Pair of Kings
Hosted by Sol Thompson and Michael Smith, Pair of Kings is a fashion podcast exploring streetwear culture, designer pieces, and the relationship we have with our clothing through themes of identity, sustainability, and collective affinity. Each weekly episode dives into streetwear outfits, emerging designer brands, archive fashion, and the stories behind Grailed finds that define modern menswear.
The podcast exists between legacy fashion media and new-age influencer coverage, highlighting creatives who push the envelope—from streetwear hoodies designers to luxury sneaker collaborations. We cover everything from techwear essentials to vintage band tees, Rick Owens shoes, Japanese denim to Chrome Hearts jewelry, examining their distinctive impact on the fashion world.
Whether you're into Yeezy Gap drops, Archive Raf Simons, Nike Tech Fleece,
Patagonia Baggies, Salomon Sneakers, Arc'Teryx Jackets, Helmut Lang vintage, CP Company Google Jackets, or just building your personal style uniform, Pair of Kings focuses on what's new, invigorating, and notable in contemporary menswear—from Stone Island technical pieces to thrifted gems, New Balance 550s to Balenciaga runway analysis.
Pair of Kings
Paris Fashion Week FW26 Review: Is Raf Simons Back? Rick Owens, Dior, Dsquared2 & More | 13.17
Is Raf Simons finally back? Is Rick Owens still the GOAT? Did Jonathan Anderson fumble his AW27 Dior menswear show? Why does Dsquared2 keep putting giant furry hats on models—and why do we respect it?
Sol and Michael break down 2026's Paris Fashion Week and Milan Fashion Week with their most unfiltered runway reviews yet. Which designers are cooking? Which creative directors are washed? Find out.
RUNWAY REVIEWS:
Prada FW26: High button holes, dirty French cuffs, and silhouettes echoing early Raf archive (Riot Riot Riot era). A genuine return to form—dressing cool young people, not runway theater.
Rick Owens "TOWER": Military fashion without cosplay. Exaggerated shoulders replace traditional epaulets. Comparisons to Concordians, Porterville, Hollywood, Temple, and Lido—this might be his best of the past 5 years.
Jonathan Anderson — Dior Men's AW27: Paul Poiret references and "heritage meets subversion" press notes that don't translate.
Dsquared2 FW26: Dean and Dan Caten deliver giant furry hats, Olympic ski aesthetics, and jacked models with chiseled jawlines.
Ralph Lauren FW26: Is Ralph pandering to the Aime Leon Dore and Bodé crowd? Vintage Polo Sport looks feel five years late to the Lower East Side menswear revival. But the tailoring buried later—velvet tuxedos, opera loafers, herringbone Chesterfields, cutaway collars—still hits.
Balenciaga FW26 (Pierpaolo Piccioli): Post-Demna disappointment. Zara-coded varsity bombers, incoherent lookbook energy.
Soshio Otsuki — Pitti Uomo 2026: The Japanese designer making YSL-inspired power suits for men. Double-breasted blazers for $600, Boro stitching collabs, jumpsuit-illusion suiting.
Also discussed: Demna's Gucci debut, Louis Vuitton under Pharrell, London vs. New York street style, British tailoring culture, Rolling Dub Trio and Kozaburo boots, making a horse leather Birkin, and whether Dolce & Gabbana discourse is just an easy accountability checkbox.
QUESTIONS ANSWERED:
→ What did Raf Simons show at Prada FW26?
→ Who is the best designer of 2026?
→ Who is the new Dior menswear creative director?
→ Is Ralph Lauren copying Aime Leon Dore?
→ What happened to Balenciaga after Demna?
→ Who is Soshio Otsuki?
→ What is the high button hole trend?
→ What are the best Paris Fashion Week FW26 collections?
→ London vs. New York: Who dresses better?
Sol Thompson and Michael Smith explore the world and subcultures of fashion, interviewing creators, personalities, and industry insiders to highlight the new vanguard of the fashion world. Subscribe for weekly uploads of the podcast, and don’t forgot to follow us on our social channels for additional content, and join our discord to access what we’ve dubbed “the happiest place in fashion”.
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Links:
Sol's Substack (One Size Fits All)