Joe Haller and Ian Hannula, the San Francisco-based designer team behind Nice Collective met on a dance floor back in the '90s. ("We waited tables at night, then used our tips and bought fabric," Hannula has said of the early days. "I'd have a 6-foot roll of fabric on the bus.") That initial meeting place comes as no surprise, as the paperweight jackets, hoodies, t-shirts and canvas pants in "Bandolier," their most recent collection of men's basics come with a large dose of night-on-the-town cool.

This, plus attention to fit, detail and comfort is what makes these effortlessly-polished pieces a must-have for every urban nighthawk's closet—and celebrity fans of the line like Chris Martin and Brad Pitt would likely agree. Standouts among the new items for spring include the distressed, black reversible vest, the Shaman graphic tee and the slim-fitting Stick black pants—or, in other words, an easy solution to the question of what to wear on Saturday night. And for the next day on the couch, they've got you covered, too. The comfy white striped hoodie puts other hangover-wear to shame!

According to the designers, their spring collection is inspired by the romantic notion of gypsy life: "Moving freely, forming communities, celebrating differences, and creating alternative customs...an itinerant band of artists and entertainers who survive by their wits as they move throughout the world."

And we just thought it was about looking cool.

Nice Collective is available at Hejfina, 1529 North Milwaukee Avenue, (773) 772-0002.

- Caroline Stanley

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