Valentino Who? The Royal Chambers fashion pieces in Dresden would inspire any fashionista. Intricate couture looks fashioned for royalty displayed are an eye full of rich materials and details. The Schloss museum located in the historic center of the Baroque city is worth a style visit.
Booked and ready to go for January 2023 at Pitti Uomo. After a few years we are ready to return to Florence for the big gathering of menswear fashion.
I got invited to an event from the Superdry’s public relations team to check out the store, look over the pieces and choose what I would like to wear. Who turns down free clothes?Admittingly, the brand was not on my radar. I met the team at their event in Florence at Pitti Uomo, yet for some reason I never followed up on the relationship. The British brand was founded eighteen years ago. According to the press agent, outerwear were the key pieces of the brand’s early years, mainly parkers. The two story Kurfürstendamm Berlin flagship store on has a wide selection of mens and women’s wear styles. A person could spend hours trying on pieces. There is even a vintage sportswear section.
Going over the mens fashion, Superdry is influenced by American and Japanese styles, varsity jackets layered with graphic prints. There is no shortage of monogrammed hoodies and t-shirts to match with denim wear.
As I was not familiar with the Cheltenham base company, the sales assistant showed me around. Granted being a press invitee I expected a well mannered staff, but the genuineness was authentic. Even saying “ask me anything, I know the whole collection.” Shockingly, she did. Her knowledge made it easier to decide what to choose.
Superdry advertises itself as a premium brand not the typical ready to wear high street retailer. The black jeans I have are comfortable. The green jacket is stylish. However, longevity is judge of quality. For me, if I can wear clothing for over a year without major wear and tear, it’s good.
Stay tuned for follow up stories.
Korea has emerged as a creative power on the modern scene. From global television series to pop music acts taking the world by storm, Korean culture is on the march, fashion included.
Beyond Closet’s founder and creative head Ko Tae-yong grabbed my attention from his 2017 Colette collaboration. His classic preppy influenced looks move from minimal to enriched looks. Founded in 2008, Beyond Closet has become a force in the Seoul Fashion scene with its use of colors, prints and graphics.
The Black and Paper interview with fashion designer Ko Tae-yong.
Ko Tae-yong at Seoul Fashion Week
As a menswear designer, how would you define the modern masculine style?
It has become a world that is less official and has less restrictions than in the past. Modern men are even showing the tendency they are not really limited by the traditional gender stereotype like “skirts are for only women.” They are sensitive to trends, but they also have a tendency to keep their own style as they did from the past.
How did you become influenced by the “preppy look?”
Most middle and high schools in Korea’s wear school uniforms. As I experienced the school uniform culture, I became interested in uniform in other countries and it developed my interest in Western culture. The fact that things inspired by the school uniform culture could be applied in broader real life. It can create a timeless new culture when combined with classic pieces. That is what attracted me a lot.
The latest collection moved to casual sophistication, do you think men want to be more dressed up but without a tie?
Even if the formula for men’s clothing changes over time, I think men believe classical and formal clothing will last forever. It is part of the charm of menswear. So, I mix up things from the past into new things.
Please walk us through look 11 and 13 from the Spring Collection.
In Look #11, the military-patterned outerwear was reconstructed with light knit material and styled with linen pants of irregular stripes. I talked about a lighter, lyrical and vintage military.
The 13th look is attractive with romantic moods composed of vintage things. Python boots are a heterogeneous element in them, but they are objects that show novelty by adding points.
You paint on pieces, is this part of your design technique?
They are Contemporary Art Inspiration and Handmade Elements that inspire me deeply.
Are there any plans on selling your brand in the United States or Europe?
Beyond Closet and I loved America and Europe. We also held fashion shows and communicated with them through pop-up stores and various projects. It is always welcome to showcase our brand if there is a good opportunity.
I got invited by the Superdry press team to look over the British retailer’s clothing line at the Berlin Kudamm store. I was surprised by the wide selection and good service of the two story flagship location at the Kranzler Eck.
This is a preview of the upcoming story.
In a conversation with Korean Fashion Designer Ko Tae Yong we speak about his influence and inspiration about fashion. Stay Tuned for the full interview.
Today, we start the sixty day count down to Pitti Uomo in Florence. Having not attended since the lockdown, we are looking forward to the premiere menswear event starting January 10th.
A designer inspired by school uniforms. Look out for the interview with Ko Tae Yong.
The first time we decided to dedicate a Before Tacky Podcast discussing a designer. Giorgio Armani is know ordinary designer. A talent who set the standard in the field. If Italian Fashion has a face, it is Armani.
Luxury timepieces took a bit of hit during the rise of digital devices in the form of smartphones and smart watches. Times are swinging back to the craftsmanship and investment. Buyers and collectors are purchasing luxury watches faster than producers make the desired pieces.
Image by Brice Hardelin for Black and Paper.