Month: November 2023

Workwear, outerwear, and suiting, brilliantly revamped, and modified! 

By Autumn Conzone

November 2, 2023

Courtesy of Alexander Wang

Alexander Wang introduced his Resort 2024 menswear look book. He first showcased his looks on Alexander Wang’s official Instagram on October 26th, 2023. His collection is bringing back classical menswear looks with a new and innovative take.  

Alexander Wang is one of the most innovative designers in the fashion world today. He has a brilliant mind for creativity and thinking outside of the box. Alexander wang highlighted these skills when he designed the set using his expert eye for art and set direction. The models are shown standing on the hood of a car with a striking red hood in the background of the models. When the models stand in front of the sticking red color, it creates a beautiful juxtaposition between the look and the car, allowing the garments to be highlighted and shown off.  

Courtany of Alexander Wang

Throughout Alexander Wang’s collection, he designed an innovative twist on classic menswear looks with the addition of unconventional accessories. Alexander wang played with the proportions of the classic silhouette men’s work wear, outerwear, as well as suit. This is seen throughout his collection, with baggy oversized jackets paired with oversized pants. The jackets were primarily either overside Bommer jackets or overside long-suit jackets. They were often painted with leather or denim paints that were overside and held up by a belt. The garments were very fresh and eye-catching, but the main takeaway from this collection was the accessories he chose.  

Courtesy of Alexander Wang

The accessories truly made the looks stand out. The main accessories that the models wore were jewelry made from coins. The models were decked with coin bracelets, necklaces, and wallet chains. But the use of coins did not stop there. Coins were also seen used in places of bottoms on some jackets throughout the collection, as well as a shirt with a coin print on it. Alexander wang is a demonstration of taking something we have used forever and turning it into jewelry and other accessories.  

Within his collection, he used many different fabrics and textures to create eye-catching looks. The most Prominent use of an unconventional fabric was with his use of pony hair. Pony hair was used in many ways, like jackets, hats, and belts. The contrast between the furry and fuzzy pony hair and the hard dark leather created overstriking outfits.  

Courtany of Alexander Wang

The once popular Rocco bag designed by Alexander Wang made a resurgence in this collection. The resurgences are due to the demand from the public. “When people started asking me for the Rocco again, I said, ‘are we really there yet? Are we back here?’” said Alexander Wang. The Rocco bag fits seamlessly into this collection since it is a popular bag from the past that He designed and put a new and fresh twist on it. 

Alexander Wangs fresh revamp and modification of classic Men’s wear styles and shallots truly show the leave of creativity he has as a designer. In the collection he truly demonstrates that inspiration can come from anything, even as simple as some change in your pocket. So next time you walk past a loose penny on the floor, this of all the possibilities it has. 

Alexander Wang has taken the classic male look and modified it into something Unique, adding lots of functionalities but with a flair. It has been seen before but most certainly not like this.

Written By Brooke Corbo

Alexander Wang; Vogue Runway

On October 31st, 2023, in New York, Alexander Wang Has released his Menswear 2024 Resort line. He created this line to bring a different light to the classic male look and did it by mixing outerwear, workwear, and suiting.

There are many different aspects to this line that make it phenomenal. The layering adds different perspectives to proportions allowing for a larger range and versatility. Each layer and piece of fabric is unique to the specific outfit, when looking there are a wide variety of materials and different kinds of accessories, giving the collection that armor-like aesthetic. The Rocco bag first launched in 2009 and are not only making a comeback but are the new star of this collection, the main accessory. Wang told Vogue Runway during his showroom visit, “When people started asking me for the Rocco again, I said, ‘are we really there yet? Are we really back here?” The truth is we are because Wang has officially given these bags relevance once again. Wang also told Vogue Runway, “I felt like it was just literally yesterday when I thought, ‘there’s too much Rocco,’ we need to purge.”

Alexander Wang; Vogue Runway

Some of the textures and fabrics that can be seen throughout this collection are, cotton, silk, leather, ruffles, and fur. Wang combined different fabrics that all nicely mesh not only in the look but in the color scheme too. By adding the Wide toe shoe to every look, it gives it a sense of uniformity just like a traditional suit although when working our way up the pieces we can find a different assortment of belts, cow print fur coats, leather jackets, trench coats, and even these chunky silver chained necklaces many of the models are seen wearing. Although there are so many different aspects to these pieces there is a sense of cohesiveness all throughout the line. Each piece nicely fits together.

