Who? Avant-garde menswear label Popissue was founded in Australia by designer Konrad Opala in 2005. Having studied at the Academy of Fine Arts in Poland and then earned an MA, Opala spent 10 years designing - everything from posters to big banners - while indulging his passion for music and art. He moved to Sydney to fulfil his dream of creating a fashion label. Having seen the brand grow, last year, Opala split the label into two collections - the high-fashion Black Heaven and Dreamers Wanted, a casual, affordable collection aimed at the young crowd. A women's line will be launched this year. Why we love it: details such as flattering cuts, unusual fabrics and interesting prints (which are often a combination of hand-drawn imagery and pop-art collages) make Popissue stand apart from other menswear labels. Since Opala is inspired by music, there is a rock influence in his designs. For Black Heaven's spring/summer collection, he has mixed modern looks with tailored, classic cuts. Fabrics are juxtaposed on items such as punk vests and jackets, while prints include photographic and artistic drawings inspired by the 1960s and 70s and nature. Dreamers Wanted is more laid back, with original prints inspired by postmodernist art and cool items such as specially treated tailored denim shorts. What we'd pick: the Rose from a Dream tee (right; HK$950) from the Black Heaven collection. Where can you get it? Popissue items can be found at Lane Crawford boutiques, including that in IFC Mall, Central, tel: 2118 3388.
