Todd Snyder Spring/Summer 2016 Collection Preview

The designer's collection preview took place at Skylight Clarkson Square, an industrial setting that's the hub of this year's shows.

The designer’s collection preview took place at Skylight Clarkson Square, an industrial setting that’s the hub of this year’s shows.

As New York Fashion Week: Men’s progresses, it’s easy to get caught in the whirlwind of colors and styles flying down the runways. What does it mean to the average shopper on the streets or your average PR guy behind his laptop? If you’re worried about being overwhelmed by a fashion runway, Todd Snyder is here to sooth those doubts with a stunning – and highly wearable – spring offering.  If you’re not familiar with Todd and are curious about dipping your toes in the ‘fashion’ waters, be sure to give his offerings a look — best-known for producing classic Americana sportswear pieces, he also does admirable tailored pieces and envy-inducing suede bomber jackets (more on those below).

Strong outerwear (as seen on the right) and lightweight, sportier pieces like the white knit, seen on the left, characterized the collection.

Strong outerwear (as seen on the right) and lightweight, sportier pieces like the white knit, seen on the left, characterized the collection.

I had the chance to attend Todd’s collection preview on Tuesday night with my friends over at Brothers & Craft. Menswear luminaries like Nick Wooster and A-listers like Dwayne Wade were also on-hand at Skylight Clarkson Square, the massive hub of this year’s shows (catch up with my tweets from the show here). Luckily for us consumers, the collection is on-point – and likely features a few items you’ll have to start saving for … right about now.

One of several lightweight knit pieces paired with drawstring pants.

One of several lightweight knit pieces paired with drawstring pants.

Color and texture was a huge part of the show, inspired by the Italian beaches of Bagni di Tiberio — a historical vacation hub for famous artists and creatives. The biggest takeaway from that tidbit is that the collection certainly feels ready for days spent by the sea.  Linen cardigans and band-collar shirts were layered with easygoing shorts and drawstring pants – nothing too imposing, a la the typical Thom Browne show.

One of the nicest pieces of outerwear in the show -- a sporty yet durable-looking take on the varsity jacket from the designer's Champion collaboration.

One of the nicest pieces of outerwear in the show — a sporty yet durable-looking take on the varsity jacket from the designer’s Champion collaboration.

Plenty of rugged heritage and workwear-leaning pieces, like faded tanktops and short-sleeve military shirts from the designer’s collaboration with Champion, were also trotted out – good news that it’s back again. Todd Snyder’s outerwear has historically been a strong point of his collections, and it’s an area that doesn’t disappoint here – he sent out classic belted trench coats, trim bombers in neutral colors like grey & navy and military field jackets, all items that definitely work for layering during the rainy days of spring and potentially back into the fall. Sweaters galore in rumped, lightweight linen and linen-cotton blends were also on display – those are pieces that can be layered over shorts and with spring & summer tees and polos particularly.

The designer's relatively affordable White Label line is set to feature classics like a medium-blue piped tuxedo.

The designer’s relatively affordable White Label line is set to feature classics like a medium-blue piped tuxedo.

And Todd’s tailored collection (the White Label line sold through Nordstrom) is back again for SS16, featuring classic piped tuxedo jackets in navy and black, and at least one white linen suit. While that’s a bold move unless you’re heading to an all-white party, the key here is that while still pricey, Todd’s suiting line sticks to classic basics done in a refined way – maybe save a bit (or a lot) here and there to pick one up as a splurge? Oh, and one last thing – if you find yourself looking for a pair of sandals to wear, the designer’s collaboration with Cole Haan is back again, featuring artisanal Italian leather sandals (maybe keep those to the beach unless you’ve got some serious  style cred, yeah?).

While some designers seem to get lost up in the art form of a show, others stick to sending out clothes that guys can – and will – actually wear. Todd Snyder’s SS16 collection definitely hit that mark admirably, and it does so in a way that’s extremely accessible to the general public, from lightweight layering pieces to easygoing pants, strong outerwear and crisp tailored wear.  Whether or not you find yourself drawn toward some sandals next spring is entirely in your court.

Any favorite looks from this collection? What pieces are you looking forward to breaking out or buying (if any) when spring rolls around, and what do you like from the designer right now?

 

 

The GQ x New York Fashion Week: Men’s Lounge

A showcase for American menswear designers that's been years in the making.

A showcase for American menswear designers that’s been years in the making.

