J.W. Anderson Fall/Winter 2016 Menswear Review

     What a strangely fantastical world that J.W. Anderson has created for next fall. It's a bit of a change of old routine to look at this collection, because I feel as though I have never really analyzed a J. W. Anderson collection before. I think that Anderson's techniques and creation of new ideas is one to be regarded. I think that he has the potential to be one of the great uprisings of this decade, if he organizes and captivates in the right way every season. This is perhaps much more of a difficulty than ever before because of the sheer speed of fashion. Increased public interest because of things like Instagram and Twitter have all put more demand on high-end designers for a market that is constantly demanding more and grows tired of something a lot quicker. I personally think that it is because of the constant intake of information through social media that makes something new so tired instantly. It is a dangerous slope, because it increases the already large amounts of pressure on designers to create something new and likable. As I have already seen, a lot of journalists are noting the snail motif in this collection as a statement written on the garments that J.W. Anderson wants to slow down and not go wight the fast paced environment that fashion has submerged itself into. It's healthy to slow down, I think. Redirecting back to this collection specifically, eclecticism and futurism were the two main ideas within. There was strange uses of fur, scuba knit materials, and plexiglass looking chokers that created something original. While menswear can get really stuffy and boring, J.W. Anderson's collection showed something fun and original with lots of energy. Sure, I could write about the fact that this show was broadcasted on Grindr, the gay online dating app that used mostly for one night stands and hookups. Perhaps I'm reading too much into this collection, as I sometimes accuse myself of doing, but there is a relationship between this broadcast and the actual things within the collection. At the neck, the chokers that were placed on every model and the reciprocating o-ring bracelets and oversized piercing ring necklaces could be an innuendo to the comprehension of piercings and how it can relation to the attractiveness to the human body. Also, the little carrot underneath almost every model's left eye could be about the same thing, but with the idea of tattoos. Whatever it may be, this collection has surely stood out for its new ideas and bold mix of garments.

Alexander McQueen Fall/Winter 2016 Menswear Review

     Alexander McQueen menswear has officially risen to a new level. Everything about this collection was supreme to me. Everything. The ambience, the choice in models, the styling. The jewelry! All exceptional. There's always references to history with McQueen, no doubt, and this collection isn't an exception.  Gorgeous amounts of tailoring and beautiful silhouettes built the framework. The talisman-like ornaments that pierced skin and lapels were a particularly fantastic display. I loved the antique and exquisite dangling earrings, massive rings, and thick and heavy body chains that were lain across the torsos of two models. The direct references to the punk aesthetic mixed with Victorian like colors and shapes created the best tension. The overall story, as told by Sarah Burton backstage after the show, was Charles Darwin's obsession with collecting and understanding specimens. If you look closely at the shirts peeking out of the large coats and blazers, you will see handwritten script mixed with the ongoing moth motif. Which brings us to the first major motif of this collection. Moths were laid out displayed across suit jackets and trousers, silk shirts, and coats. One must make the connection that moths are extremely important for the fashion industry, because they are the upmost creator of fine silks. You could see this fine material in oversized shirts and edges of flowing coats in this collection as well as tuxedo stripes along pants that separated at the hem line to create a new shape. I suppose the moth has  to do with the idea of collecting, and that refined, elegant approach to science in history.  Back in Darwin's day, you listened to classical music, walked over granite floors, and dressed to the nines with your talismans from foreign lands to show that you had stature. I believe that there is something mesmerizing about that idea. Along with the moth, there were blooms of  dark flowers printed on that emanated dark and moody beauty that you will always get at a McQueen show. I have noticed that this goes with the McQueen brand's history with morbid florals of the Victoriana. I believe this collection pushed Alexander McQueen menswear to new heights, without being overtly cutting edge or stuffy. It was the perfect blend of contemporary and historical, which was what caught Isabella Blow's eye at Lee McQueen's graduate show almost 25 years ago and what created his career. 

What I Wore

Black Knitted Longline Top: Forever 21

Rose Printed Jeans: Forever 21

Chelsea Boots: Forever 21

Scarf: Steve Madden

Midi Rings: Forever 21

Eagle Ring: Rue21

Watch: ASOS

Chain Earrings: Forever 21
Sunglasses: Forever 21
As an update on my life, I've started a new job in November working for my local Forever 21. This is rather evident from my wardrobe because, even though I've always shopped there, I've been able to increase my income of Forever 21 products that I love. Also, this is a fitting day to post because the Fall/Winter 2016 Menswear presentations have started today, with Topman Design being the first collection in London Collections: Men, which is a particular collection I am already impressed with. I am very excited for the upcoming presentations, because I have always believed that Fall is the best time for fashion of my tastes. I am very excited to see and write about the Alexander McQueen show, as I always do, because I love the brand and have followed the brand for nearly 7 years now. I do want to post about other collections and have more coverage of all the men's collections this season, rather than just report on some of the same old brands.