Photo Courtesy of Maison Martin Margiela
Fans know what to expect from avant-garde fashion house Maison Martin Margiela — the unexpected. However, the luxury brand has proven to endorse a few recurring themes for its collections over the years, such as deconstruction, recycled fabrics, and strong tailoring. Known for unconventional designs and fashion-forward concepts, Maison Martin Margiela stays true to its spirit and presents a ready-to-wear menswear collection for Fall/Winter 2013 that is a contemporary foray into primitive-looking garments.
Although the label is noted for its experimental attitude, not all the items in this collection are so obviously cutting-edge, only to be worn by a select daring few. For this season, Maison Martin Margiela debuts suits in slim cuts and regal lines which show as classic and sophisticated. Constructed with an attention to detailing — especially the lapel, pockets, and side-buttons — the suit in navy is gorgeous when paired with a matching turtleneck and sweater.
Margiela also shows a monochromatic suit ensemble in crimson with a matching overcoat, gloves, shoes, and turtleneck that is ravishing. But never the norm, Margiela's suits are not as domestic as they seem— apparently, some are one-pieces with false jacket detailing.
The true originality of the line comes to light with patchwork ponchos in fur and leather. Margiela must have been dreaming of the Arctic, as the fur pieces look like those you would find in an Inuit's igloo. Pieced together from various skins in contrasting shades and textures, the outerwear is tremendously lavish and pairs fantastically with colors like dark red.
The line also incorporates fur for its scarves in order to accentuate outfits. They can be worn simply around the neck, or draped over the shoulders to add color and textural elements to a jacket. A blood red addition does wonders to brighten a black coat and slacks, while a grey scarf adds substantial lift to an otherwise ordinary suit and overcoat.
The most over-the-top piece (but typical of the deconstructive motifs) for Maison Martin Margiela's ready-to-wear line is definitely the grandiose knee-length black leather poncho. This massive garment is assembled from recycled biker jackets — what a way to rethink cool. The overall effect is rather intimidating, and we are not sure if this is futuristic or primitive, but it would be great for the modern day rebel.
Tight pants— for women and men— have been in style for some time now, but Margiela is loosening the trend with extra roomy slacks. Wide and spacious in the legs, the pants sit nicely on the hips for a very relaxed feel. Maison Martin Margiela pairs a grey slack with a similarly colored turtleneck, breaking up the monotony with a white belt. Judging from the brand's styling, these can be paired with a turtleneck, sweater, or even a leather jacket.
Pairing fashion sensibility with masculinity might be the ideal combination for male shoppers in the "real" world, and Margiela nails this with interesting patchwork sweaters. As one of the best looks of the collection and the season in general, the tops are constructed from recycled sweaters and evoke an apocalyptic, every-man-for-himself vibe. The V-neck styled sweater in a camouflage palette sports a Mad Max flavor, and paired with fitted leather pants, the look is rugged and super sexy. We definitely look forward to seeing these as well as other pieces from Maison Martin Margiela on men this Fall.