In recent fashion press, Fall 2009 menswear has been epitomized by terms like “dark”, “disturbing”, “bleak”, and, most importantly, “reflective of the sour times”.
That’s funny: we thought 2009 was supposed to be marked by Barack Obama’s optimism, Michelle Obama’s calling upon Jason Wu (get her inauguration look here) and Isabel Toledo for their discrete, yet exotic radiance, Aretha’s merry hat, etc.? We want to believe our glass is half full, but the men who stalked Paris’ and Milan’s runways last week were moody, morose, and quite deranged. Their glass isn’t even half empty: it’s nonexistent.
Below, observe the glowering, decadent Edwardian fops of doom embodying the collections of Alexander McQueen, Burberry Prorsum, and Ann Demeulemeester. If McQueen’s Sweeney Todd themed show in particular are any indication, Fall 2009 is going to look a lot how Fall 2008 felt: hopeless — and with no opium den in sight.
Alexander McQueen Fall 2009 Menswear show
In contrast to the former shows, (N)umber Nine and Gareth Pugh’s shows were progressive, directional, and relentlessly inventive. But while they are dressing a male of the future, his “brave new world” is almost surely is a dystopian and war-ravaged. Obligatory references to horror flicks, cyberpunk, and gothic robots abound. Check out the post-apocalyptic, sci-fi warrior uniforms Pugh introduced in his debut menswear collection below.
Gareth Pugh Fall 2009 Menswear show
