Americana is a subject matter that has infatuated the thinking man for decades. Weathered denim in a plethora of hues. Shirting doused in all types of flannel. Logos boldly stamped in proud typefaces – all unmistakably Americana design traits that we could drool over for hours on end.
Besides America itself, Japan has rightfully earned its place as the key successor of Americana, but things may be beginning to change – many nations are vying for that second spot, and thanks to a brand named Wild Donkey, Italy might just be in with a shout…
Founded in Pescara back in 2016, Wild Donkey have built their name on capturing a lived-in, plucked from a Massachusetts vintage market aesthetic and giving it a European twist. Their AW25 collection is a kind of homecoming – not just to Americana, but also to Italy itself.
The most striking return is linoleum printing, a craft Wild Donkey has embraced from the very start. Applied across the Firenze and Illinois pieces, the process gives a bold contrast and hand-finished quality, proving that old methods most definitely still hold the most charm.
There’s also a sense of personal storytelling this season. ‘Souvenir from Italy‘ is the brand’s first collection to draw directly from its homeland, weaving in cultural cues from closer to home rather than across the Atlantic. Alongside this sits a Rolling Stones capsule – the musical love affair of founder Cesare Volpe, stitched straight into the garments.
But don’t worry, Wild Donkey hasn’t turned their back on Americana. Collegiate graphics, chainstitch embroidery, and a collaboration with Peanuts all remain present. The Peanuts bits lean into the cartoon’s more optimistic streak, designed to spark a bit of joy at a time when clothes can often feel overly serious.
But the elephant in the room for this AW25 release is denim. For a brand with such a deep affection for vintage Americana, this was always going to happen. The Alfredo and Tony denim jeans mark Wild Donkey’s foray into the iconic fabric – one adorned with linoleum prints, the other with chainstitch embroidery – both designed to carry a balance of craft and wearability, whether you’re waltzing down a Sorrento coastline, or nailing Coors Light in a dimly lit dive bar.
For AW25, Wild Donkey have shown that Americana doesn’t just belong to America, or even Japan. Italy, with its flair for craft and its measured sense of playfulness, has just as much to add to the story.
The Wild Donkey AW25 collection is available to shop now from Wild Donkey.
