On the runway: Roberto Cavalli’s ‘Spring ‘09 Men’s Collection’.

 

 

Hello, dear readers! I know the title might have taken some by surprise, and with good reason: ”You’re covering ‘haute couture’, too?” Yes! And in anticipation of New York City’s world-renowned ‘Fashion Week’ (which starts this friday), I’ve decided to spotlight my absolute favorite pieces of the newest collection of one of the most venerable fashion designers working today, Mr. Roberto Cavalli. At the same time, I’m offering you some good ol’ contrast (as the doctor ordered) by commenting on what I didn’t like about his newest set of designs.

But first, a warning: do not expect a long critique, but a short, “on-point” one for each piece (think two lines long, three at most). With fashion, I base my appreciation on good fittings that go in accord with the natural shape of the model’s body, and designs that, as long as they work in my eyes (be it with simple, elegant lines and/or extravagant, vanguardist pieces done with taste), I like them. Forewarned, let’s move on to the critique itself.

His ‘Spring ‘09 Men’s Collection’ hits the spot in more ways than I was anticipating, while not being entirely to my taste. First, the use of color in some of these designs is impressive, if a little too rennaisance-inspired. Yet, his innability to work consistently with prints brings a sore eye to this enthusiast. Let’s begin with what I did like:

 

This ensemble of beautiful white jacket and hazel trousers shows great proportion, and I actually like how the yellow gloves and mahogany boots complement his overall vision. I’d wear this in a heartbeat.

Again, great proportion and choice of colors. Shirt design is a little too stylized for my taste. However, I love the functional details on the sleeves. The belt works, too.

Costume-y? Maybe. I adore that dual-colored long coat contrasting with the green top, though.

Yep, I actually like this. Sue me! The print looks intricate yet versatile enough. Coupled with those white pants and simple grey top, it works.

Now, let’s get down and dirty…

That print…ridiculous. Mix that with a tired classic “white-collared shirt plus black tie” combination, and it treads into uninspired territory. Not flattering at all. 

Horrible jacket. If the top piece says nothing, the white pants made to complement it doesn’t make things better. Again, humdrum. But nothing screams “ugh” as the following:

What the f*** was he thinking? Am I allowed to say “fuck” here (there, I said it!)? FUCK.

And there you have it, straight from my mind to yours. While I admire the work of this famed italian designer in some instances, in others he just falls flat. He’s, indeed, an icon in the world of fashion, but as the stunning Heidi Klum consistently proclaims in that hit TV reality serial from Bravo, “one day you’re in, and the next day you’re out”.

Be sure to stay in, Mr. Cavalli. 

I understand that, as anything in the world of art, perspectives on taste are relative, so don’t take my word as the last. As always, I encourage differing opinions to be posted right here, if you’d like to do so. Thank you for reading. : )

Obama-on-a-tee.

Hello, readers! We’re at the start of September, which means ‘Sensibilize this!’ is already a month old and going for a second! Thanks to all for your encouraging feedback and support. : ) Now, onto the topic at hand…

 

 

Put ‘politics’ and ‘art’ on a blender, pour the results over a t-shirt and you have this, ‘Design by Humans’ newest creation on sale: “Obama” (props to ‘Cloxboy’ for the slick winning design). It’s great to see people from the states having the “cojones” to think about displaying their choice for President of their nation visually on a piece of clothing, considering they’ve never been too keen on exercising their civil right to vote. Hungry for change, North Americans will have the opportunity to prove their capacity to think and decide sensibly when the elections take place this coming 4th of November. 

On another note, I’d like to give my compliments to ‘Design by Humans’ itself, a great website dedicated to giving new, aspiring graphic artists/designers a chance to display their work and be chosen for print by the community itself. The quality of the printing is very good as well as the price, which is a bargain for what you get (I’ve bought a couple myself). I suggest you take a look if you’re interested in different, fresh designs for your t-shirts. 

 

 

Liked what you read and saw? Don’t forget to leave some feedback! Thanks for reading. : )