Fashion Blog

Day 1, Evening: Paris Menswear Spring / Summer 2009

Veronique Branquinho and Henrik Vibskov in ‘The Garage’

PARIS, Jun 26, 2008 / FW/ — Man’s demesne, ‘The Garage.’ Perhaps its because the automobile had always been a fascination for men. It can even be because the human male is actually very interested in anything mechanical. Veronique Branquinho and Henrik Vibskov ‘visited’ the man’s garage and were inspired.

Veronique Branquinho

This collection is aimed at the businessmen who thrive in the open road. Set in an airy garage complete with a faux ocean scene and plants, the summer travel atmosphere was evident. The traveler look was rethought through with the use of sandy, earth-toned seersucker and cool wool short-suit pieces. All the lines were narrow and fresh, very marketable to the young male population.

Branquinho’s innovative use of belts and bags to hide sweaters and briefcases was utilitarian without being boring. The trend of layering was definitely apparent in her long-john type leggings under short shorts, as was the metallic weave in suit pieces we have seen a lot today. Even down to the cork and linen shoes the men wore, Veronique gave us an airy and inventive take on the summer suit for men.

Kanye West was approvingly looking, commenting that the collection is “casual and cool” during an after-show interview.

Veronique Branquinho

Henrik Vibskov

Henrik Vibskov

The “glamorous” setting of an old garage covered in blue nylon tents created a quirky atmosphere for Henrik’s collection, which drew a crowd of the young and the adventurous. His history of work in the plastic arts was seen in the shiny, dome-like hats each model wore complete with 6 inch protruding stalactite spikes.

Vibskov’s use of geometric prints on suspenders and leggings in contrasting primary colors and open shirts created a look Beetlejuice would love. Also his modern, one button jackets paired with, again, short pants and shorts was and attempt at geeky chic. His collection mixed modernity with an eccentricity that left some feeling unclear of what his vision was.