Introduction
Here at FashionBeans we aim to provide the everyday male with relatable, helpful style advice on a daily basis. We preach about building a timeless wardrobe full of versatile basics, encourage you to add unique individual touches through accessories and even bring you all the very latest trend reports direct from the runways. However, something we don’t often feature on site are high fashion collections and more directional pieces of menswear.
The reason being? The majority of men are simply happy being well dressed and can only just get their heads around integrating colour into their personal style. High fashion can often seem scary or even ‘unwearable’ for the everyday male.
However, most also fail to realise that these boundary pushing designers are the same people who are responsible for some of the major menswear trends of the last five years – Rick Owens was pushing military/combat style boots and leather long before the high street figured out they would be popular, Jil Sander was pushing bold colours and colour blocking before we were even open to the thought of burgundy chinos and Dries Van Noten was experimenting with shape and form before we ever considered over sizing a garment or clashing silhouettes.
Yes, there is a lot more to this industry than simply building a capsule wardrobe and being able to mix and match classic pieces on a daily basis. If you scratch beneath the surface you will find hundreds of designers creating inspirational collections that showcase the trends and looks of tomorrow. Not only that, if you consider yourself to already be a well dressed man, these types of pieces can help truly individualise your look and take your outfits to the next level.
With all this in mind, we are going to showcase two of the aforementioned designer’s collections for the upcoming SS13, in association with high fashion boutique LN-CC.
Rick Owens
Rick Owens is an American avant garde designer who founded his eponymous label back in 1994. He is renowned for his distinct Rock/Gothic inspired collections, which are typically dark, monochrome and extremely edgy. He has long been an advocate for the use of leather pieces, masculine boots and experimental cuts – all of which now have a firm place within most modern men’s wardrobes.
He has been showing his ready-to-wear collections at Fashion Weeks across the globe since 2002, and has gone on to build a cult following within the industry. Now stocked at some of the most prestigious boutiques and websites worldwide, his clothing is perfect for men who like to adhere to a traditional, timeless colour palette but are looking to add a rebellious touch to their style.
For any of you who can afford to invest in his range of leather jackets, you will not be disappointed – they are iconic within the industry due to their exquisite cut and premium leather construction. They are the definition of an investment piece.
Look out for: Leather jackets, relaxed fitting tees/tops and military boots.
Rick Owens Menswear: SS13
The new spring/summer 2013 collection from Rick Owens shows a slight move away from the typically dark and grungy clothing the designer is renowned for.
The introduction of patterned garments and footwear is a welcome nod to the current underlying trend influences for SS13 and the signature oversized jersey tops are also available in seasonally appropriate lighter tones:
LN-CC Rick Owens SS13 Lookbook
Recommended Pieces
The new Rick Owens menswear collection is currently available at LN-CC, some of the key pieces are showcased below:
- Rick Owens Drkshdw Mens Sleeveless T-shirt
- Rick Owens Mens Double Layered Long Sleeve Top
- Rick Owens Mens Sleeveless High Neck Top
- Rick Owens Drkshdw Mens Drop Crotch Shorts
- Rick Owens Drk Shdw Mens Camouflage Drop Crotch Shorts
- Rick Owens Drk Shdw Mens Oversized Canvas Bag
- Rick Owens Mens Small Leather Case
- Rick Owens Mens Suede High Top Sneakers
- Rick Owens Mens Island Dunk Shoes
Dries Van Noten
Dries Van Noten is a Belgian fashion designer and one of the famous ‘Antwerp Six’. He launched his eponymous label back in 1986 and developed a reputation as being ‘eccentric’ due to his constant clashing of colours, styles and silhouettes.
Renowned for his use of digitally enhanced prints and original fabrics, he seems tailor made for the print and pattern trends that are currently dominating menswear. Just another example of a high fashion designer being ahead of his time. His menswear is considered smart, refined and mature – qualities the FashionBeans man can relate to – yet he manages to distinguish himself from his peers through subtle nuances and a focus on detailing.
Contemporary tailoring, formal shirting and elegant knits form the basis of his current collections, and they are a great place to start if you are dipping your toes into the world of avant garde fashion for the first time.
Look out for: Prints, patterned tailoring and classics with a twist.
Dries Van Noten Menswear: SS13
This season it is all about camouflage. It comes in all forms; blazers, trousers, tees, outerwear; blues, greens, browns and khaki base tones. This is the type of clothing Dries Van Noten was born to make.
The cut is slim and refined, which makes integrating these trend pieces effortless and reinforces a more mature approach to prints. Why not try a camo shirt or tee layered under your timeless navy blazer this spring/summer?
Other themes of note include striking orange pieces that will inject a shot of life into any ensemble and patterned blazers/tailoring – not just the aforementioned camouflage print but also a variety of checks and beautiful tartans:
LN-CC Dries Van Noten SS13 Lookbook
Recommended Pieces
The new Dries Van Noten menswear collection is currently available at LN-CC, some of the key pieces are showcased below:
- Dries Van Noten Mens Campino Shirt
- Dries Van Noten Mens Vox Jacket
- Dries Van Noten Mens Nestor Sweater
- Dries Van Noten Mens Neroli Sweater
- Dries Van Noten Mens Hail Cardigan
- Dries Van Noten Mens Paxton Pants
- Dries Van Noten Mens Shopper Bag
- Dries Van Noten Mens Contrast Colour Flip Wallet
- Dries Van Noten Mens Imitation Reptile Document Holder
LN-CC SALE – High Fashion For Less
For those of you who have had your interest pique by high fashion menswear, there has never been a better time to introduce a key piece or two to your wardrobe. LN-CC are currently in final reductions in their superb January SALE, which means you can now get your hands on designers like Rick Owens, Comme Des Garcons and Balenciaga at up to 70% OFF!
Here are some of favourite pieces, but you better be quick:
- Cherevichkiotvichki Mens Bark Dyed Derbies
- Junya Watanabe X Trickers Brogue Sneakers
- Dries Van Noten Mens Calf Skin Fur Smoking Slippers
- Maison Martin Margiela 10 Mens Jacket
- Unused Mens Double Breasted Jacket
- Comme Des Garcons Homme Plus Mens Mogol Yawn Cloth Lapel Jacket
- Junya Watanabe Mens Mohair Blend Sweater
- Comme Des Garcons Homme Plus Mens Contrast Pattern Shorts
- Unused Mens Long Tshirt
- Illesteva Unisex Leonard Ii Sunglasses
- Damir Doma Mens Bothus Weekend Bag
- Maison Martin Margiela 10 Mens Scarf
Final Word
The key with high fashion is to pick and choose pieces/looks that fit in with your current style and how you see it evolving. No one is telling you to dress like the models on the runways – Fashion Week showcases should be considered a form of art, complete with garments designed to cause a stir and invoke a reaction.
Instead, be inspired – what can you learn from the clashing of silhouettes or the palette utilised? What are the key trends you see developing over the next few seasons/years? If you take an interest in more than just the clothes adorning the mannequins of your local high street retailer then you could finally find that creative spark you need in order to take your personal style to a whole new level – and maybe, just maybe, become a trend setter yourself.
Shop all the latest collections from a range of prestigious high fashion designers at LN-CC.
