For the ardent Streetpeeper, Le21eme, and Styledumonde Instagram followers, this marks the time when your feed (and imminent purchases) are full of bandanna neckerchiefs and shearling jackets. Such is the pandemonium surrounding fashion week. And while photogs transport us on to the buzzing streets of London, Milan and Paris, we’ve enlisted Seattle’s style impresarios to share their favorite collections this season. Here are the figures and what they are fawning over.
Avi Loud
What do you do? I’m an artist. If you would have asked me that five years ago, I would have said, “I am a photographer.” But my first real passions were painting and music.
What are you wearing? Alive and Well hat, Acne Studios hoodie, my uncles vintage coat, Muttonhead pants and Y-3 shoes.
Describe your personal style. I aim to be comfortable, so I usually am wearing some kind of tapered sweatpant. There is something powerful about being completely comfortable with what you’re wearing. Being a fashion photographer I walk everywhere, so I am mindful of how different pieces react to each other while in motion.
Who’s your favorite designer? Yohji Yamamoto. He’s been that wise man who speaks through his consistently brilliant, forward-thinking and empowering work. I love his innovation during the ’80s and how he helped change the way people dress and think. Without his work, I wouldn’t feel confident enough to dress the way I do. I’m greatly anticipating the next time he will take a big step in and change the course of fashion for the better.
Who’s an upcoming designer we should look out for? Pay attention to Daniel Ecks of ECKSDSGNWRKS and Clint Hughes of Oddinary Garments. This may be biased because I work with them in the studio every day. But, those two will eventually change the way we dress and how we think about clothes. They make clothes that men and women can wear.
Natalia Biner-Wittke
What do you do? Owner of Sell Your Sole Consignment Boutique.
What are you wearing? A.L.C panther blouse, Prada pants, Céline boots, Dooney and Burke bag.
Describe your personal style. The mix of colors and prints are completely out of my comfort zone. Wearing these pieces allows me to be bold and daring, without being loud. The pants, bag and boots are all consignment pieces, purchased at a fraction of the original price.
Which designer’s collection are you excited about? Alexander McQueen was my absolute favorite, not only for the latest collection, but of all time. I even flew to London last year to see the retrospective at the Victoria and Albert museum. Sarah Burton didn’t miss a beat when she took over and the pieces this year are astounding.
Who’s an upcoming designer we should keep a look out for? Hands down Rosie Assoulin. Her pieces are magical.
Forecasting any trends? I love off-the shoulder pieces. A woman’s shoulders are sculptural and alluring and should be exposed! I also love the reconstructed take on white shirts and dresses, and the Spanish-influenced designs seen at Proenza Schouler, Michael Kors and Oscar De La Renta.
Aaron DelGuzzo
What do you do? Co-owner of Likelihood boutique.
What are you wearing? Maiden Noir top and jacket from the new Spring/Summer collection, jeans from Blue Owl Workshop in Fremont, and Eytys suede shoes. Eytys is from Stockholm and we love them. Describe your personal style. The Maiden shirt is comfortable and fits well, and so do the Eytys shoes, which have a cork insole, so they are light and durable
Which designer’s collection were you excited about? We love Maiden Noir so we are always excited to see what they do. We are excited about Rihanna and what she is doing with Fenty x Puma. We are looking to see how her personal style translates into a brand. So far we love the Creeper! We also follow the masters, including Comme des Garcon, Junya Watanabe and Raf Simons.What sneakers should we should keep our eye on? We are excited about new styles from Adidas, Raf Simons, Fenty x Puma, Vans VAULT and brands from Sweden: Eytys and Spalwart.
Forecasting any trends? This year seems to be about dichotomies: romance and experimentation. So, you’re seeing playfulness with fabrics, contrasting materials and colors and themes like peace and love intersect with rubber and military styles. In the footwear world this is no different. We are really excited about this year because men’s footwear is going to modernized classics and experimentation with patterns, fabrics and colors in more contemporary styles. It’s going to be so fun!
Nicole Jackson
What do you do? Stylist, personal shopper, style transformer
What are you wearing? Public School drop rise pants, 3.1 Phillip Lim striped button-down, cropped jacket by Jarbo, hand-painted python Christian Dior pumps, and stacking rings by local artist Silver Sheep jewelry.
Describe your personal style. Everything about this outfit screams “me!” I’m most excited about the drop rise pants. The fabric is divine and they drape perfectly. They pair well with pumps or sneakers, making for effortless style any way you spin it.
What designer’s collection were you excited about? I love J.W. Anderson! The fact that he can make non-traditional silhouettes look so feminine is really quite beautiful, sophisticated and fun.
Who’s an upcoming designer we should look out for? Schai by Schai. The [Designer] Suk is based here and sources materials from Italy. It’s simple, elegant, luxurious, wearable art.
Forecasting any trends? I’m stoked to see the suede trend gaining traction. Suede is simply a delicious fabric that makes everything more chic, I especially love it on skirts. As for leggings as pants, does this happen as much in other places as it does here? Please, please go away.
