Suits, belts, sleeves and leather. Four words that sum up the spring 2010 Raf Simons catwalk. If only it was that simple though. Since 1995, Mr Simons has been producing menswear that is anything but generic. Taking inspiration from street and youth culture for many a past collection, we have seen baggy, oversized tops and loose, folded over bottoms with little emphasis on silhouette. A fashion-forward thinker's dream, but possibly a retailers nightmare. The last couple of seasons however, Raf has sent down the catwalk more tailored, structured pieces; clothes with a meaning and more practicality. His aim - to reach, in his words, "a high fashion man".
2010 is another progressive year for Raf it seems. Sharply cut suits, waist belted jackets, long statement leather coats, interrupted sleeves; in fact rolled up sleeves, no sleeves, buckled sleeves - the arms are officially making a come back. We're also introduced to the snake motif, rumoured to be part of his new logo, printed onto sheer tops and white jeans, and non-directly with the serpent-like presence of many a belt. In short, the male silhouette is very much the focus in Mr Simons new collection. Its refreshing. It seems to be more grown up. In a good way, of course.