When looking at the colors there is not a wide variety, for the most part Wang stays within the neutral and silver tone. There are some colors seen throughout the collection and although, those pops of colors allow for a nice breakaway, they are mostly overpowered.  

Alexander Wang; Vogue Review

This collection bends all norms for menswear in clothing while also still allowing that same charm that comes in the traditional style. In every layer or piece there is something for anyone to enjoy.

Men get ready for edgy jackets, oversized hoods, and variations of boots in spring 2024!

On October 1st 2023 in Paris, France, the male models of Y/project geared up in their new designs by Glenn Martens for their new spring/summer unisex line. The designs included distressed streetwear with a unique edge bringing dark colors to spring and summer. Throughout the runway show the men making their way down the runway shared the same color palettes of black with blue and tans with greys. These dark neutral colors are usually uncommon for a spring/summer line but, the pieces bring out a masculine energy that many unisex runway shows fail to do.

What really made the show from a menswear perspective are the variations of oversized coats. Jackets such as trenches, bombers and blazers Oh my! The pieces were not just ordinary but amazingly unique with small details that screamed city edge. But, the details are not what you would have expected. Double zippers on bomber jackets created a zig-zag silhouette on the models and created a controlled movement with space to show what is worn under the jacket. Well, that is if you’re wearing the jacket for day to day life, but as for this show mostly nothing was worn under the jackets. Moving forward, this particular zipper design was not the only design that caught my eye. Leather jackets made their way to the runway as well but instead of a zipper zig zag, an attached zipper scarf drew attention to the models long neck and created movement swinging slightly back an forth as the model strut down the runway. The jacket made a statement as it was also paired with a blue satin material gym short.

As noticed in the pictures show jackets aren’t the only statement made on Y/project’s show. Boots that seem to be inspired by Timberlane or work boots catch eyes as they have a twist. The shoes seem to be wearing their own jackets as they are covered in a floppy leather or heavy material making loud noises to grab the audiences attention to men’s footwear and to show statement shoes are not just for women. Watch out ladies, men are wearing your 2014 floppy leather riding boots and they are rocking them. In this show they are being paired with baggy shorts and jeans, but there’s one last unique design in this show.

Men, hoodie season seems to be staying throughout spring as Y/project introduces new variations and designs with floppy hoods for when you wanna hide from the day and when you wanna make a statement. These oversized and a little overdone hoodies made the audience go “ooohh!” and “ahhh!” Y/Project brought the attention to their men in their unisex fashion show. Glenn Martens took old Yeezy designs but did them right!

From an electric color palette to roaring animal motifs, Balmain lets their wild side manifest in their recent menswear collection.

By Mike Sabella – November 2, 2023

Courtesy of Hypebeast

On October 6th, 2023, Balmain debuted their SS24 menswear collection at their famous Paris boutique, located at 44 Rue François 1er. This eye-catching collection was inspired by house founder Pierre Balmain’s experiences traveling in Asia & translated for the world of French couture, according to Balmain creative director Olivier Rousteing. In particular, Rousteing focused his attention on souvenir jackets that originate from Vietnam, South Korea, & Japan.

Courtesy of Hypebeast

As soon as the models began to stroll down the hardwood floors of the boutique, the blending of cultural symbols and styles became immediately obvious. The sleek & chic satins from the elevated fashion world juxtaposed with the flashy & bold iconography of the animal kingdom embedded into the garments crafted into one-of-a-kind garments. Some animal motifs were clearly visible whereas others appeared in a more subtle context, materializing in the form of style lines. Tigers, dragons & especially swallows were embroidered, flocked & beaded in extravagant detail onto specifically targeted areas such as lapels, sleeve caps & center panels. According to Rousteing, swallows were essential in capturing the essence of Pierre Balmain in this collection because he valued swallows as a symbol of good luck.

Courtesy of WWD

Shades of azure blue, scarlet red, as well as metallic gold & silver were the most prominently featured hues in Balmain’s menswear show. They were paired delicately along with the classic shades of onyx & ivory to balance out the beautifully deafening nature of the existing color palette.

Courtesy of WWD

The silhouette of the models made their figures appear more oversized than they would normally be, with much of the attention & emphasis being drawn to the chest & neckline. Mandarin collars were the standard for many of the looks, tapering the necks of the models down to counter the already rather bulky facade designed by Rousteing. The wrists of many models were adorned with jewels & golden bracelets, while others had contrasting decorations present on their wrists designed into the look. The cohesive attention to detail in the silhouette achieved by Rousteing is commendable. This being amplified by the flowy embellishments on the otherwise rigid silhouettes of the models, Balmain has proven that birds of a feather truly do “flock” together.

