YMC Menswear: Spring/Summer 2012 Collection

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YMC Spring/Summer 2012 Collection

The spring/summer YMC collection arrived at Coggles late last week. Its dynamism and avoidance of trends are of the level expected from a brand which takes its name from Raymond Lowey: “You must create your own style.”

Continuing with the hunting camouflage look they pushed in autumn/winter the collection involves similarly patterned shorts. They are the pinnacle of function over form, an ethos the brand attach themselves too, and one of the best examples of what the collection does. It makes the simple into something a bit more complex.

The collection is structured around heavily coloured pieces, but plenty of neutrals are added in order to restrain them. YMC lookbooks tend to emphasise the toning down of a vibrant colour by pairing it with complimentary pieces. This approach is accommodated within the collection, with a wide variety of options; a burgundy crew sweat might be matched with a neutral t-shirt, indigo chinos and neutral loafers.

Lightweight outerwear also features as a more neutral influence. Restrained pastels or dark matching colour with a focus on functional detail rather than spectacle, characterise the collection’s approach.

Footwear is generally influenced by material and quality, rather than pattern. There are suede loafers and work shoes, both of which are versatile and fit well within the context of the collection. However, there is also a focal piece in the form of patterned canvas trainers. Following the general YMC approach, this kind of detail is usually teamed with pieces that let it stand out, and so wearing these with the shorts in the collection would create the kind of space they are usually given to make an impact.

Their relentless pursuit of functionality before form means that YMC create clothes that are timeless rather than on trend. In this collection they do so again. If you want to avoid Frankie Boyle’s angry anti-conformism, go YMC. You won’t look like someone shaved a monkey and kicked it through Topman.

Shop the collection now over at Coggles.