What inspired you for fall 2012?
I'm always about keeping it British, but this season i concentrated on the concept of the Distinguished Gentleman. I wanted to explore individualism within the constraints of sartorial boundaries, but at the same time keep the collection modern and desirable. Robert Frank images on refined English gentlemen were the starting point. From there I needed to reinterpret the elements of traditional men’s patterns and techniques, bringing the inspiration into the modern day.
How does this play out in terms of colors, materials and shapes?
The line continues to play with the masculine tones of grey, pilot blue and black, but this season is infused with dark tones of burgundy and brown resulting in a rich, European aesthetic with an edge. I've also maintained my forward thinking approach to garment construction and have expanded on the bonding techniques I started a few seasons ago, and have even bonded patterns made from fine gauge sweaters onto outerwear.
What do you look for when casting your show?
There must always be sophistication to the man—an inherent swagger and confidence without being arrogant. The man must complement the clothes and vice versa.
How do you stay energized/balanced in the weeks leading up to NYFW?
The run up to fashion week is normally quite a peaceful few weeks due to the fact that the collection has already been finished in time for European sales market in Milan and Paris. From there, it's all about editing the collection to its purist form and really identifying what message I want the brand to send to the customer.
What other show(s) are you looking forward to seeing this season?
I love the European shows. I very much like Bottega Veneta as I think there is a perfect blend of directional fashion with traditional craftsmanship. Burberry is also almost always a highlight.
How do you plan to unwind after Fashion Week?
Unfortunately there is never any time to unwind after fashion week as the new season has already begun. Maybe this season will be different, maybe I'll find some time for a quick break.
Simon Spurr will show his fall 2012 collection on Sunday, February 12th at Milk Studios.
Comments