Men mode became a focal point to menswear designers at Waterfront and Samsung’s latest fashion coup at the cavernous Pacific Ballroom. Down came last season’s gold fixation and up went a silver armored male specimen with a sword on his back. Zen enthusiast Oj Hofer looked to the Orient for Summer 2009. For many in his audience today, it’s a place that automatically conjures up images and thoughts of caked-faced kabukis and kimono clad warriors. But Hofer has been in business for 20 years now, and he has mined every continent but Antarctica for inspiration. So, if this was a respectful nod in going to a global direction, it was mostly a fresh look at some of his biggest hits.
The show opened with a loose trouser-ed Caucasian male model sans shirt with a silver belt, looking like he just came from a swordfight. Interspersed among the other silk-satin takes on that slouchy, relaxed silhouette—which happens to be right in step with the season—were bronze fitted trousers or black and white linen shirts and metallic ties. Bare chests added to the mood’s adventurous spirit.
The theme Orientalia continued to Philip Rodriguez’ Nehru collared linen jacket and woodbark shorts for an Indian summer feel. Then it twisted and turned preppy for Louis Claparols with his tartan zip front jacket, tailored pants and messenger bags. Preppy and sporty provided a merry mix for Anthony Nocom’s striped city shorts with Nike Golf’s sherbet hued shirts and jackets. For Rhett Eala, it was black and gunmetal adorned shirts and jackets paired with black stovepipe trousers, which looked utterly urban and modern.
Kudos to the featured menswear designers for addressing the diversity issue on the runways!
Bravissimo!