In keeping with his previous collections, Greg Lauren brings us a full presentation of old world antics (think newsboys and boxing matches) with a post-apocalyptic twist. Consistent in his distressed detailing Lauren’s FW2016 Men’s collection provides a unique approach to sportswear. Keeping to hues of olive, gray, brown, and black, the collection is anything but drab. Lauren is an artist, and his work is presented with such imagination. Collections always “tell a story”, but often the story is left to the viewer’s imagination, sometimes with rough guidelines that indicate the feeling or direction the designer intends the collection to take – Lauren presents the story and the collection as one.The Story: Hero, featuring Tyson Beckford – here the hero stands in a caped hoodie, black ribbed tank, and black open weave patchwork lounge pant. His dress implies repurposed materials, a hero who has risen from devastation and destruction.
Part the First, in which the officers stand watch, dressed in patchwork parkas, “Dirty White Tanks”, and drop lounge pants.
Part the Second, in which the Baja Gang lies in wait, in vintage blanket ponchos, black or charcoal knit fisherman sweaters layered over open weave tees, styled with charcoal antique indigo scarves and head wraps.
Part the Third, in which the world consists of a boxing match, or those preparing for one. Onlookers in raglan pullovers and white ribbed tanks, or charcoal rogue coats of antique hemp and linen watch as the boxers themselves, dressed in black destroyed hoodies w/suspenders and charcoal open weave patchwork drop lounge pants practice their sparring.
Part the Fourth in which the Shoe Shine Gang stands at the ready in their structured suits be it in a multi-herringbone smoking robe or a charcoal dinner jacket and drop long pants.
Part the Fifth, in which the Patchwork Journal Gang waits for the opportune moment – linen patchwork tux shirts, Dirty White Tanks, and black patchwork drifter hats.
Not to be downplayed or forgotten is the Man of Steel. No competition for The Hero, he nevertheless sports a 3-piece suit complete with tie and drifter hat – all crafted from woven steel fabric.
Creativity at this level is rare, even among the enormous amounts of talent at New York Fashion Week: Men’s, and to experience it as Lauren presents it is refreshing.