In spite of the fact Spring 2010 is a bit far off, Fashion Designers trotted off to Milan recently to unveil their collections for men on runways that breathed new life into male animal chic.
As a kaleidoscope pulsated passionately in the background, Etro's confident macho male models strutted out in lively pant-and-shirt ensembles etched with wild Hawaiian prints, vivid paisleys, and - on occasion - streaks and splashes of pure unadulterated color sure to appeal to the peacock of the species.
Meanwhile, Roberto Cavalli was inclined to butch up his collection military-style, with the emphasis on male machismo.
Elaborate epaulets and toggles on wide-shouldered jackets effectively pumped up the upper torso to create a flattering virile silhouette.
Subtle industrial hardware flourishes beefed up the "studly" image, too.
Street-smark Jacobs was wise to turn-out a bevy of biker jackets of all practical and fanciful persuasion (kinky, beefy, streetwise) sure to be winners in the mainstream.
Hollywood types - Depp, Pitt, and Pattinson, for starters - may be inspired to pluck up Jacob's quirky elongated Tuxedo on a fashion whim.
Come Spring (probably sooner), flaunting fashion-conscious dudes and a show-off gym bunny or two will undoubtedly snap up a gauzy (see thru) muscle shirt with armholes down to the waist that casually tease potential suitors when exposing a pumped-up pec or two.
Salvatore Ferragamo, one of my favorite chi-chi designers, trotted out chic suits with a big spotlight on subtle Italian tailoring and styling.
Slim double-breasted suits in fine wool or cotton gabardine will be all the rage when the first flower buds longingly strain for innocent spring skies that herald new prospects for the coming year.
Two-tone shoes, built on simple two-lace tie-up structures, made a welcome entry, too.
Ferre didn't surprise much, instead preferring to stray along mostly-familiar fashion territory with signature design flourishes that have been big sellers for that powerhouse in the past.The stylish man-about-town may go broke over stand-out stand-alone (entree) pieces enriched with gold embroidery (still a fashion rage and revving up on T-shirts and designer jeans) or tooled in sexed-up body-hugging butter-soft leather.
Sleeveless shirts (tailored in all the right places) may entice a muscled chevron (or bicep) to flex a bit for show when a man's on the prowl.
Some uppity fashion editors did not warm up to Alexander McQueen's vision for Spring.
Just maybe, it was because naughty Alex elected to go a bit cerebral in Milan that week.
Instead of flaunting his collection on stage - so that the keen eyes of the critical fashion press could feast upon the offerings in a practical context on the runway as crafted fabric shells shaped and molded to flow in harmony with body parts and flesh - McQueen elected to present an esoteric video of an emotionally-charged artist smearing clay on walls.
McQueen's jumping-off point when under the fashion gun?
The slightly-balmy designer's off-the-wall presentation of the collection consisting mainly of suits and work wear daubed with paint - strung out on (yawn) plain old racks - underscored that it might be so.
I found the novelty fashion statements - decorated with line drawings, abstract prints, and patchworks - were bang on in view of the trends making leaps and bounds in pop culture circles this past year.
The so-called "lived-in-look" critics have turned a blind eye to - merely signal that the male of the species is becoming more comfortable in his skin - real or imagined.
The most whimsical offerings were out of "Costume National" labelled a collection for "Travelers & Curious Explorers".
Ennio Cpasa featured drop-crotch pants (great for hiking jaunts in France , n'est-ce pas?), ensemble pieces with rough edges to toughen up the image, and macho army boots to anchor any of the fashion fantasies about to take flight.
One design adventure - a cropped satin jacket with floral embroideries - hinted at a romantically-inspired trend to surface next year as the economy picks up, the recession is turned back, and the pleasure principle rails the day on the American fashion front once again.
Can't wait!
Armani cycle hunk trunks
Salvatore Ferragamo individual elegant style
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