We usually see the crazy side of fashion highlighted in social media, like Rick Owens’ models rocking out with their balls out this season. But the seasoned and sensible aspects of the industry are more often left out. This season at Coach, Stuart Vevers highlighted the regular but luxurious side of fashion with a very wearable and commercially viable range, along with a new store concept that will be outfitting the American label’s shops around the world.
The new store layouts was conceptualised by Vevers and Studio Sofield, and offers a mix of mid-century modern feel with modern video wall designs that merge the coziness of the leather and fashion label with new media brick-and-mortar experiences. Along with warm wood finishes, there are steel and leather counter stools, shearling-upholstered club chairs and a personalisation bar as well as craftsmanship section.
Coach re-opened the Wisma store with the new autumn/winter 2015 collections by Vevers (his debut for menswear, by the way) and a special appearance by K-pop star Jay Park, who we interviewed and featured in the October 2015 issue of the magazine. Here’s what we liked about the collection.
Distressed Leathers
We are suckers for the “sorta vintagey” look, and Coach’s leather-and-shearling jackets this season bear the sanded, worn and handed down look that’s incredibly cool. It oozes punk rock appeal, and that’s always fashionable no matter your age.
Going Wild
The camouflage look has been seasons in the making and while it continues to exercise influence in menswear designers are now playing with the motif to inject their own perspective of a military influence in fashion. The purposeful design style is infused with creative and arty elements by Vevers this season, with spotted animal prints merged with a camo background on various bags and clothing. Outerwear, et cetera all bear this style. The Wild Beast range also comes in a small leather goods series and tones, from camo to a darker and light brown.
Gentleman’s Plaid
Vevers hails from Yorkshire, and the northern part of the United Kingdom has a long association with tweed and plaid. The chequered twill material comes in numerous styles based on the houses they are from, and while menswear often relates to glen plaid, he’s chosen a more passion-arousing red plaid for a range of leather goods, from backpacks to portfolios. The highlight here has to be the quietly discreet tote bag in black leather on the outside, while the interior bears the plaid pattern print.
Casually Cool
The nomenclature of the menswear industry in the past few seasons has been “dress down but still look stylish and cool”. Easy enough to say, but you’ll end up fussing in front of the mirror wondering if something is too dressed down or too overdone. Of the collection this season, Vevers made specific items that are easy to dress down and up. The four-pocket leather jacket might be overkill in our weather, but the racers are thin enough for standard wear unless you’re planning an extended walkabout. The baseball jacket is a definite winner.
Do check out the revamped Coach store at Wisma Atria and tell us what you think about the A/W15 collection. P.S. Also catch the spring/summer 2016 highlights in the video below.