Martyn Bal's A/W Collection, by Graeme Moran.
For many people, men’s fashion often appears to fall into two sections; one which recreates a typical male uniform (suits, shirts, trousers and ties) and blandly recycles them...nothing too exciting. Then there is the other section, the more 'experimental' side of men’s fashion. These designers put men in skirts, floral tights and man-kinis (yes, a bikini for a man, see ALEXANDER MCQUEEN...)
However, Martyn Bal’s Fall 09 collection seems to bridge these two camps, kicking men’s fashion into shape with a perfect, metal-toed biker boot. Nothing in Bal’s collection is boring, plain or recycled, yet nothing is too shocking, strange, nor down right stupid.
Having earned his stripes as Hedi Slimane’s right-hand-man at Dior Homme, Bal then moved onto Versace and Burberry, but now utilises his skills to create his own collections. Taking the essential pieces from modern man’s wardrobe - a sharp, smart suit; a killer, comfortable coat; sensible, suitable shoes, Bal then plays with the garments in such a way that his collection is not only totally wearable, but also utterly individualistic and unique… and completely desirable.
Combining a hard masculinity with a somewhat feminine flow (particularly in his typically amazing outer pieces) the collection is a perfectly cohesive and interchangeable wardrobe; a perfect dose of luxury fashion-forwardness and everyday utility.
