Helmut Lang Men's Bottoms

No designer encapsulates the nineties quite like Helmut Lang. With no formal training, Lang lashed out against the gross excess of eighties fashion by looking towards contemporary art rather than his designer peers. His unprecedented success was the result of a fierce commitment to minimalism tied to a fascination with everyday uniform--from police guards and motorcyclists to janitors.

Although Lang left the label in 2005 to pursue fine art, his enduring legacy lives on through archival pieces. Key items such as his paint splattered denim, astro jackets, and bulletproof vests have stood the test of time, and demand respect.