Happy Sunday!
Milan’s menswear fashion week began on Friday, and the street style is already imbuing a cold January with rich color and texture. Especially in the winter months when outfits can feel tired, it’s inspiring to see truly creative men’s fashion! I’ve always adored menswear, no matter who’s wearing it. Let’s take a glance back at the tailoring history and cultural shifts that led to our modern world of menswear. Make sure you check next week’s newsletter for another fashion week update, too!
Today’s mood board:
Uomini alla moda
Milan men’s fashion week is a bit pared down this season. Several big designers like Gucci aren’t participating, and luxury fashion has been slow across the board. Still, this year’s shows have mesmerized audiences, from Magliano’s striking drama to the luxurious nuance of Brioni.
Historically, designated men’s fashion weeks have been less popular, and some even wonder whether they have a purpose in the modern clothing industry. Although I can understand varying perspectives on the tradition, I think men’s fashion deserves to be celebrated! The runway is a space for designers to showcase their visions, be they traditionally masculine and tailored or more androgynous and inventive. Men’s fashion week has also brought moments like this one from Paris in 2020 - the grandparents of Egon Lab’s designer became the label’s unofficial ambassadors!
If you’re wondering what really distinguishes menswear from womenswear, you aren’t alone. From a technical level of structure and tailoring to the slower trend cycle in men’s fashion, this article from Coveteur covers a lot of ground. It makes me wonder whether, instead of speeding up the menswear cycle, we might do better to slow down womenswear trends. As this history of men’s fashion illustrates so beautifully, culture and fashion have heavily influenced one another over the decades. Perhaps it’s time to take a breath and reflect on what fashion offers us. Everyone might have unique answers to this: clothes can be purely practical, communicative, artistic, or all of the above.
Whatever you enjoy about fashion, look to others for inspiration - even people with wildly different personal style might spark an idea for layering textures or patterns in a new way.
Borrowed from the boys
Women have been styling menswear for decades - just look at Vogue Italia’s history of the pant suit! Modern womenswear design often borrows elements of masculine tailoring, offering even more room to play with outfits. Of course, anyone can simply shop for men’s pieces, too!
Celebrities are a great example of this: style icons like Brooke Shields and Katie Holmes have been captivating with menswear looks!
Plus, some brands are designing genderless fashion - this article from The Berliner outlines the complications and triumphs of their efforts.
If you’re in the market for menswear, these online brands are worth a look - as are these streetwear labels if that’s your style!
Bonus features:
One of my favorite style accounts, @databutmakeitfashion, just released a video all about Bad Bunny’s fashion evolution!
For inspiration from last season’s menswear shows, take a look at these celebrity street style looks.
Finally, you can find even more menswear ideas from these influencers - and don’t miss the stylish 79-year-old star Larry Pennington!
That’s all for now! Chat to you soon,
Marcelle xx