A capsule collection of staple wardrobe pieces under the label Commoners_Alike is a new solo project by Auckland designer Jae Mills. The name is based on ideology surrounding a separate, like-minded group of society; free spirited individuals who walk to their own beat. A former designer for Huffer and Workshop Denim, Jae was inspired to start his own brand after returning from Europe and noticing a distinct gap in the market for affordable, on-trend fashion basics.

Commoners_Alike focuses on timeless, pared back styles that aren't overly directional but rather simple, coverable pieces to build a wardrobe around. "It's the meat in the sandwich, so to speak," Jae says. "I want to steer away from 'season collections' and instead create styles that will be quite trans-seasonal and hopefully available on a stock service basis." While the ambiguous nature of the brand leaves it open for interpretation, each simplistic piece has a little quirk or point of difference; a slouchy pocket or turned up sleeve, which sets it apart.
The brand aims to bridge the gap between high and low end menswear, with an emphasis on simplistic design and quality materials and production, without costing the earth.