JOHN VARVATOS SPRING SUMMER 2013 MEN’S COLLECTION – MILANO FASHION WEEK

The silhouette is precise, but smoothed around the edges. Double-breasted jackets are paired with full or slightly flared pants, drawing a masculine, sensual line.

There is an appreciation of all the little details that are integral to the ritual of dressing up: waistcoats are worn under suits and coats as a defining layer; shirt collars closed with tie bars are invariably paired with a necktie; straw hats with a wide brim complete most outfits.

Masculine patterns in graphic black & white create a light crinkle: stripes of different width and small textural dots add a layer of visual friction.

The alternation and amalgamation of ease and elegance, day and night is a constant shifting of codes: tuxedo bands, done in cotton, land on day trousers; a zipper rims the waistband of a pair of dress pants; black jackets sport white lapels; satin ribbons replace buttons and hooks on a coat. Double-breasted and cutaway create elegant lines in movement.

The colour palette is classic, with unexpected accents: white, military green, grey, black, touches of red. Fabrics are precious, yet deliberately rough and intensely tactile: linen, cotton, cotton-metal, silk-linen, double jersey.

Accessories include straw hats with a satin band, lace-up brogues in canvas and hand-treated leather, wingtips, varnished canvas boots. Bags add an urban twist: leather totes with studded details, canvas and leather satchels, leather duffels with a linen effect.

A vision of elegance that is roughly perfect and classically imperfect. John Varvatos’ signature rock n’ roll is still there: it is an attitude.