If you’re like us, your collection of graphic tees is probably a little less, ahem, curated than you’d like to admit. As such, you might not think you’re in the market to add to your preexisting bounty, but allow us to object. Helmed by two fashion-industry veterans (Lisa Mayock and Jeff Halmos, formerly of Vena Cava and Shipley & Halmos, respectively), Monogram is a line of t-shirts and tops that launched earlier this year to much insider acclaim. Born out of the husband-wife duo’s mutual love of graphic design and vintage wares, the impetus for the collection was a gap they identified in the market.
“I’m a big vintage t-shirt fan, and I’ve noticed that the perfect [one] has become more and more difficult to source, and has gotten really expensive,” says Lisa. “When we started looking around for shirts that were new but still hit that same vintage sensibility, we couldn’t find anything that felt artful and original. So we decided to create our own, developing our own washes, silhouettes and graphics.” Smash cut to today, where that mission is duly accomplished: The brand’s offerings perfectly meld the best parts of new and old tees and sweatshirts, with modern cuts, ridiculously soft, lived-in-feeling fabrics and cool, cheeky artwork to boot.
Rest assured that these new designs will be found nowhere near the bottom of your drawers (as many slogan-emblazoned tees of yore may be). Their attractive price point—most ringing in at $65—makes purchasing one (or two) that much more enticing. Here, scope the brand’s lookbook for epic styling ideas and the tees currently on our wish list.
A t-shirt styled under suiting separates looks decidedly modern for a range of occasions.
Cuffing the sleeves is a fresh, retro-inspired update to a short-sleeve style.
High-waisted track pants are an of-the-moment alternative to denim.
Small details, like dainty hoop earrings, a collar neckline and skinny belt, add subtle but impactful finishing touches.
Accent your tees with leather whenever possible, whether it be via a cool jacket or statement trousers.
