For the Perry Ellis Spring 2016 Collection, Creative Director Michael Maccari considers man’s manipulation of nature, through the integration of urban elements in beach cities around the world.
Maccari’s unique use of manmade and natural fabric combinations throughout the collection is an expression of this symbiotic relationship. Through this juxtaposition, Maccari takes an unconventional approach to garment design to tell the story of the “new uniform.”
“I began to notice how guys look coming to and from the gym,” said Maccari. “They’re combining activewear with their work clothes and that fusion begins to tell the story of what we’re considering the “new suit.”
“We’re looking at how performance materials influence our everyday lifestyle choices and which components look interesting and new, yet functional and how it affects a guy’s wardrobe as he prepares for each day,” Maccari added.
Through this lens, Maccari experiments with unorthodox silhouettes and uses traditional fabrics in unconventional ways.
Suits and trousers are constructed from sweater knits; traditional shirting fabrics are used for jackets; bombers are fashioned from lightweight denim and doubleknit; and hoodies are crafted from indigo jersey and natural, seeded canvas.
The “shirt-suit” becomes an alternative to the classic suit and summer tweeds replace the sharp solids of traditional suiting.
Maccari chose a neutral color palette for his latest collection for Perry Ellis. The natural colors of weathered pavement and beach stones are mixed with vibrant yellows and muted reds, while shades of blue ground the palette in a range of indigo hues, from sky to night shades.
Photos by Monica Feudi, courtesy of Perry Ellis
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