The Minimalist Uniform

I have always had a certain held fascination with the concept of a minimalist uniform. Whilst this may be something that most would attribute to post-war and contemporary Japanese design, where function and utility inspired beautifully simple and thought provoking designs, it has also been a style picked up in Europe with a great success. Indeed whereas many interested in fashion may have had their rapturous attention focused in on the recently shown major collections, my most recent point of intrigue was held over the going-ons in Stockholm.

The Spring 2010 (the speed of the fashion calendar never ceases to amaze) collection by the design duo of Ann Ringstrand and Stefan Söderberg, of Hope, caught my attention with their minimalist style and wonderfully executed combination of both contemporary and traditional garments. The collection had a decidedly casual feel, with an easy silhouette, and simple yet endlessly versatile pieces. The subdued colour palette, of dark blues, greys and beiges, along with the somewhat faded and prewashed fabrics allowed for a clear laid back style. However it was the cut and finish of the looks that gave the collection a wonderful elegance.

I was drawn towards the simple construct of the shirts, which seemed to hark back to somewhat humble traditional beginnings. The extended length of the shirts, left untucked, and the lightness of the fabrics, gave the pieces that laid back charm. The unstructured collars and drifting plackets also helped in reinforcing the more casual look. I actually feel that the pieces on their own would make a strong statement, and are ones that could easily be incorporated into just about any wardrobe.

The use of lightweight fabrics throughout the collection not only helped to give the pieces a clear Springtime feel, which the colours may have perhaps misled one in thinking, however also lent themselves well in display of the more casual element of the collection. Indeed one notes the lightweight fabrics employed in the construction of the trousers, which combined with a slightly looser fit, gave a wonderful draping effect. This draping fit allowed for a more relaxed silhouette, and indeed the lines of these silhouettes were wonderfully easy and natural.

The collection as a whole really did reinforce the idea of a minimalist uniform for me. It was simple, somewhat relaxed, and yet definitely smart and well presented. The versatility of such simplicity allowed the collection to mirror more traditional elements and yet expressed beautiful contemporary design. These are definitely the type of easy casual looks I would love to find myself wearing throughout the Spring season.

P.S. I recently did a little interview with the lovely Ela over at Extra Dressing on. the. Side, so please do click here to check that out.

Currently playing: Sing, Sing, Sing - Benny Goodman

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