Oliver Spencer's designs are favourites of mine as they straddle the gap between very classic menswear and something a little original and exciting. For SS16 they have brought together a wide range of colours and styles in 'Harmonious Discord' with muted colours and modern shapes and textures. While not everything will be for everybody (when is it?) there is always something for the slightly more adventurous man of style. He is also one of the very few using grey-haired models, reassuring us that the clothes are for all men.
Read below what Oliver Spencer told me about his SS16 collection.
Read below what Oliver Spencer told me about his SS16 collection.
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| Oliver Spencer SS16 |
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| Oliver Spencer SS16 |
GF. What’s the theme for the SS16 collection shown at this LC:M?
OS. The theme for SS16 came from the work of sculptor Richard Serra. I've interpreted his use of non-traditional materials by using a wide selection of textures, colours and lines. The collection includes a lot of new styles, as well as checks, tartans, florals and stripes. There's a lot of summer tailoring as well as an eclectic mix of fabrics and colours layered up.
GF. Your show is one of the few that includes models with a few grey hairs. Is this a deliberate policy? How do you select your models?
OS. Absolutely. It's all about having a cross section of interesting people. I want models with character.
GF. What sort of man do you design for? Are you thinking of a certain age, interest or style?
OS. I'd say he's an independent-thinking, informed guy who's not necessarily after the most obvious things in life.
GF. You make some of your clothes in the UK. What is your view on making menswear in the UK?
OS. If the garment fits with the factory, then I will absolutely manufacture in the UK. If it's the best place for that specific item to be made - then I make it there.
GF. What major changes do you see to menswear styles over the next year or two? For example, are skinny fits on the way out – what styles will be filtering through to the high street?
OS. I think we're going to see more 'boxy' fits, with cleaner, straighter lines. I think things will get more interesting and more unusual.
See Oliver Spencer to see and buy.
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| Oliver Spencer SS16 |