Neil Barrett Menswear Catwalk Fashion Show Milan SS2016

Neil Barrett stepped away from his sporty, street-vibe style and managed to change masculine classics from around the world to a modern universal wardrobe. The look was still urban and fresh, yet more ageless in design. He used batik prints, camouflage, nautical stripes and kimono patterns – reworked and fused together to conjure “an idea of a global masculinity.”  The mix of patterns did not overwhelm, because Barrett kept them together with one color story: all gradations of navy and indigo, with touches of black and white. The tight palette counterbalanced a wider spectrum of fabrics, with lots of denim. Low in the crotch but narrow on the hip, cuffed or with rolled-up hems, the  indigo bottoms let off an air of American workwear. Barrett performed the trick on non-denim, too, experimenting with slouchy and easy silhouettes as opposed to his usual sharp-cut look. As for tops, the designer went with spring’s hot new category: sleeveless V-neck tunics.

Milan Catwalk Fashion Show fw2010: Neil Barrett

Neil Barrett Catwalk Fashion Show ss2010

Neil Barrett named his collection ‘Artisan Bonding’. Hmm. It didn’t ring a bell immediately, but it probably referred to the leathers and jersey knits which were bonded together to create seamless pieces. The collection itself echoed the Indian military with elongated jackets and ‘Bombay-pants, Barretts love of formal men’s dressing gave it a more elegant touch and this avoided a more gimmicky look.

Neil Barrett Catwalk Fashion Show Menswear FW09

Neil Barrett Catwalk Fashion Show Menswear SS09