Man on the Move: Emboldened Bohemia
Missoni Spring/Summer 2017
Explorative spirit is at the crux of Missoni’s selected look from their Spring/Summer 2017 menswear collection. Think of an earthy vagabond with displaced charm and an organic disposition. The bohemian style descriptor has a subtext of chic that feels effortless but requires an immense portion of know-how. Coming to this near ending crucial moment in our sartorial playground, it is high time that we press on into the big leagues.
Style Advice: In executing a look based on the blueprint set forth by Missoni, it is the lightweight aesthetic and easy as it comes energy that we are looking to embody and emulate. Olive is the color of summertime sharpness and an attractively neutral background for an exploratory get-up. Be pseudo-conservative with Zara’s polo neck shirt in light khaki or take a defined stance in an oversized medium toned olive shirt, also from the Spanish fast fashion behemoth. For the arm, go simple with a handsome brown leather watch from Fossil. It has been said that a man’s wrist should never be bare. Well, it has been said here. For the vibrancy and jolt of kinetic energy imbued in bohemian style, printed swim shorts from River Island are spot-on. To accompany the latter, and provide the same mismatched patterning that is idiosyncratic to Missoni, are two strap sandals in brown and orange from Zara. The finished detail is a manicured foray into emboldened bohemia.
Must-Have: Designer espadrilles. Just a step above a plimsoll and a grade behind oxfords. The designated warm weather comfort shoe. Attaining a good-looking pair is a rite-of-passage for any well-established wardrobe. Think a polo shirt and tailored chinos for a weekend work or mid-day respectable social event. Sneakers would be too informal and oxfords would be too high-brow. Espadrilles would be the porridge that Goldie Locks sinks her home-security breaching little teeth into. (Yes a child’s tale analogy was just plugged, we have reached that point in our dynamic). The almond toe and signature weaving in navy suede from Bottega Veneta is the closet addition you did not anticipate needing. As it turns out, you do. Your feet and casual onlookers will not be disappointed. However, your stomach for the next month or two after this purchase may be. Remember, it is called an investment. Priorities!
Industry Update: Numero Homme Berlin’s Issue 6 features John Legend, Young Thug, Tyga and Chadwick Boseman and is being dubbed the “black issue” by fashion journalists and commentators. Its inclusion of black men in varied silhouettes and photogenic moods is nothing short of discursive. Expanding upon the imagery of men of color from a sartorial perspective, through a mainstream gaze, will either be hailed as remarkable representation or exploitative cartooning. The latter notwithstanding, the images are captivating and the handsome leading subject matters delve deep into politics, art and the rapid tides of evolving cultures. Fashion at its core is an active tool in identity politics and outward expression. When the cultural gatekeepers use this fact to instigate new agendas outside the norm, it solidifies fashion as more than frivolous.