Louis Vuitton - Men's Spring/Summer 2011

Overview: This collection had much more in common with the Milan shows than with the slightly more outrageous Paris shows-- and thank God for that. Despite the nicely tailored blazers (sleeves rolled up), the relaxed slacks pants, sheers tops, and hanging, layered garments gave off a very casual-elegant vibe. 

Rating: ***


Highlights: sheer mesh tops, tailored blazers, low hanging scarves, belt qua scarves

Lowlights: print-patterned shirts and pants  

-The Scandal

John Galliano - Men's Spring/Summer 2011

Overview: Describing a Galliano show is like describing Bohemian Rhapsody. Some things you just have to see or hear on your own, as they defy conventional description.

In any event, for this show, Galliano brought in a time machine and brought back Charlie Chaplin and his other co-stars from the early part of last century's films.

Rating: *** 

Highlights: layering, bomber jackets, silk pants, suspenders






Lowlights: Buster Keaton wierdness

-The Scandal

John Galliano vs. Donatella versace

Who looks weirder -- J. Galliano

or D. Versace?

-The Scandal

Calvin Klein Collection- Men's Spring/Summer 2011

Overview: A lot of designers are inspired by the past. Italo Zucchelli is unquestionably influenced by the future. I'm sure it will look great in 3008, but does it look good in 2011?

Rating: **




Highlights: interesting blue tones, zip-up jackets


Lowlights: cut-off t's, bar code suit

-The Scandal

Canali - Men's Spring/Summer 2011

Overview: Generally speaking, you will not stand out if you wear Canali to the boardoom, but you will look very, very good. The pics below show the more interesting stuff in the show. I didn't bother with the navy suits.

Rating: ***


Highlights: "oatmeal"-coloured suits


-The Scandal

Corneliani - Men's Spring/Summer 2011

Overview: Proving yet again that the Italians do it better,  Corneliani  masterfully combined classic and modern Italian sensibilities.  The collection stressed creamy earth tones and a casual elegance made famous by Brunello Cucinelli. Now you know what to wear when invited to a dinner party at a countryside palazzo in Tuscany.

Rating: ***1/2

Highlights: Crimped cotton suits, suede shoes, loose fitted pants, leather motorcycle jackets, cotton knit sweaters.

-The Scandal

Moschino - Men's collection Spring/Summer 2011

Overview: Always entertaining due to its quirkiness, this Moschino collection definitely did not disappoint. In fact, it was one of my all time favorites.   This season espoused a mishmash of punk rock and pop-art elements, dripping with hints of Technicolor finishings (whatever that means). 

Rating: ****

Highlights: Punk rock motifs, purple and red two tones shoes, vivid colour finishings on jackets and pants 

 -The Scandal

Ermenegildo Zegna - Spring Summer 2011

Overview: This was a flawless collection of classic-yet-edgy, luxurious and well tailored garments. I also liked the the sprinkling of unconventional colours such as bright orange. Sadly, most Canadian men's stores that carry Zegna will likely stick to the pieces with a more corporate appeal (i.e., navy and grey suits).

Rating: ****

Highlights: one button jackets, cotton knit sweaters

-The Scandal

Bottega Veneta - Men's Spring/Summer 2011

Overview: Made most famous by Lanvin, soft, lightweight fabrics with "gentle" tones are now all the rage on the catwalk. Men's clothing has become very precious indeed over the past few years. Thomas Maier of Bottega Veneta can also be credited for promoting this trend, and this collection was no different.

Rating: ***

Highlights: Unconventionally cut tops, two way zip up cardigans, luxurious leather accessories

Lowlights: Patchwork suit, socks with sandals

-The Scandal