something truly unique. For spring/summer 2015, the mad scientists behind N&F created a pair of jeans with a weft made of copper. There's also a pair dyed in black ink, which fades to deep blue. The brand puts out super strong shirting options as well, but this azure denim stood out as a pair of jeans that would pretty much go with outfit you rock next spring. They might even outshine your standout kicks.

If you don't have a strong print option in your spring/summer wardrobe, then add Mr. Nieves to the list of brands you need to start copping from. Created by New York native Sam Nieves-Velez, the collection takes inspiration from his global travels and diverse upbringing. The bold prints may not be for the faint of heart, but you'd be surprised to see how well something like the above shirt works if you keep the rest of the alphet simple. 

You already know Reigning Champ for making some of the best sweatshirts and sweat pants in the world, but the Canadian label is expanding into adventurous territory in 2015. This baseball jacket is a cut that the brand has done before, but by mixing up the materials you get a little bit of everything, which is a bonus when dealing with the flawless Reigning Champ. The champ is here, and it's only expanding its empire.

Shades of Grey by Micah Cohen always provides a huge amount of options that span the men's style spectrum so thoroughly that no matter what your personal steez is, there's unquestionably something by this brand that works for you. This multi-fabric button-down has a classic stripe segment above, with a grey chambray below, separated by a black band. The material mixing is a theme that runs through many pieces in the collection, but this one definitely gets a heavy co-sign.

Stutterheim creates, without a doubt, some of the best rain jackets in the world. The Swedish brand hand-crafts each piece individually, and the quality shows. Seriously, precipitation will never even come close to your body with one of these bad boys on. Typically, Stutterheim deals in solid colored jackets, but for spring/summer 2015, the label is getting slightly playful. It's a welcome addition to a brand that doesn't fuck around when it comes to staying dry.

Nocturnal Workshop is a Vancouver-based bag company that has mastered the use of the reflective 3M material. Except for the heavy-duty hardware and leather accents, this entire bag is made up of the stuff, as is every other piece in the brand's offerings. Safety at night is just an added bonus for a bag this dope. You will without question have people asking you where you copped this bag if you showed out with it slung over your shoulder.

Maiden Noir skirts the line between menswear and streetwear masterfully. A perfect example is this black-on-black camo button-down. The pattern is subtle enough to be worn under a blazer or jacket without commanding attention, but the inky piece could just as easily be incorporated into a streetwear-centric wardrobe. This item is one of those things where, not everyone's going to notice how dope it is, but those who do will acknowledge how ill it truly is.

Eat Dust is a small label from Belgium that puts out some of the toughest clothing out there. The brand is rooted in OG motorcycle culture, but don't think that they cite the bike life as an influence on some marketing ploy type shit. The guys who design this brand create product that allow them to live life on the road to the fullest, meaning classic workwear with hardcore modern additions. This contrast collar chore coat looks good enough to excel in most everyday situations, but trust that this is rugged enough to remain in your family for at least a few generations.

Iuter focuses primarily on textiles, and it shows. The Italian brand puts as much focus into research and development as the other processes required to create a full collection, and the result is wild prints and graphics that are borderline art pieces. This poncho would be a pretty bold move even for the stoutest of heart, but high risk, high reward. If standing out with one-of-a-kind garments from niche labels is your modus operandi, then start prepping for Iuter's spring drop.

The search for the perfect white tee is an ongoing, and quite possibly, never-ending quest. However, many people are going to end their journeys when they come across this buttery T-shirt from Merz B. Schwanen. The German company utilizes vintage techniques to craft tees, henleys, and sweaters that put your current basics to shame. Each piece is manufactured as it was back in the day with circular knitting machines that date from the 1920s to the 1950s, meaning the perfect white tee may have been around when your great-grandfather was looking fresh.

Giro is mostly known for producing helmets, goggles, and glasses for cycling and snow sports since 1985. But don't sleep on the Giro Sport Design sector of the company, which consistently puts out clothes that stem from classic athletically-inclined gear but stand up to today's needs. If you're already a fan of names like Outlier and Levi's Commuter, then you already know what this label's about. This indigo anorak with front pouch is a timeless garment, but its materials and details have all been modified to provide superb comfort and performance whether you're actually pedaling a bike or just trying to head out into the rain.