WACKO MARIA Taps Lee, Julius Tart Optical, and Native Sons for a Drop Built Around American Heritage

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Summary

  • WACKO MARIA releases a three-piece SS26 collaboration on May 23, spanning Lee Washed Denim Shorts, the Julius Tart Optical AR 46, and the Native Sons Kowalski 47
  • The drop continues WACKO MARIA’s ongoing engagement with American heritage denim culture, placing Lee alongside two of the most respected names in premium American optical frames

WACKO MARIA is launching a new spring/summer collection on May 23rd. The release includes Lee denim shorts, along with sunglasses from both Julius Tart Optical and Native Sons.

What makes this collection special is the unique mix of brands involved. Lee, Julius Tart Optical, and Native Sons all come from American heritage and a tradition of quality craftsmanship – elements WACKO MARIA has consistently drawn inspiration from for over twenty years. This isn’t just a collaboration; it’s a carefully curated selection. Each brand has its own rich history, and together they create a complete and cohesive wardrobe, rather than feeling like a random collection of items.

The Lee Washed Denim Shorts are a core piece, directly reflecting the brand’s long history with denim. The washing process gives them a worn-in look, like the natural aging that happens with well-loved jeans. WACKO MARIA clearly appreciates American denim – alongside brands like Levi’s and Wrangler, Lee is one of the originals – and this isn’t just a passing trend. The collection also includes eyewear from Julius Tart Optical and Native Sons, continuing the American aesthetic. Both eyewear brands focus on high-quality, handmade designs, mirroring WACKO MARIA’s commitment to excellent materials.

WACKO MARIA excels at carefully choosing American cultural references, demonstrating a deep understanding of what those references mean. Their collections aren’t based on chance; each brand they feature is selected intentionally because the team at WACKO MARIA understands its significance, especially within Japanese culture. This Spring/Summer 2026 collection perfectly showcases this approach with three distinct items across different product categories.

The SS26 drop releases May 23 via the WACKO MARIA online store.

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2026-05-25 08:26