Today, Oliver Spencer returned to the catwalk with a superb collection inspired by French mod.
The industrial surroundings of the Mercer Street studios played a graphic background to the eclectic mix of models and London characters that took to the runway this season.
Positively boisterous with color, Spencer’s SS12 line brimmed with confidence and attitude. A white double breasted suit swaggers in the spotlight. Bold stripes and polka dots invest summer cotton with new strength. This is man at his most potent.
Clean, fluid lines give each piece a directness and ease. Fabrics are chosen for their texture and, like mélange, their depth. Footwear, such as capped-toe oxfords, offers classics shorn of their daintiness: shoes you can kick in.
Much of the collection is made in the UK, many items in London. The English-made suiting from the Oliver Spencer Tailored range comes unlined with taped seams, cut in linen or wool/cotton blends.
Call it Yacht Rock.
Oliver Spencer has been nominated for a 2016 British Fashion Award – menswear designer.
The show hosted a front row including actor Luke Evans along with musicians Alex James, Jonathan Jeremiah and David E Sugar.
See the collection.
Photos & text Copyright Oliver Spencer.