Uniform Inspirations

I realised that I seldom write of direct inspirations to any specific outfit, rather conveying a concept or idea behind a way of dressing. As such I thought that my outfit today would help me in discussing an overall look, which I was interested in using as part of my own way of dressing.

The Bottega Veneta FW08 collection was by far one of my favourite concepts for this season. I was attracted to Tomas Maier's inspirations of the polarity within male 'uniforms'. There was the dichotomy within the collection between the utilitywear of the overalls and workwear, and that of the smart eveningwear, both relaying similar yet contrasting ideas of uniform. Maier stated that he was inspired by workers in London of the 1940s, the idea of a painter or factory hand donning a tailored pea coat on top of their overalls, on their way home in the chilled winter evenings.

The idea of creating a collection based on uniform struck me as a precise comparison of fashion shows in general. Each designer does indeed showcase their latest 'uniform' for the season. As such I kept these elements in mind with my outfit. I decided to pull on a double breasted cardigan, my version of wearing the double breasted tailored jackets of the collection. Rather than wearing a plain coloured shirt, I wore instead a micro print shirt, the small patterned detailing appealed to me.

I was highly intrigued by the wide leg trousers of the collection, to say the least, however felt that a slightly slimmer version would suit my frame better. The trousers are actually a slightly unorthodox baggy suit trouser, with unfinished ends and a 36 inch inseam, which is longer than my usual 34. I thought the cut of the trousers and slight stacking of the fabric, following a small pegging of the ends, would work well with the look. I again took inspiration from the collection with the choice of footwear, utility and practicality combined in the Doc Martens.

Hopefully the look works well as a whole, whilst still maintaining my own personal aesthetic.

Currently playing: Single ft. Neyo - New Kids On The Block

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