Hypebeast – Levi's Grunge Prep

Shades of Grunge with
Aïsha Farida and Manny Omitto

Presented by Levi's

Authentic expression means wearing your contradictions on your sleeve. Styled by New York-based creators Aïsha Farida and Manny Omitto, the duo explores the interplay between grunge and prep to unlock new style identities with Levi's® spring arrivals. Mixing and matching the range's distressed denim, relaxed basics, and hero outerwear, Farida and Omitto show us how they keep their style expression effortlessly personalized as they pivot between different modes of expression.

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Farida Look One: Grunge

"Grunge to me is defined by an effortless and undone look, often very androgynous, and usually achieved through incorporating secondhand pieces in mostly black and neutral colors."

Farida's clad in light-washed, loose-fit, boot-cut denim, featuring distressed elements at the knee. The striking Kendal Moto Jacket, a universal, faux-leather zip-up design with asymmetrical details, offsets a retro-style band T-shirt with a tonal striped pattern.

Farida Look Two: Soft Grunge

"Moving to NYC gave me the freedom to experiment with style in a way that I always wanted to, but never felt brave enough to," Farida shares. “Realizing that people are way too busy to worry about your style also helps to break out of your comfort zone and dare to try something new."

Farida again anchors to statement outerwear, pairing a classic trench coat with a punchy green Snowflake Cardigan and a pinstripe button-up. Sensible and versatile (with a touch of expressive color), the layers strike a unique balance between function and flair.

Farida Look Three: Prep

"If I had to choose an era that inspires my style the most, I would definitely choose the '90s. Whether it's the casts of Charmed or Girlfriends, Aaliyah's casual baggy jeans, or Rachel Greene's layering of elevated basics, my outfits reference the '90s daily."

Farida's final look is an all-black ensemble featuring a figure-hugging cardigan over a white collared, boyfriend button-up shirt for a pop of contrast, and slim boot-cut denim for a poised, lithe form. Silver-toned accessories, like hoop earrings and a chunky wrist cuff, contrast the monochromatic color story.

Manny Omitto Look One: Grunge

"Grunge to me is edgy: it's darker colors; it's vintage; it's so many things. Grunge is getting some dirt or a few rips in your jeans and realizing that [this] doesn't ruin them but actually adds to them and gives them more character. A polished look is the complete opposite: it's clean, well-thought-out, and nicely tailored."

Manny Omitto leans into street style to create the type of outfits you'd wear hopping from train to train to get to shoots and fittings across the city. He pairs Levi's® camo Cargo Straight Pants with a long-sleeve crewneck and voluminous MA-1 satin bomber, completing the look with a Levi's® cap and a retro Discman.

Manny Omitto Look Two: Soft Grunge

"Two songs that immediately come to mind that show the duality of what my style is: Lenny Kravitz's "It Ain't Over 'til It's Over" and Tupac's "How Do U Want It." They both influence how I express my style. Lenny is more of my chic/punk/form-fitting expression, and Tupac always did a great job blending high fashion with oversized streetwear, which I love to do as well."

Omitto dons slouchy, wide-cut denim and an oversized denim jacket over a plaid shirt, decorated with silver link chains. Bold but meticulously symmetrical, he levels up the outfit combination with polished loafers for a sophisticated approach or statement sneakers to keep things relaxed.

Manny Omitto Look Three: Prep

"I think NYC culture has made me realize that anywhere you go, it's okay to wear a 'fire' outfit. You can find grunge and prep vibes in the city so easily. Go to the L.E.S and [you'll] find more of a grunge vibe with skateparks. Go to Wall Street, you'll find a prep-professional approach to fashion. It's all about location here."

Layered items, like the Catalina Cardigan, a pinstripe button-up and a white cotton T-shirt, create a cozy, multidimensional look for Omitto, who lands on distressed, wide-cut denim for his final ensemble. Chunky black loafers and a muted ball cap unify the different streetwear elements at play.