Dries Van Noten
Dries Van Noten, the master of prints, showed a beautifully edited and a well executed collection. Mixing sharp, streamlined, traditional suiting, with relaxed fits and casual fabrics, Van Noten gave his men options that could easily be worn interchangeably. He created a collection that will be well suited (no pun intended) for any man on the sartorial spectrum. The paint-splatter print on a white dress shirt seemed to Van Noten encouraging men to allow some breathing room within tradition suiting. There is and should be some leeway for individuality and personality. The acid wash effect was a great counterbalance to the more sophisticated looks. Aside from prints, and the mixing and matching of them, Van Noten is also very well versed in color. Peachy and sandy hues worked well with the heather grays and dusty blues. Mustards and light browns threaded them all together, curating a perfectly, un-cliché spring palette.
Balenciaga
Apparently, Nicholas Ghesquiére is still holding onto this futuristic theme that has been more pronounced in his women’s wear. He’s transplanted a bit of bit of that in his menswear, but it came through mostly in the materials used. The perforated cummerbunds, nylon jackets, shiny pants just did not bode well because for such a small collection, it was a bit overkill. Perhaps Ghesquiére should loosen his grip on the space age thing.