Unless you live under a rock (or maybe even if you do), you might have heard that the beginning of this week marks the start of the first-ever New York Fashion Week: Men’s. In short, the event is something of a watershed moment for the fashion industry, as this week marks the first time that American menswear designers in particular have been given a dedicated outlet to showcase upcoming seasonal collections, as designers in London and elsewhere receive. How big is that? Some were saying the American #menswear industry was dying out in relation to fashion week as of just a few years ago. So what does all this mean for the average consumer? Well, American designers like Todd Snyder and Billy Reid (of Bond Peacoat fame) are offering their heightened take on staples that’ll actually appear in stores next season. So while outlandish runway pieces likely won’t be up for sale, think of runway shows like auto shows — a look into the creative process of each designer, with lots of fanfare and hype.

Recharging slightly during Fashion Week: Men's with a cold one from the esteemed Brooklyn Brewery.

Recharging slightly during Fashion Week: Men’s with a cold one from the esteemed Brooklyn Brewery.

And what does all this mean for those within the #menswear editorial and retail community? Well — a whole lot of hopping around the city to various collection previews and shows (check out the full schedule here). While I’m not as busy as some folks out there, I appreciate the chance to get in on the action and meet up with like-minded folks as part of my postwork editorial pursuits and my day job working on behalf of Timberland. Lucky for me, GQ’s The Gent Lounge is here to help this week with its #GQFW Lounge. The lounge has previously hosted some stellar events on behalf of the likes of Tiffany & Co., and this week, they’ve teamed up with stellar menswear retailer Mr. Porter and LG Mobile, among others, to curate a recharge lounge.

Some of the style essentials curated by Mr. Porter and GQ at the lounge.

Some of the style essentials curated by Mr. Porter and GQ at the lounge.

Along with some distinctly shoppable and drool-worthy wares from Mr. Porter as part of the brand’s partnership with GQ on monthly collections, there was also a nice selection of tasty craft brews from Brooklyn Brewery. Attendees also got a closer look at the new LG G4 Smartphone , which comes complete with a sharp leather case available in a variety of colors. In fact, my friend Leo Chan of popular blog Levitate Style is testing out the phone all across the city as part of this week’s events, and photographers were snapping portraits with the phone itself. And the lounge has done a nice job of curating products for a life lived stylishly, from dishware to vintage issues of GQ and home accessories. It was the ideal way to start what’s sure to be a busy week. Tuesday’s ventures will hopefully include a viewing of Todd Snyder’s Spring 2016 wares with my friends at Brothers & Craft — stay tuned!

Ernest Alexander

Ben Sherman US

New York Fashion Week: Personal Favorites

Spring New York Fashion Week is always full of colorful florals and stunning finale gowns. This year, I was actually disappointed with a majority of the shows.  Some shapes were too geometric and boxy for my taste.  But there were still many shows and looks that stood out to me.  These are some of my overall favorite looks from this week.

Tanya Taylor RTW Spring 2014

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Retro silhouettes were everywhere this season! What I really enjoyed about this look was the beautiful combination of blue floral and the black and white pattern it lays on top of. Tanya Taylor had her Fashion Week debut just a year ago, and opted for a runway show this season. The movement of the skirts were so graceful and visually appealing to me, which is exactly why she chose the runway to show off her collection. Though she is a young designer, I could see this collection appealing to women of all ages.

Kate Spade Spring 2014

Kate Spade New York - Presentation - Spring 2014 Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Kate Spade New York - Presentation - Spring 2014 Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week

Kate Spade is one of my all-time favorite brands and this presentation blew me away.  The theme – a quaint European tour – was adorable and perfectly reflected.  The first few looks, inspired by Paris, made me audibly gasp in public! There is just something about the dress and peplum top with the wrought iron gate pattern that stunned me.  This collection had so many amazing silhouettes that were also very retro inspired. I loved the lemon theme representing Capri- it was fresh and perfect for spring.  Finally, the quirky clutches, colorful shoes, and sleek makeup added the perfect finishing touches to each outfit!

Oscar De La Renta Spring 2014

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This show was hands-down my favorite show of Fashion Week.  Again, the retro look was prevalent and that is probably why I was so drawn to this collection.  I saw several long, romantic tutu-style skirts throughout runway shows this season, but this was my personal favorite. The fabric used in several of these designs was similar to Tanya Taylor’s small patterns under floral, and it worked beautifully in each look.  The details in this collection really awed me and made it stand out to me.  Chunky necklaces, earrings, and beautifully patterned shoes topped off each outfit.  For some close ups of the details, check out the OscarPRGirl Pinterest board!

Overall, retro looks and bold details dominated the runway.  Though I was disappointed with a few shows, my high expectations for Kate Spade and Oscar De La Renta were fulfilled and even surpassed! To see more highlights of shows, check out the galleries on the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week website.