What becomes a legend most? For James Byron Dean, it was a pair of denim jeans, a white t-shirt, and a fire-engine-red windbreaker. It might not seem so groundbreaking today, but for 1950s moviegoers watching Rebel Without a Cause, this simple ensemble (and the handsome, pompadoured young actor wearing it) became a pop culture phenomenon and the gold standard in attire for young folks everywhere.

Dean was a new type of star in his day: one that wasn’t concerned with looking perfect or projecting a carefully crafted public persona. Dean’s own offscreen sartorial choices–-a mix of roomy trousers, button-down oxfords, oversized trenchcoats, well-worn boots, and collegiate eyeglasses—look just as fresh today as they did then. On what would have been his 80th birthday, we’ve assembled some gifts worthy of the legend.



FILED UNDER: birthday , james dean , billykirk , band of outsiders , patrik ervell , kitsune , r13 , barton perreira , jean paul gaultier pour opening ceremony , hickey freeman & opening ceremony , chloe sevigny for opening ceremony , colette , philippe alvergne