Some Favorites from Spring/Summer 2014: Thom Browne and Givenchy

Some favorites from the Spring/Summer collections:

I’ve delayed commenting on both the Spring/Summer 2014 collections from Thom Browne and Givenchy mainly because it took some time for me to sort out just what I thought. I knew that both collections struck a chord, but I wasn’t sure how or why they resonated; I keep looking at both collections and have yet to grow tired.

With Browne’s collection, I believe it must be the sense of strength of the pieces, which take so many militaristic references and twist them, when juxtaposed to a high gloss presentation of face that grabs my attention—it’s like Robert Palmer Girl-meets Grace Jones-meets Michael Jackson. This character is simply one I cannot shake, it’s so strong. Several of the pieces themselves aren’t very functional, like the strange crotch additions and the oversized coats, but many more can be incorporated as statement pieces. But, again, it’s the styling and aggressiveness of the pieces that I can’t keep from being drawn to. See more HERE.

In regards to Givenchy, the tribal influence that is crossed with digital, and even analog, technological inspired prints, which also have insect-like forms, keep me thinking. The pieces read future, retro, and ancient all at the same time, and that’s an intriguing idea in regards to clothes to be worn by today’s younger men. I’m also usually partial to face painting, and the make-up on the models captures tribal-meets-digital very nicely. See more HERE

Mike Quyen--Lookbook

Mike Quyen's look for "xquisite" I find very enjoyable. Mostly I'm taken by the use of safety pins to create the almost beehive or birds nest effect. And the cross on the collar gives it that kick of moody, Gothic depth. I can only imagine how long it took to create the piece. I've pinned safety pins to a jacket just at the collar before, and it took hours--but nothing close to the number it seems Mike used here. Well behaved dalmatian.

Jonathan Saunders S/S 2013

Definitely getting a 60's vibe from this collection by Jonathan Saunders for Spring/Summer 2013--though that isn't such a surprise. What I enjoy the most about this look, besides the stripes, is the hint of blue that comes through around the unadorned, and simple white collar. See more HERE on Fashionisto

A Thou­sand Hun­dred Degrees--Fashionisto

This Fashionisto exclusive spread features the work of photographer Javi Dardo with stylist Débora Traitè. 
The look is all American Apparel. I'm enjoying the vintage feel with help from the glasses--Summer is almost here, indeed. 

 

Heatwave on Route 66--Spain

This story, photographed by Giampaolo Sgura and styled by Miguel Arnau for a Spanish Newspaper supplement, is loaded with prints and textures. This shot, which I enjoy for the sunglasses, features pieces from MSGM, Prada, D&G. The sunglasses are the stylist's own. See more of the story HERE on Morphosis

Lunettes Kollektion 2012

Lunettes has collaborated with David Fischer to photograph the lookbook for their latest collection. These are great, more casual, shots--featuring Lunettes vintage inspired frames. Liking the Hair, too. See more HERE on Fashionisto

Antonio Azzuolo Fall/Winter 2012

My favorite look from Antonio Azzuolo's F/W 2012 show. Mod--but with a French touch (I think it's the hair and glasses). See more of the collection HERE on Homotography.

Fall as shot by Matteo Felici

Matteo Felici and stylist Umberto Sannino find Fall inspiration. I enjoy the split colored mohair turtle, lost in the leaves. And with the glasses and hair--all I can think about is The Graduate, and the music of S&G. "Hello Silence." I'm enjoying Felici's shots more than anything--perhaps I'm hypnotized by the golden leaves. See more from the shoot HERE on Fashionisto

"The Boy in Grey" in Fiasco

Fiasco January 2011 issue features a spread by photographer Christian Rios with the help of stylist Joleen Garnett of artmix beauty. I'm enjoying the Reiss trench and Nickolas K sweater. This Fiasco issue is "black and white" and features a slew of great shots and enjoyable looks and pieces. See it HERE.

From Euroman by Sune Czajkowski

This is what I want to wear the next time I hit a gallery. The print on the jacket make it interesting. The glasses don't hurt either. A 60's vibe. Very smart. See more from this tourist-centric shoot HERE from Homotography. 
Shot by Sune Czajkowski for Euroman

Ed Purnomo and Jam shoot and style Tiago Lobo

Interesting spread with use of color and some creative styling. Photographer Ed Purnomo, and Stylist Jam work to give Lobo a rock and roll vibe. I'm enjoying the rich and embellished black top with the fringed sash and pants & the use of belts paired with underwear and jacket. The final pic is actually from Purnomo's site and I have included it because of the look: with oversized/stuffed sweater, leggings, and boots--not to mention the nerdiness of the glasses. The Lobo pics come via Homotography: see the entire series HERE.

Aline & Jacqueline Tappia--Photographers

From photographing siblings, Aline and Jacqueline Tappia. There's always somewhat of a twist to their work--a little something unexpected and fresh. Full spread HERE at Fashionisto. The glasses remind me of the style the musician--I believe Thomas Dolby--sported in the 80's.

Remulo Brandao

Up-and-coming designer, Remulo Brandao has put together some intriguing pieces for a Fall 2010 collection. There is a Asian influence with a nod to the future. You can see all the looks on Remulo Brandao's flikr page HERE.