Designer Carter Young Altman is making a name for himself in the fashion industry by celebrating the overlooked cultural significance of the Midwest through his distinct brand.
Carter Young Altman, a designer originally from Michigan and currently based in London, has been making waves in the fashion industry with his brand, Carter Young, which has been operating for five years. With a distinct focus on the aesthetic of the Midwest, Altman draws inspiration from the less explored facets of Americana, overlooking the more commonly celebrated cultural hotspots such as Los Angeles or New York City.
Altman’s vision stems from his formative years spent in Detroit, where he was influenced by the surroundings of strip malls, high school football stadiums, and the industrial suburbs. He reflects on how, during the early 2000s, brands like Abercrombie & Fitch captured a specific Midwestern aesthetic that resonated widely with consumers. However, he notes that the contemporary cultural significance of the flyover states is often underrepresented. “Today,” Altman stated, “the cultural lineage of the flyover states is an underrepresented aspect of Americana.”
Remixing stylistic elements from his youth—such as artful football jerseys, relaxed tailoring, and pared-down western shirts—Altman aims to redefine and celebrate the narrative associated with this region through his designs. This spring, he received a substantial boost in visibility as his menswear became available on SSENSE, an online luxury fashion platform, providing a significant endorsement for an independent designer like him.
In promoting his brand, Altman highlights three key styles: the Newman, an exclusive-to-SSENSE version of a meticulously designed fireman’s jacket, made from dusty-khaki cotton twill; a collection of denim shirts featuring press-stud buttons and western-inspired yokes; and the slouchy Big Ben jeans, which are available in black and a soft yellow tone. Both the denim shirts and the jeans are accompanied by complementary jackets, which Altman believes add to the versatility of his collection.
While Altman is not the first designer to draw from Midwestern influences, his deep emotional connection to the “haunted feeling” of the heartland lends a level of authenticity to his work that is often sought after but difficult to achieve. He argues that the flyover states deserve recognition within the fashion realm, and through his unique perspective, he strives to give them the justice they warrant through his artistry.
Source: Noah Wire Services
