Anderson’s couture craftsmanship captivates at Loewe for men’s fashion week in Paris
PARIS (AP) – A sparkling spray of water from towering fountains cooled overheated VIP guests at Spanish luxury fashion house Loewe’s show Saturday during Paris Fashion Week.
Northern Irish designer Jonathan Anderson masterfully translated the essence of sculptor Lynda Benglis’ work into a spring collection that explored themes of sparkle and elongated forms. It was a fitting showcase of his continued innovation for Loewe’s and underlined Anderson’s stature among the Parisian design elite.
Here are some highlights from the Spring-Summer 2024 menswear collections of the day:
ANDERSON RENEWS MEN’S CLOTHING WITH ARTISTIC BRILLIANCE
Against the backdrop of the monumental, water-spouting sculptures, Loewe’s latest Paris Fashion Week show was nothing short of a spectacle – and with Anderson at the helm, traditional menswear was reinvented and reimagined.
High-waisted trousers carried a touch of vintage nostalgia, their surreal heights drawing attention and distorting the perception of the human form. Sequins and crystals reflected the shimmering sparkle of the surrounding fountains, adding a disco-era festive energy to the collection.
Anderson’s touch was evident in the deceptively ordinary blazers, coats and knits – his cuts transformed the seemingly simple items into gestural works of art. A suede tunic with a conjoined handbag made from the same leather tickled the public’s imagination and provoked a flurry of camera clicks.
The collection featured an understated palette of soft pastels, blue, black and khaki, dramatically offset by accessories such as crystal-embellished sunglasses and a crystal hummingbird on a shredded brocade top. A range of footwear and oversized bags added another dimension to Anderson’s exploration of proportion.
The show proved that Anderson’s imaginative leadership at Loewe continues to showcase his prowess as an innovator, with a whimsical fusion of art and daring.
ART AND FASHION: THE SCULPTURES OF LYNDA BENGLIS
The catwalk at Loewe’s was also a stage for Lynda Benglis’ artwork. Three modernist fountains lined the catwalk, providing an artistic pulse that reverberated throughout the show. The sculptures, made of materials ranging from bronze to glitter, showcased Benglis’ skill at redefining conventional sculpture boundaries.
From the dramatic shape of “Crescendo,” a sculpture resembling a crashing wave, to the stacked flower-like shapes of “Bounty, Amber Waves, Fruited Plane,” and the algae rock essence of “Knight Mer,” they evoked a visceral feeling. reaction and a flurry of snaps.
The art-infused runway once again showcased Anderson’s penchant for blurring the boundaries of fashion.
Art teacher begs for help after explosion at Paris Fashion School
The global fashion community was shocked by the suspected gas explosion earlier this week in Paris’s 5th arrondissement, which partially destroyed a building and collapsed the facade of a private academy for design and art, the Paris American Academy.
Four people remain hospitalized in critical condition after Wednesday’s explosion, and at least 54 others suffered minor injuries or psychological shock. One person, a teacher, remains missing.
On site, Anna Barr, a 42-year-old merchandising teacher at the academy, fought back tears on Saturday.
“It’s especially disturbing because it’s such a small school, a family. I had known the director for 25 years. I even studied there,” she told The Associated Press. “Students flew in from all over the world, including from the US and Korea, to attend these couture courses.”
Barr said the academy now “needed studio space immediately” and appealed to the French fashion and couture federation for help, hoping the fashion community can unite to overcome this devastating setback.
Experts equipped with search dogs had to suspend their searches through the rubble in Rue Saint-Jacques until the location can be considered safe, authorities said.
OFFICINE GENERAL: PIERRE MAHEO’S MEN’S CLOTHING HAS A PIECE OF SIMPLE MAGIC”
Officine Generale’s Spring-Summer 2024 menswear show was an investigation into controlled simplicity, as designer Pierre Maheo presented a collection that was refreshing yet retained his signature sophistication.
Starting with a monochromatic palette, the show evolved into a celebration of subtle historical elements. A knee buckle here and a neck scarf there revealed Maheo’s penchant for bygone elements reinterpreted in a modern context.
Loose white tapered trousers and relaxed pajama-style shirts, paired with tailored foulards, were both casual and elegant. Elastic waistbands, knee-high socks and garters painted a picture of comfortable chic.
Mahéo balanced the line between undone and done, always adhering to simplicity. Ultraviolet and teal tones and airy tank tops and shorts were a surprising touch. The designer confessed that he used it in response to a “cold and rainy” Parisian winter, offering a touch of warmth and sunshine.
The show exuded a jovial atmosphere – Mahéo proved that minimalism can make an impact and that less is more when done with flair and an eye for detail.
