Thom Browne Spring/Summer 2019

With a larger focus on artistic expression than commercial viability, Thom Browne’s spring/summer 2019 runway show began and ended with a whimper. It is not inherently bad to be concerned with designing a show that is memorable, as Thom Browne’s most certainly is, but to completely sacrifice the visual appeal of the garments themselves feels like a pure loss of focus. There is not one single outfit within this collection that I particularly enjoyed, as I found the overly exaggerated childhood inspired style of the clothes to be a little overwhelming in the sensory department. Maybe one might find enjoyment from the sheer absurdity of the show, but there did not exist a single piece that could fit well into any man’s regular closet. Perhaps next show Thom Browne will be able to strike a more even balance between creativity and practicality, but this particular show most definitely remained a one sided performance.