A glimpse of the resort 2024 men’s collection of Alexander Wang

By Gabriela Gil

Courtesy of Alexander Wang

The new men’s collection was inspired by the Rocco Duffe bag which was released in 2009. This iconic bag is instantly recognizable by its leather texture and its thick rocker brass studs at the bottom of the bag. “When people started asking me for the Rocco again, I said, “are we really there yet? Are we back here?” Wang stated at a showroom visit by Vogue.

Courtesy of Alexander Wang

This collection was released by Alexander Wang on October 24th on a private showroom, but the brand is planning on feature their collection at the beginning of 2024 on locations like Las Vegas and Vancouver. Wang is making a comeback with a funky rock street style of clothing. The collection has a lot of texture and different fabrics but at the same time is cohesive. The message is there: rock and chic but in the 21 Century.

As we said before the Rocco Bag made a comeback with this collection but as an inspiration. In most of the looks the brass studs make an appearance. Metalic textures like coin chains is something we’ve been seeing for a while with the rock industry but not that often in the runway. Some of the outfits use the chains as bracelets or as a decor for your pants which is an interesting but fun way of using that accessory. This collection is all about making a comeback because there is some cow fur print in the caps and jackets giving a cool impression. For the Queen fans, this look will be perfect for Fredy Mercury to wear on a daily basis. Is not an extravagant look but the accessories are a compliment to the look and makes its more “rock and roll”.

If you are someone that likes a street style but also have to go to work with a formal look this collection is perfect for you. If there is an important meeting, you can take off the chains and hats and keep on the belts and your look will be “Financial District” appropriate but if you have a plan with friends after work just put on the accessories, maybe a bag and you will look cool plus is winter appropriate.

Courtesy of Alexander Wang

Courtesy of Alexander Wang

Courtesy of Alexander Wang

Xander Zhou’s new collection is out of this world: futuristic, unforgettable, and genuinely, A.I. generated. How does Zhou manage to balance innovation, imagination and functionalism?

On October 7th, 2023, Xander Zhou debuted his Spring 2024 Collection as a part of Shanghai’s Fashion Week; or what he refers to it as on his Instagram page, the start of the Pro A.I.Volution. Tails, accessories, and cellphones strutted down the runway in a white, warehouse-like setting accompanied by perfectly tailored suit pants, PVC-like over-pieces, and all types of jackets constructed in non-traditional fabrics for a fantastical, but practical twist on Eastern Tradition. 

With these pieces, Zhou attempts to spark the connection in fashion between humans and A.I. by drawing on storytelling elements to create characters within his looks. He’s designed all seventy nine pieces in the collection drawing from inspiration from either prompts or concepts that A.I. has provided – in addition to his genius.

In an interview with Women’s Wear Daily,  “I just think that it’s impossible to imagine what that future looks like, the human mind and its imaginations are too limiting,” Zhou [says] . . . “AI can assist a designer in the stage of processing content. They are highly efficient in presenting you with 1,000 sets of design ideas.”

Models, with runway identities such as cyborgs, lizard people, or super-humans, were spotted on the runway adorning petal-zipped collars that represented their second skin, colors of planets or other universes or galaxies they would have called home, with individualistic accents on a few models, such as multiple arms, multidimensional cutouts, or protective plastic armor. Zhou, a true revolutionary, manages to maintain the wearability of these pieces by nodding to utilitarian and urbanist style and utilizing heavy-weight cottons, knits, and modernist silhouettes, while still keeping his vision alive. According to Essential Homme: “I wanted to create a cinematic scene that’s more surreal than fashionable,” Xander Zhou had explained.

All 300 runway attendees were also wearing white lab-coats, to further immerse themselves into the narrative that Zhou created.

Zhou, who obviously adapts a controversial Pro-A.I. stance in the world of fashion, attempts to not only explore the somewhat complicated and ever developing and changing relationship between humanity and A.I., but to also bridge the gap of understanding between people who disagree with his ideas and people who agree with them. His emphasis: the balance of humanity versus artificial humanity – focusing on how they intertwine, while still making sure they won’t blur.

“The fashion system’s rules are being rebuilt, old orders are collapsing. Rules? What rules?” Zhou told WWD.