NEW YORK CITY
Words, Images Judith Ecochard
We had an 90’s flashback from those raves that would crop up in some funky warehouse in an outer borough…as we entered a midtown space---a faded fancy ballroom space…like when our grandparents scooted around Manhattan.
Atmosphere for edgy hipsters…for sure…but the Commonwealth Utilities collection actually had more of a prepsters vibe this outing.
In fact, according to the run of show, the designers Anthony Keegan and Richard Christiansen were influenced by the Wall Street dudes fresh off the PATH and subway trains…or emerging unfettered from town cars, attired in good, wrinkle free suits, juggling briefcases and coffee cups…and in reality, a sense of uniformity prevailing.
Funny, we worked down there for a decade so we thought, clearly these guys on the runway were channeling investment bankers/lawyers, traders dress differently.
Since Thom Browne inundated men’s fashion with short everything (schoolboy pants’ hems, jackets)…many designers have inched up their separates too.
We are adjusting our eye to that silhouette…better left to the slim we
feel…though these long johns...keep all warm!
Commonwealth Utilities sent out some terrific outerwear pieces (bombers,
...peaked lapel blazers, double breasted wool coats with slick nautical swagger--- and trousers...rolled or with with that modified shrunken look, dark and ripped jeans…and great cable knit sweaters.
Pants ---rolled hems in particular, are an attitude…especially since most guys are not balancing the look with heels.
Seasoned designers that they are...Commonwealth Utilities creatively used different fabrics…cotton oxford button downs, linen, Japanese poly nylon, modal cotton, wools---like cashmere, denim....
And we are sure---- like women’s fashion trends we see for F/W 2010…we will be seeing longer hems for men next year.
INFO: Crisp, fast loading B/W website with videos, stocklists etc…. COMMONWEALTH UTILITIES
