In the Spring 2016 Menswear collection, Saint Laurent re-established the definition of cool. You’ve either got it, or you don’t. And if creative director Hedi Slimane throws a leopard scarf, polka dot button down and fringed jacket at you, it’s up to you what you do with it.
Slimane kept the details intricate with every pattern carefully placed, including striped red undershirts and gold sequined piping. The bottom half stayed simple, sticking with neutral pants and sneakers, allowing the top to pop.
Mick Jagger and Harry Styles made inspirational cameos on the runway in the form of the long, tousled hair, with skinny jeans cut right at the ankle, combining the styles of both the Rolling Stones and OneDirection artists. While the theme hinted at a rocker’s street style, the main focus strayed from Europe, even with the show held in Paris; it carried the California vibe all the way—from the music to the graphic sweaters to the funky sunglasses.
The beanies and ripped up plaid shirts enhanced the stoned look with a hint of ‘90s from the likes of Travis Birkenstock in Clueless and John Bender in The Breakfast Club. Just to get the ‘cool’ factor across, hands were kept in pockets of jackets or jeans as the models strutted their way to the song “Like Harry Dean Stanton”, recorded in California by the band Swimmers. The bomber-esqe jackets featured everything from the first American flag on the moon to cheetah print and metallics. Mixed patterns were a must.
The blazers brought in some business—but definitely not corporate. Most of these were made for the dare-devils of the red carpet, finished in light pinks, sequins and floral. Slimane also made scarves for spring, completing looks with the long airy accessory.
Hats off to you, Slimane, for putting the casual in cool. It was a 90s rendition of California dreamin’—an entertaining vacation, good for a second go-around.
