The outdoors burst its way indoors at Bottega Veneta’s Spring/Summer 2016 menswear show. With the models looking like the sort of hitchhikers we would actually want to pick up, designer Tomas Maier successfully made the outdoorsy, athletic aesthetic look luxurious.
The clothes looked rumpled and lived in, yet there was a sense that this collection was made with a cool, nonchalant (yet slightly eccentric), self-made successful man in mind. Silk pinstriped trousers paired with hiking boots with yellow laces gave the rugged look a sophisticated, luxe flair. Untucked shirts were loosely fitted with the odd flyaway lapel, and the garments were kept baggy and relaxed. The standout quilted bomber jackets looked plush and luxurious, while zip-up hoodies paired with Jodhpur, skinny-fit trousers exuded a look of casual elegance.
The palette paid homage to the great outdoors with stonewash greys, khaki and dark navy to round off the earthy looking collection. However, Maier’s had a little trick up his sleeve and kept the line-up exciting by making a bold statement with contrasting colors, clashing bright blues with khaki and pairing burgundy with violet. The colliding colors only enhanced the whole nonchalant mood of the collection.
It was also the little extra bits of attention paid to details that clinched the show’s success. Everyday accessories for the busy man were given a luxe makeover with leather backpacks and fancy looking satchels. Even the comfy sandal managed to look good paired with lusciously thick, grey cashmere socks.
With hiking boots and outdoor-inspired designs all over the runway, Bottega Veneta encourages the modern man to embrace his adventurous side, but still look good while he does it.
