New York Fashion Week: Men’s Officially Kicks Off With Hippies, “The Sound of Music,” & Plenty of Gender-Bending Looks
The Council of Fashion Designers of America launched New York Fashion Week: Men’s — a standalone showcase of American men’s fashion (Spring/Summer 2016 collections) — for the first time on Monday in New York City. Among the buzzy designers to kick things off were rookie labels Boyswear, Cadet, David Hart, and Garciavelez, whose spirited collections touched upon everything from military themes to psychedelic vibes. The group was unified in presenting new twists on the tried and true androgyny trend.
Boyswear Spring/Summer 2016, Getty Images
For some brands like Boyswear, the androgyny angle was a bit more deliberate. Designer Jackson McKeehan named the collection “The Manson Family Singers,” and was inspired by “elements of traditional Tyrolean costume and tongue-in-cheek nods to The Sound of Music.” McKeehan costumed his male models with yodelayheehoo braids and in very vibrant, flower power garb. Though it’s NYFW: Men’s, these looks are totally unrestricted to the gender of wearer: high-waisted, flared jeans with floral tunics and feminine-fit overalls. Color, print, and ladylike proportion were among the key design elements here, making McKeehan’s clan of neo-hippies just as viable as the ones from the Woodstock era.
“Just one of the boys” at Garciavelez Spring/Summer 2016
Other designers merely alluded to the notion of gender fluidity by casting female models as just one of the guys (and vice versa). Garciavelez included two women in men’s suits adorned with strips of neon color—inspired by the works of Dan Flavin, and other minimalists. Meanwhile Cadet, a Brooklyn-based brand influenced by post-war military academia, showed a female model with hair slicked back, in a utilitarian ensemble accessorized with high heels. In keeping with the uniform trend, a smattering of models wore luxurious leather bags that were cinched at the waist via thick leather work belts.
Cadet Spring/Summer 2016
David Hart’s offerings included various suited ensembles in bright geometric shapes and patterns. The standout looks consisted of a “skort” (yet another odd trend in menswear is the man-skirt) worn with a button-up, and 3D glasses that featured multi-colored lenses.
David Hart Spring/Summer 2016, Getty Images
Like what you’re reading? Stay tuned for more of Yahoo Style’s Menswear report this week.
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