When it comes to men's fashions for 2012, everything old is new again, with a combination of 1920s vintage and 1960s psychedelic mod taking a prominent place on Milan's fashion runways during the recent spring/summer shows. From trilby hats to knee-length shorts, designers presented a wide array of fashions that were inspired by classic looks, yet updated with touches that were both contemporary and whimsical.
Mustard
Mustard isn’t just for sandwiches. For men's 2012 spring/summer fashions, everything’s coming up mustard, from brightly-hued pants and shorts to cool linen blazers and shiny espadrilles. To tone in, designers paired the bright gold/yellow color with tans and smoky browns. This year’s most serious mustard addiction, however, came from Roberto Cavalli, who presented an entire mustard-colored summer suit, enhanced by a white open-neck shirt underneath.
Turtlenecks
Turtlenecks are back with a vengeance. Designers such as Ferragamo showed the classic black turtleneck to elegant advantage underneath a long frock coat, while Roberto Cavalli paired the black turtleneck to dramatic effect with an electric purple jacket. Turtlenecks also showed up in colors other than black, with camels and sage greens predominating. These turtlenecks aren’t just for winter wear; spring turtlenecks were also represented in lighter-weight materials.
Wild Things
Think Willy Wonka meets Elton John, with a little Austin Powers thrown in for good measure, and you have an idea of what constitutes wild and crazy chic for 2012. Designers favored 1960s colors such as lime green and neon pink, combined with hippy purples and yellows in a kaleidoscopic splash all over shiny, shimmering fabrics. Givenchy weighed in with a color-change outfit of luminous sage green, purple and pink, while other designers followed suit in trying to outdo each other in over-the-top drama. If you run out of ideas, just add a Thom Browne lampshade-style hat or two, complete with fringe, and you’ll represent the well-dressed man as seen on Milan’s fashion runways for this year.
Canes
Yeah, walking canes do look good on a man, always did and always will be. And the best part is that this is not exclusive for lords or the upperclassmen, anyone with a unique style a hat and some self confidence can take a walking cane while going on a stroll and look amazing. Add some sunglasses into the mix and you get women eyeballs all over you. You can go for any style with a a nice handle, a royal cane, maybe an Irish Shillelagh or to be even more mysterious, a sword cane.
Double-Breasted Jackets
Double-breasted jackets definitely win over single-breasted this year. Everywhere on Milan’s runways, designers showed what can be done with the double-breasted jacket, tailored in cottons, wools, silks and leathers. Designer Corneliani presented grays and whites, while Roberto Cavalli presented a sensational electric blue double-breasted jacket paired with ivory-toned pants.
Shorts
This year’s shorts come in all lengths for men, with knee-length and mid-thigh length being shown by a number of designers. Don’t think beachcomber wear, however; these shorts come in gabardines, jerseys and silks in addition to cottons and khakis. Arguably, the most imaginative pair of shorts on the runway in Milan was a patchwork quilt pair from designer Billy Reid, paired with a tan suede jacket. Prints abounded from other designers, such as the nautical-themed styles presented by Nautica. For a more traditional look, DKNY presented shorts styled down to an inch above the knee, in classic cotton blends.
Hats
Hats are back in men’s fashion for 2012. This is partly due to the trend in vintage looks, which in turn is inspired by the upcoming film remake of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s “The Great Gatsby” set for release later in the year. Thanks to the Gatsby look, trendy men will be sporting fedoras and trilbys made of felt and tweed for the winter and canvas for the summer. Caps are also popular; particularly variations on the classic British schoolboy cap style, which seems to come back into fashion every few years.
Scarves
From short and sassy to long and luxurious, scarves are promising to be the big signature statement for 2012 men's fashions. A number of designers showed winter scarves of wool and cashmere, as well as spring and summer scarves of breezy cottons, all in elegant understated prints. This year’s fashionable gentleman wears a scarf casually and loosely flung once over the neck; just channel the impeccably-dressed, fashion-plate male of the 1920s, and you’ll be all set.
