DKNY
DKNY took over Times Square on Wednesday evening, jumbotrons included. A row of dapper gentlemen in sleek grey suits lined the windows of the NASDAQ Marketsite, looking relaxed compared to the bustle two floors below. To complete the Times Square takeover, the brand’s ad campaign ran on several video screens outside, broadcasting the modern classics for everyone passing by. The slim silhouettes echo the return of Mad Men era style. The tailored pieces boasted a simple grey palette, but took on a whole different feel when paired with statement making shoes. Other key pieces from the collection include ombre knits from pureDKNY, the weekend wear label, and a three-button blazer. We passed a faux boardroom filled with models on the way out—bringing the collection’s office chic vibe full circle.
STANDOUT: The tailored grey suit is easy to dress up (as shown) or down with a henley and chukkas.
STANDOUT: The tailored grey suit is easy to dress up (as shown) or down with a henley and chukkas.
Lacoste
Felipe Oliveira Baptista’s first full collection for Lacoste incorporated luxe elements while staying true to the sportswear soul of the iconic French brand. The co-ed show focused mostly on women’s, but we got a glimpse of his new direction, which mixed sportswear and tailored pieces and featured cool cotton blazers and hooded anoraks. The palette consisted of crisp white, navy and royal blues, and military green with some subtle color blocking. Structured blazers were paired with shorts to showcase the elements of fine tailoring.
STANDOUT: This olive jacket that hits right at the waist, mixed with the navy and olive combination, creates an eye-catching—but practical—look. The oversized pocket flaps add an architectural element for a modern feel.
Photo: Courtesy of the designer
Richard Chai
Downtown designer Richard Chai took a break from his typically somber New York palette this season and let his man bask in eye-catching, island-acid colors (tangerine with pop of bright and a hard-edged turquoise anyone?). His signature slouchy silhouettes and doses of playful patterns remained true to his DNA, though the tropical prints were a welcome breezy departure. If guys aren't up for the bold statement of a striped double-breasted jacket, they could keep their flair grounded with slick neon-soled brogues.
Standout: Those neon-soled shoes. Wear them with a suit and you can keep it all business up top, party on the bottom.
Photo: Courtesy of the designer
Michael Bastian
There was a spark of excitement in the air at New York designer Michael Bastian’s show this week. After taking a season off from his eponymous collection, editors, stylists and fashion types were eager to see what the master of All-American style would come up with for spring – and they weren’t disappointed. The designer’s well-developed collection was an homage to James Dean that played out in references from a classic red windbreaker to cuffed jeans to the chunky 50’s eyewear. But Bastian’s rebels did have a cause: looking devil-may-care handsome in unlikely mixes of tailored clothing and sportswear. Each outfit showcased Bastian’s skill of mastering the details but also combining them in unexpected ways. A slim-cut cargo with a pinstriped blazer? Rugby shirts under tailored clothing? Absolutely. His man looked daring, but never reckless.
STANDOUT: If you take away one thing from this collection, it should be lessons on fearless layering and combinations. As long as the fit is right and the pieces are well made, feel confident in mixing your weekend and work wear.
Photo: Courtesy of the designer
Fratelli Rossetti
This iconic family-run footwear brand has carefully reinvented itself since LA-based shoe designer George Esquivel began collaborating with them 2 years ago. Combining Fratelli Rossetti’s old world Italian craftsmanship with Esquivel’s downtown esthetic—which means washed leather and funky colors—the result is shoe nirvana. The idea here is pairing unusual colors with an otherwise classic shoe. Think slate blue, hunter green, eggplant and carmel in suede lace ups, woven leather loafers and elegant dress shoes. If color’s not your thing, fear not. The collection also includes more traditional black, brown and tan options.
STANDOUT: White leather and tan suede thick-soled wingtips worn with a suit, jeans or shorts.
