8.26.2009

Bottega Veneta Men Spring/Summer 2010

"Heavy Cross" by The Gossip was playing the background while the well-kept models smoothly walked down the narrow runway revealing the latest creation by Thomas Maeir for Bottega Veneta. I thought for this collection, Mr. Maeir tried to visually narrate a story of this young American boy who is sent to this southeastern Asian country to perform a couple of different tasks, while in the process, he absorbs the culture and exchanges a few items of his wardrobe with the locals.
When asked about his collection for Veneta, Mr. Maeir responded, "It's a mix of formal with sporty casual clothes", he added, "I think it's a kind of way that men dress, we like the formal and we like the casual, it's comfort with the rigor, it looks good and it all works together, I don't think there is a reason that you have to go one way or the other." And I must conquer, guys these days (or at least myself) amalgamate different type of clothes in order to fit their character, style or mood. I'm not a fan of the idea of wearing a three-piece-suit everyday (even if it was Armani). Conversely, I would not want be walking around in t-shirts and five-pocket shorts everyday, so a great balance of both genres can make-up a substantial and stylish wardrobe.
The first look consisted of this crisp white shirt, this synthetic-like sand-colored pants with this super stylish lightweight baseball jacket, which I loved. It was certainly one of the key pieces of the collection. It's a very simple look but it stills demands respect. In addition, there were also tye-dye and knitted tops in vibrant hues such as magenta, international orange (that's actual the name I looked up), lavender pink and maroon. The exotic colored suits definitely made a strong statement on the runway. However, thought, I thought the suits were miscomplemented with these hideous purple socks displaying a small butterfly on the top front. The socks looked like something a five year old girl would pick out from Walmart, not hot. I just simply thought both elements did not work together, next. Continuing with the theme of the show, Veneta offered these beautiful leafs/flowers-printed oriental inspired zip-up jackets with matching pants or shorts. I thought if worn together, one can potentially look slightly too busy, but I like how Mr. Maeir dissected the look with simple solid tees and nice sporty jackets. The last three night looks consisted of two-button wide peak lapel navy suit jackets, patterned shirts, solid-colored ties and a great pair of denims. When I saw these looks walking down the runway, I wanted to stop them and snatch every single piece and ran to the nearest exit (Did I mention this could only happen in my wildest dream?).
What look a bit peculiar that caught my attention, but not necessarily in a good way was the fact that Mr. Maeir pruposely decided to send out the models in wrinkled bottoms. I'm not sure if that was part of the looks, but I'm sure they had at least an iron or a steamer somewhere backstage. I also noticed this quote on one the set walls that enclosed the runway show that said, "When your own initials are enough". Mr Maier explained, "It means that you don't need anything but yourself, It's your initials that are important, not any others." I thought that send a strong message right away and it went beyond fashion but life in general. I'm not sure if he was referring to the fact that people like to show off labels as if saying "I have more money than you", or if he was referring to the fact that people feel they must be accompanied whenever they want to accomplish a certain goal. Whatever it might be, I'm delighted to see that Veneta firmly stands for something they strongly believe in.
Pixs: style.com

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