In the hours before Kenzo's Spring/Summer 2015 men's show in Paris this morning, many hands were busying themselves draping ponchos on models, handing out Evian and jambon-et-fromage sandwiches, and squeegeeing the runway. It was, in classic Paris style, drizzling––yet the forecast only seemed to heighten the chic, quirky, and very French atmosphere of the show, presented on the banks of the Seine.
Guests were seated on a baby chartreuse stage along the Rive Droite like a crop of translucent daisies (with Kenzo-provided umbrellas). Just south of the set-up, the Pont Alexandre III, the richest bridge in the city, spanned the Seine with its candelabra-like lampposts and bacchanal sculptures of nymphs and cherubim that seemed to strain to watch Carol and Humberto's show just like all the other press.
The models marched picturesquely across the bridge, sporting squared but loose shapes. We wanted to ask them for their coats. “Scooter culture is never more evident than in the exaggerated parka, a functional prerequisite many riders have adopted to offset the sporadic bad weather,” read the prophetic release.
Next season’s parkas in heavy cotton twills, melon-size polka dots (navy on white, red on pink), and a rebooted Breton stripe (thickened, disorientated, and multicolored) were just the thing over motorbike pants and short shorts. Textured knitwear tanks and sweaters—some with an Eiffel Tower jacquard—were useful and smart.
While Cosette of Les Misérables appeared on a tank or two, the show-stealer by far was our favorite French expat, the Statue of Liberty, who was embroidered in multiple denims on the back of a jean jacket. One model wore it with denim pants, thereby giving the “Canadian tux” a new lease on life. So-called “French cyclist” tennis shoes, wayward Americana baseball caps, and ultra-slim men’s bags completed the scene.
Carol and Humberto's collection was conceived from the perspective of observant Americans in Paris. It is “an homage,” the release explained, “to the millions of Parisian men whose way of dressing has, over time, inspired the masses to borrow and assimilate key codes and rites of their wardrobe.”
E-MAIL US to be notified once the Spring/Summer 2015 collection hits OC!![]()
Photos by Karl Hab
![]()
![]()
![]()
![]()
![]()
![]()
![]()
![]()
![]()
![]()
![]()
![]()
Guests were seated on a baby chartreuse stage along the Rive Droite like a crop of translucent daisies (with Kenzo-provided umbrellas). Just south of the set-up, the Pont Alexandre III, the richest bridge in the city, spanned the Seine with its candelabra-like lampposts and bacchanal sculptures of nymphs and cherubim that seemed to strain to watch Carol and Humberto's show just like all the other press.
The models marched picturesquely across the bridge, sporting squared but loose shapes. We wanted to ask them for their coats. “Scooter culture is never more evident than in the exaggerated parka, a functional prerequisite many riders have adopted to offset the sporadic bad weather,” read the prophetic release.
Next season’s parkas in heavy cotton twills, melon-size polka dots (navy on white, red on pink), and a rebooted Breton stripe (thickened, disorientated, and multicolored) were just the thing over motorbike pants and short shorts. Textured knitwear tanks and sweaters—some with an Eiffel Tower jacquard—were useful and smart.
While Cosette of Les Misérables appeared on a tank or two, the show-stealer by far was our favorite French expat, the Statue of Liberty, who was embroidered in multiple denims on the back of a jean jacket. One model wore it with denim pants, thereby giving the “Canadian tux” a new lease on life. So-called “French cyclist” tennis shoes, wayward Americana baseball caps, and ultra-slim men’s bags completed the scene.
Carol and Humberto's collection was conceived from the perspective of observant Americans in Paris. It is “an homage,” the release explained, “to the millions of Parisian men whose way of dressing has, over time, inspired the masses to borrow and assimilate key codes and rites of their wardrobe.”
E-MAIL US to be notified once the Spring/Summer 2015 collection hits OC!
Photos by Karl Hab
