Captivating Anglo-mania
Time for the men to put away the shorts and overalls, and dress up for the occasion, writes RUBIN KHOO.
PREPARE to take a step back in time as old-fashioned romanticism dominates the catwalk this autumn/winter. It’s time to swap your three-quarter pants and flip-flops for a smarter look. But we’re not talking about your standard shirt or boring suit. This fall, guys can look forward to donning something with a bit more character, as the military look become a central theme among many designers.
The uniform is in alongside naval jackets and ruffled shirts. Online fashion research company WGSN senior fashion editor Sue Evans describes the theme for menswear for autumn/winter 2006 and spring/summer 2007 as military romance, which means dress uniforms and naval jackets will be more prominent. The trend is enhanced with ruffled shirts and embellishments like buttons and badges to give that extra edge.
Living
Monday September 25, 2006
Captivating Anglo-mania
Rocker style is evident in the collection by Emporio Armani.
Time for the men to put away the shorts and overalls, and dress up for the occasion, writes RUBIN KHOO.
PREPARE to take a step back in time as old-fashioned romanticism dominates the catwalk this autumn/winter. It’s time to swap your three-quarter pants and flip-flops for a smarter look. But we’re not talking about your standard shirt or boring suit. This fall, guys can look forward to donning something with a bit more character, as the military look become a central theme among many designers.
The uniform is in alongside naval jackets and ruffled shirts. Online fashion research company WGSN senior fashion editor Sue Evans describes the theme for menswear for autumn/winter 2006 and spring/summer 2007 as military romance, which means dress uniforms and naval jackets will be more prominent. The trend is enhanced with ruffled shirts and embellishments like buttons and badges to give that extra edge.
“It’s Anglo-mania and the British heritage is going to be prominent next season,” says Evans.
Evans is a senior fashion analyst with 20 years experience in trend forecasting and consultancy, including Nigel French International & Design Intelligence (Britain).
The idea of tradition, she adds, comes across strongly with a touch of quirkiness. Coupled with military romance, the look is treated to a new feel with gothic influences. Contrast piping makes the classic suit a little different while pairing the formal tuxedo with a pair of jeans is great way to blend casual with formal wear.
For those with a more rebellious streak, note the return to anglo-punk. This year, says Evans, marks the 30th anniversary of punk music and fashion celebrates it in pure street style, updated with punk style graphics on denim. Developed for T-shirts, the punk fashion extends down to shoes. But if you find it too much in your face, you can always opt for the mod look, influenced by the culture of the 1950s and 60s.
Among those that showcased clothes from this period was Dsquared. They displayed what was described as schoolboy chic – an anarchic exercise in clashes of high and low culture.
For example, a long coat, red sash and topper put together looked fit for a reception for the ambassador, if not for the distressed denims they were paired with.
The idea of heritage was also obvious in Burberry’s collection. The creative force behind the label, Christopher Bailey, looks to the Duke of Windsor for inspiration. The clothes are dandy-looking but made more flamboyant with ruffled shirts and fringed scarves. This style is carried through to spring/summer 2007. Emporio Armani, meanwhile, presents rock star chic in a collection that is laidback but stylish. Jackets are worn over V-neck Tees and velvet is a prominent feature in the collection.
The clothes are anything but boring which means there’s no excuse for being just that.
