john varvatos

The past few ad campaigns for John Varvatos have featured Alice Cooper, Chris Cornell, and Iggy Pop. Could it be that he has semi-good taste in music or maybe as a designer he touches on the idea of the tension that exists between young and old or cultural movements that fully realized themselves and those eclipsed and co-opted by mainstream culture? Cornell was crucial in the grunge movement in the early 90s, Pop profound in the punk era of the late 70s, and Cooper a consummate showman during Glam Rock in the mid 70s. But now these men are a little older, a little gray around the edges, but nonetheless committed to their edgy attitude and rocker aesthetic. You could say the same for Varvatos's clothes. They are definitely grown-up looking clothes but fit for any young punk or rebel rouser in his later years, and that is one of the many strengths and appealing aspects of his label. For Spring, the neutral trend that we've seen the past week of shades of smoky grays and tamed nut browns continued but were presented in a way that is wholly Varvatos. Suits were trim and paired with striped t-shirts for a casually rakish look. (the shawl collared look above is a prime example) Jackets were also in order in cropped trench form or short, zippered pieces that were usually punctuated with a linen scarf. All of it was fine and dandy, even in the colors were too muted and drained for Spring, but it was his secondary line, John Varvatos U.S.A., that was ultimately a more convincing argument for a sporty version of Spring. Lightweight hoodies, shots of red, and vests worn with shorts were nice, if not a little too derivative. A dramatic parka did speak a little louder than the rest of the pieces, showing us he does have the promise of something a bit bold like his idols.

Standouts:
A billowy parka
A simple black cardigan
A wispy scarf with a plaid coat

Bitch, Please on:
Twinkle
McQ