While we were all holding our breath for Hedi Slimane’s debut menswear collection for Saint Laurent Paris, the masterpieces were parading down the runways. Many a fabulous look was seen during the Paris shows, held Jan. 16-20, 2013.
Phillip Lim once again presented sophisticated, elegant styling, with skinny knit pants in shades of grey stripes and lots of cool leather. Balmain offered fluid, clean tailoring that was strictly Asian inspired. The kimono-like silk tuxedos were gorgeous. You wouldn’t want to go out to a big event with a guy kitted out in one of these…no one would even glance at you! Lots of side ties and obi sash cummerbund waists were an interesting detail.
Balenciaga presented a controlled sportswear look. The new, full pant leg was a departure from the tight, straight, skinny legs favored by many designers for the past few years.
An always inventive and creative Issey Miyake showed us men should be seen, (from miles away), as well as heard. How many men have the confidence to wear his gold lined rain jacket? Or a silver suit? Bold is beautiful here.
At John Galliano, (not designed by Galliano, you remember that whole fiasco, let’s not even go there), Bill Gaytten, primarily designed the collection and did a wonderful job.
You just had to love the crystal stud pants at Jean Paul Gaultier and the sheer blouses at Lanvin. Hey, if women can wear them, why not men?
Congrats to designer Thom Browne who designed a perfect suit for first lady Michelle Obama’s inauguration day dress. So glad she nixed the sock suspenders and opted instead for elegant boots.
Valentino wins the day for their slick, modern twist on the classics, especially the updated black watch pieces.
Hedi Slimane’s was the last collection unveiled. Sometimes the hype is more exciting than the clothing, which was the case at Saint Laurent Paris. Hedi Slimane was designer at Dior Homme from 2000 to 2007. He without doubt changed the look of men’s fashion with the “skinny silhouette,” copied worldwide. His first menswear collection for Saint Laurent was a look back at the 1970’s, with a rock n’ roll, grunge vibe, accented with super long, chunky, knitted scarves. An anti-climax? Possibly, or maybe a carefully planned prelude of something exciting yet to come. Art, after all, is in the eye of the beholder.
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