Everything that you think is cool now, Dao-Yi Chow and Maxwell Osborne learned in public school. This seems to be the mantra espoused by the young high-end menswear designers who recently unveiled their debut collection, Public School, on the catwalks at NYC’s September fashion week. Dao-Yi and Osborne both have legitimate histories within the fashion industry: Dao-Yi previously honed his design skills as Creative Director at Sean Jean, while Osborne ran Sean Jean’s wovens division. In addition, Dao-Yi currently co-owns Arrive, a hip street-wear boutique based in Miami.

Dao-Yi and Osborne’s sharp European-meets-Japanese Spring/Summer ‘08 line is inspired by many things – including music, world travels and the rebellious spirit of New York City’s youth. “We are both teachers and students who continue to critique the culture we help create, resulting in a new vision of constructed garments that focus on fabric, fit and energy,” Dao-Yi has commented of his line’s vision. “[It’s] the same energy that’s found at the start of every movement.” The theme of Public School’s SS08 line embraces this rebellious energy and fires it against the status quo.

The Public School collection consists of sleek cut-and-sew pieces that possess a subtle military-meets-rock-n-roll refinement. Dao-Yi and Osborne have paid much attention to detail, embellishing Italian lamb leather jackets and svelte Japanese cotton twill blazers with rivets, zippers, removable epaulettes and belts lined with gold pyramid studs. Other edgy items include a leather biker vest with detachable fleece sleeves and hood, and a black tee bearing Public School’s signature black apple and feather quill, which symbolize the designers’ upbringing within the NYC public school system. A list of the nation’s high-schools with the highest dropout rates is printed across the back.

Private education is overrated, so send your kids (and yourself) over to Public School’s website for more information on the label, and to find out where pieces will be available come spring.