As we are facing the seasonal shift to the rainy days in Manila (boohoo), who here wishes for summer not to end yet? Are we really ready to say good-bye to weekend getaways, nature-trekking, or getting our dose of #VitaminSea with family and friends?
Although we may have to cut our fun sooner than we want to, last weekend’s Milan men’s fashion week made us daydream of what to wear for our next summer vacation. Continue reading below to see how some of the famous fashion houses, just like the most of us, draw inspiration from traveling for their recent collections.
Christian Pellizari
Young breed designer Christian Pellizari takes us to both Venice, Italy and Venice Beach, California. The result: a mix of rich visual artistry and tropical vibe. The collection is mostly composed of textured metallic brocade and silk jacquard in fun hibiscus and palm tree motif. Occasional womens’ wear were also included in the line-up which featured voluminous blouses and evening skirts gracing the runway. Ruffles and lace are added to the material interplay to trace the inspiration back to the baroque Venetian era. Strappy gladiator sandals and low-cut sneakers complete the ensemble.
Salvatore Ferragamo
The Ferragamo team sans Massimiliano Giornetti (who recently left the company) put together a collection synonymous to a trendy yet elegant jetsetter. And boy, is he a sophisticated, well-traveled man—youthful in artsy decorative parkas and leather backpacks for the on-the-go season of globetrotting. He is well-dressed in soft comfortable suits, with a fresh take on tailoring as influenced by workwear-inspired proportions. He is not afraid to wear a bold yellow jacket and dress shirts encrusted with abstract colorful motifs. Accessorizing is a part of the whole look with functional body bags, peculiar lapel pins, and printed foulards adding zest to the traveler’s clothes.
Versace
Donatella Versace wants clothes that are made for the agile man who loves the outdoors—sporty and cool with a techno vibe. Muted tones of dark blue, indigo, deep green, black, and browns dominated the collection. Parkas are floor length, flowy and lightweight while cycling shorts and leggings emphasize the athletic feel. Rock sandals and sneakers are worn with silk socks. Tailoring is made sure to fit the active lifestyle of the Versace man. Bags are infused with crocheted detailing and carry the iconic Medusa logo buckle. The show, a tribute to Prince, has finale pieces inspired by the late singer.
Prada
Remember Miuccia Prada’s storyline of vagabond chic ladies for her women’s winter collection last February? The story is retold but this time, it’s the men’s turn to play as protagonists. The whole collection portrays a solitary wanderer in the forest, a lost soul cloaked in weatherproof jackets of varying lengths and prints while being fully equipped in top camping gear and backpack accessories. The sock-hiking sandal trend is given more spotlight as models walked in cut-and-sew trousers paired with utilitarian tops, sweat bands, and fisherman hats.
Gucci
The Gucci man is an eccentrically playful and expressive traveler. Alessandro Michele’s latest collection used a lot of sailor references like scarf embellishments and vinyl fisherman’s hats in vibrant colors. Donald Duck, a personal favorite of the designer, and who also sometimes dresses up as a sailor, is embroidered in some of the vests and loafers. Sure, the geeks go to vacations too, but they do it in style. Floral and dragon motifs were splashed on suits, silk robes, and varsity jackets with a lesser touch of androgyny for this season which include shorts and pants with boxer and baseball airs, and groovy bleached jeans.
Larusmiani
Larusmiani takes us to warm Palm Springs California and indulges us in its mid-century contemporary architecture and pastel colors amid the surrounding desert. The collection presents a mix between casual and formal ensembles, all characterized with a classy leisure attitude. Colors range from dusty blues, sand, and beige, forest greens to magenta. Outerwear is made lightweight and airy, luxe knit-tops are paired over easy-going pants with strategic drawstrings. Crocodile back cut leather, suede, and brushed calfskin is introduced to bag detailing and accessories.
Artwork by Melo Albert