Balmain Men's RTW Spring 2013

Designer Olivier Rousteing hit a home-run with this collection, or as they in French "un circuit". 
Thankfully, by putting forth something a little more masculine and rough-around-the-edges, Balmain has bucked this season's trend of futurist cuts and bold prints.

All images copyright to www.wwd.com


-The Scandal

Ports 1961 Men's RTW Spring 2013

I really like they way they've rebooted this label. I see it an as up-and-comer. Just you watch.

Full show.

All images copyright to http://www.wwd.com/

-The Scandal

Roccobarocco Men's RTW Spring 2013

Apparently, this is the maiden men's collection of womenswear designer (with the Dr.Seuss-like assumed name) Rocco Barocco. I was quite pleased with the show.

I was impressed by the manner in which the designer succeded in making such casual clothes appear so elegant. Perhaps one way to look at the concept is as the Italian spin on iconic preppy brands like Polo, Gant or Brooks Brothers.

All images copyright to http://www.wwd.com/

-The Scandal

Alexander McQueen, Spring 2013

One of my longstanding criticisms of the McQueen label is that the clothing is hardly distinctive. Say what you want about the Ralph Laurens and Armanis of this world,  but their clothing is immediately distinctive and recognizable. In contrast, it's really tricky to point to any consistent thread that defines a look as being a McQueen.

Not that I otherwise have any beefs with this latest McQueen offering. I'm a bit surprised that the show has more of a traditional and formal Savile Row feel to it than the avant garde flavour that is more typical of McQueen.

All images copyright to http://www.wwd.com/

-The Scandal

Belstaff Men's Spring 2013

Belstaff is an 85-year old brand founded in England, known for its waterproof coats. The company is now Italian-owned and has experienced a bit of revival, exemplified by its following amongst some of the Hollywood  elite. Although the collection does not shout out "summer" --more like spring in London-- it was an impressive move away from the unstructured and relaxed tailoring that seems to pervade Milan today.

All images copyrigt to http://www.wwd.com/


-The Scandal

Moschino Men's Spring 2013

This show commenced with a very unsubtle homage to aisle 6 at your local grocery. The overt use of Procter & Gamble style logos had a cartoonish feel to it, not unlike Iceberg's usage of Looney Tunes characters. The remainder of the show was characterized by Moschino's usual whimsy--this time, with bold bright colours.

Al images copyright to www.wwd.com

-The Scandal

Gucci Men's Spring 2013

This collection featured a lot more use of non Gucci-esque colours such as mustard as rusty orange. For Gucci presentation,  the show had a lighter and less blingy feel to it. I, for one, approve of that message.

All images copyright to www.wwd.com

-The Scandal

Corneliani Men's RTW Spring 2013

Italian tailoring at its finest;   You'll notice, there isn't a lot of crispness.  Instead, the fabrics sit gently.
I used to liken this label to fellow Italian brands like Ermengildo Zegna, however with all the flowing, draping, and layering, it reminds me a lot of Armani.

Full show here.

All images copyright to www.wwd.com

-The Scandal