John Bartlett's Fall/Winter 2012 menswear collection was steeped in his signature American classics but updated with pieces for every man. This is a collection without a specific audience but loosely based on The Lord of the Flies, the literary classic about a group of boys running amok on a deserted island. Allusions to the great outdoors dominated the presentation, creating what could be described as the modern lumberjack (complete with rugged models with muddied extremities and faces). Plaid vests, thermals, boldly striped ponchos, orange knit caps, and quilted plaid shorts were coupled with sturdy Hunter rain boots. They seamlessly played alongside nautical-striped shirts and heavier pieces like supple motorcycle jackets in rich chocolate brown and red. The designer stressed the importance of color to us earlier in the evening, calling it the one fashion risk every guy should take this season. Pops of yellow, red and cerulean gave his otherwise serious collection a wink of playfulness. There were times when the collection took an odd, retro turn. High-waisted pants with flared legs and tight, open-chest shirts seemed more Saturday Night Fever than outdoorsy.Bartlett collaborated with a grant from Lexus to create this eco-chic collection, using only natural and recycled pieces. The leather fabrics were Ultrasuede and many of the materials came from recycled vintage pieces. Despite his hearty Midwestern roots, Bartlett has been a vegan himself for years, and he wanted that ethos to translate into the clothes. Continue Reading

http://www.askmen.com/fashion/interview_500/579_john-bartlett-fallwinter-2012.html ]More...[/url]