Mr Style and I sat down Saturday afternoon to peruse his favourites thus far between the Milan and Paris Men's Fashion Weeks (whilst watching the World Cup - we wanted a good balance)
We're well aware it's not over yet and if some gems appear tomorrow, and with Paul Smith and Lanvin both showing that's quite likely, then we'll give you two posts in a row on the subject.
There were some notable trends, a definite shift in silhouette, broader lines, looser fit pants, and double breasted jackets. Neither Mr. Style nor I are great fans of really loose cut suit, we both prefer a fitted,more classic silhouette. Worryingly sheer shirts appeared in more than one collection...and leather was abundant - especially unusual considering the season. Safari and Military were still lingering, but honestly do those two influences ever disappear from Men's Spring Collections?
Mr. Style picked his top ten from the collections and with no further ado, here they are:
Etro produced one of our favourite collections this season (minus the paisley shorts and sheer shirts) These three looks were Mr. Style's favourites. He loved the mixed prints, especially the paisley and houndstooth, commenting on how well they work together in an unexpected fashion.
Prada kept it classic and sleek with a little sportwear preppy mixed in. A lot of navy made these perfect summer looks, though we'd skip the platforms. Mr Style loved the slim fits, square shoulder lines and the short lapels on the jackets.
Sometimes Mr Style likes to surprise me with his likes and dislikes, and his enthusiasm for the Spring collection from Moncler Gamme Bleu was a pleasant surprise. He loved the muted palette, especially the pink, beige and gray combinations. The quirky details, the 'soft' looking fabrics and layered styling were all elements attracting him to this collection. I loved the biker inspired quirks such as trouser clips and caps. This was definitely a stand out favourite for both of us.
Mr. Style perused the Alexander McQueen collection with respect, where certain outfits would have produced laughter or "ughs" in other collections, he mulled over these quietly. It's hard to say if his respect was for McQueen himself, or for me through his knowledge of my profound love for the man, but it was nice.
Mr Style picked this look as his favourite of the collection, he commented on the interesting dialogue created between the jacket and pants thanks to the curved, triangular cut of the jacket. He particularly loved the jacket and it's unusual cut. I loved the Edwardian meets Military vibe, and think the cut and texture of the look was sublime.
Dolce and Gabbana, was very, well, Dolce and Gabbana! Classic and suave and very very Italian. Mr Style liked the proportions of the lapels, with the skinny tie. I loved the texture and was also enamoured with the lapels - they had a certain Seventies appeal.
I loved the clean cut, preppy, safari vibe of Costume National's Spring '11 collection. Again we both liked the slim cut - these pieces stood out from all baggy looks that we just cannot get on board with. Additionally Mr. Style liked the neutral palette and in particular the details, edging and curved cut this jacket.
I am finding myself repetitive when going through our favourite looks as both Mr. Style and I have a very defined aesthetic when it comes to menswear. There's a lot we don't like and we tend to agree on most aspects. DSquared² presented another preppy, classic collection. It has a good 'slouch' to it without being baggy.
Gucci kept it sleek, even through it's double breasted moments, doing impeccable suiting with a laidback, 60's NY artist meets London Mod look. Mr Style loved the fit and lines of the clothes. I enjoyed the playfulness of the styling - and whilst I'm quite sure Mr Style wouldn't wear one - I adored the neck ties.
Marni successfully pulled off a looser cut suit - just the right amount of baggy, balanced very well with the cropped pant. Mr Style liked the 80's inspired broad sweep of this jacket.
John Varvatos presented perfect laidback suiting, the mix of print and shades worked really successfully. Similarly to Gucci's collection there was a Bohemian, 60's rockstar vibe that worked so well. I loved the three piece suit in the middle and Mr Style really (really really) liked the jacket in the first picture commenting on the unusual tailoring and great detail.
By Kelsi Smith and Mr. Style.
Slim ties are trendy this season. The great thing about that is it does not just create a good package but also transcends youthful aura! It gives a connotation that a man is always on the go or can do more activities in a day as it swings through the air.
Posted by: Cliff Spears | April 12, 2011 at 06:55 PM