We recently wrapped an exciting studio shoot to spotlight a lineup of our best rugby shirts, a series that blends preppy polish with downtown street edge. The prep for this one was months in the making, and we’re hyped to finally show you how it all came together.

Concept & Vision

For this collection of photos, we wanted to bring forward the bold, throwback energy of classic rugby shirts and inject it with today’s streetwear confidence. The goal was simple: show how these shirts move between styles. A little Ivy League. A little downtown. All attitude.

Each look was designed to feel authentic, like you pulled it straight from your closet before heading out to take on your day, whether that means class, a studio session, or the corner café with the crew.

The Set

We kept the set intentionally minimal with a soft neutral backdrop in beige and gray tones. This kept the focus on the bold shirts without making the shots feel sterile or cold. The lighting was soft and diffused, shot with a large overhead key light and fill reflectors to avoid harsh shadows while keeping the models’ features crisp and defined.

Models & Styling

We wanted a variety of vibes across the shoot, so we brought in different models and pushed for expressive, natural poses with subtle attitude. Think relaxed hands in pockets, weight shifted slightly, confident eye contact.

Here’s how we styled some of our favorite fits:

Look 1:

Green and Orange striped rugby shirt, layered over a white tee, paired with dark navy cargos, black belt, corduroy cap, and a beaded chain. This look screamed modern prep bold but easy to wear.

Look 2:

We flipped the shirt to black and white striped rugby shirt, swapped in a plain dark baseball cap, and stayed with the navy cargos. The vibe: classic meets street. Timeless, but not safe.

Look 3:

This time we leaned into contrast: the same shirt design but with mustard yellow and black stripes. We paired it with khaki chinos and threw a black blazer over the shoulder. A black cuffed beanie finished the look. The vibe was elevated street, like you just left a fashion week presentation or a downtown creative pitch meeting.

Preparation Process

Planning this shoot took some key steps:

• Shirt sampling – We made sure all rugby shirts had clean lines, bold contrast, and well-pressed collars.

• Shot list – We sketched out each pose and frame before models to keep the vibe tight and flowing.

The Outcome

The results? Fire. Every frame shows what we set out to create, that perfect balance between classic and edgy. The shirts look crisp, the fits are styled but wearable, and the shots feel real, not overproduced. They’re the kind of images that make you stop scrolling.

We’re proud of how this shoot turned out, not just because the photos look good, but because they tell the story we’re living every day: independent, elevated streetwear with a nod to tradition.

Keep an eye out for more looks and drops coming soon.
And if you haven’t grabbed a rugby yet... you already know what to do. Shop Now.

📸 #KingsOfNY #RugbyStyle #StudioShootSessions