Friday, August 5, 2016

Joseph Abboud Spring Summer 2017 menswear collection

Joseph Abboud Spring Summer 2017. Photo: ©Shawn Punch 2016

The Joseph Abboud Spring Summer 2017 men's collection was presented in July with a runway show during New York Fashion Week: Men's Spring Summer 2017. The designer, Mr. Abboud channeled adventurer, expatriate and legendary writer Ernest Hemingway in the styles of the clothes and even with the setting of the fashion show. The event was held at The Park, a sunlit restaurant on Tenth Avenue between West 17th and 18th Street. The atmosphere had a relaxed, privileged and friendly air. Guests sat at circular tables while they were served Cuban Frittatas, Smoked Salmon Crepe, deserts and pastries as though they were passing the time in a French cafe. 

The collection is titled "Deconstructed Elegance" and imagines an "American voyager...hungry for knowledge and adventure who collects" his richly made garments "as he explores the world, from New York and Paris, to Havana and Madrid." The models walked down a couple small steps and made their way along a path that snaked in between tables, where guests such as actor and model Kellan Lutz got a close up view of the clothes. Models turned a sharp right, then strutted down a short, narrow, runway decorated with Oriental rugs and lined with worn but expensive travel luggage. Finally, each model sat at an assigned seat at the head of the runway until the man behind the brand walked out to thank the audience and pose briefly with the models. 

As usual, Mr. Abboud's clothes look great. The pieces are made for the masculine man. One who likes a bit of room in his pants and jackets; but not too much room. Several pieces are made from linen. According to the designer, "ninety-five percent of the collection is 100% linen. I've always loved linen. I think it's a great fabric. A lot of men don't understand linen. The more you wear it, the more you use it, the more comfortable it feels." The colors of the clothes are white, ivory, sand, chocolate, flax and tobacco. Looks deftly straddle the line between formal and informal wear. 

Some of the looks can be worn as a suit, while most of the pieces are worn as separates. Double-breasted suit jackets and blazers with large breast pockets are very dashing. Coats with belts are tailor-made for a safari trek. There are lots of visual options with stripes, checkers, solids, paisley and flower designs. One has to remember not to mix patterns too much, keeping in mind the saying, less is more. Overall this is a fabulous collection.

Joseph Abboud Spring Summer 2017. Photo: ©Shawn Punch 2016
Joseph Abboud Spring Summer 2017. Photo: ©Shawn Punch 2016

Joseph Abboud Spring Summer 2017. Photo: ©Shawn Punch 2016
Joseph Abboud Spring Summer 2017. Photo: ©Shawn Punch 2016

Joseph Abboud Spring Summer 2017. Photo: ©Shawn Punch 2016
Joseph Abboud Spring Summer 2017. Photo: ©Shawn Punch 2016