We guesstimate attending 20 New York Fashion Week shows this season, and out of the gaggle of presentations we were mostly, and pleasantly, surprised by the men’s collections.
Show after show it was the men’s presentations that got us out of the monotony of fashion week. These collections took risks, broke ground, and were flat out more entertaining than the usual parade of floral skirts and pastel gowns. Here’s our roundup of the best mens spring/summer 2014 fashion week shows.
Hood by Air: Backstage we couldn’t possibly imagine how one of the most coveted brands worn by hip-hop stars would somehow blend cohesively with hair extensions and press-on nails, but it worked superbly. The show titled “Gump” had tough looking models walking down the runway with bronzed faces, long hair and fake nails in crisp HBA button-up shirts that came in black, red, army green, and white. Another focal point were the huge high-top Nike boots, and long skorts (yes, for men!) with detachable zip-up shirts. Also, Kanye West in the front row didn’t hurt matters either.
Duckie Brown: As soon as the first model walked out sporting a long white coat, ankle pants, and a bowl haircut we knew we were in for a wild ride. The looks ranged from nerdy scientist to hot butler, but each one was insanely creative. Nevermind the halter tops or the Chanel-esque jackets, every look was beyond impressive. The models strutted down to Leikeli47’s “Miss America” that had the lyrics “I dress like a boy/talk like a girl/walk like a girl,” which made the entire show stellar.
Paola Hernandez: Perhaps with so many spectacles during fashion week we must applaud designer Paola Hernandez for churning out menswear that is actually wearable. And by saying such, we don’t imply that her sensibility has no gusto. To the contrary, her co-ed spring/summer 2014 show titled “Singularity” exemplified what a modern man should be wearing. The men’s looks had dignified sleeveless shirts, collared tops in dark blue and white, each lined with a burst of orange. The khaki-colored trench was a big highlight as were the white short-sleeved shirts. Hernandez knows how to make a man look presentable.
Asher Levine: Boy wonder, designer, Asher Levine has dressed a ton of celebrities like Lady Gaga and Jared Leto, especially when they’re in the mood to look goth-like. His fashion week show, held in his dark-lit basement workshop near Chinatown, was definitely spooky but we were highly intrigued. His fashion style, made for the avant-garde male, didn’t disappoint this season. The show began with a funeral procession, and included a performance by former Shiny Toy Guns member Jeremy Dawson and his new project dubbed MXMS with singer Ariel Levitan. Like Hood by Air, this collection also included a ton of detachable components and jumpsuits. His show was a perfect theatrical way to end Fashion Week.
