It’s snowed about 64 inches in the past 24 hours here in New York (I’m sure reports will refute that exact number, but emotionally it feels right so that’s what I’m going with) and people are literally dogsledding in the streets, so considering summer clothing in anything more than a theoretical capacity is a form of self-flagellation none of us need to engage in right now. But let’s do it anyways because this Star of Hollywood “King of Rock ’n Roll” Broad Cotton S/S Open Shirt is worth the pain.
Made in Japan from a 100% cotton fabric, outfitted with an open collar and available in three pastel colorways, the all-over Elvis-themed discharge print — which features multiple versions of a performing Elvis; a host of symbols, words, and phrases like “solid, “be gassed,” and “alligator”; and a silhouette crowd crashing into the hemline—is what should be focused on, because that’s all anyone else will want to talk about anyways.
Now, was Elvis a culture vulture benefitting from codified racism and the work of marginalized individuals? It’s the soundest case to make (RIP this comment section), but probably one best suited for another venue. In the case of this shirt specifically, you probably don’t need to overthink it: if you like Elvis and you’re into Alohas, it works. And if you’re into a shirt with some drama—I am—and enjoy scene playing out across your torso, it checks all those boxes too.
Oh, and if you’re into well-priced, Japanese-made joints, this one comes in at ~$152 at Hinoya
