Trench coats are one of the most practical pieces that everyone, women and men, should have in their closet. Since most men aren't sure how to wear this style, looking at Dries Van Noten's Spring 2009 Ready to Wear collection, shown in Milan, offers some good style advise.
The designer walked knee-length trenches, in neutral white and black to pale blue and tiny patterns, down a runway resembling a fake European street. The catwalk had a faux cobblestone path and full-sized classic cars parked as props.
Like many designers this season, Dries Van Noten featured over-sized, chic-meets-masculine totes, or murses as some prefer to call the male-oriented purses.
The combination of the elegant coats with the romantic ambiance of the old European roads was marvelously done, leaving an overall sophisticated impression of the collection.
Enjoy the gallery!
Male Trenchcoats on Fake Streets
Dries Van Noten Spring 2009 Runway Review
Trend Themes
1. Gender-neutral Fashion - The rise of gender neutral fashion in the industry, particularly with practical pieces like trench coats, offers an opportunity for brands to tap into a growing market of consumers who are interested in non-binary designs.
2. Nostalgic Branding - The use of fake European streets as a backdrop for fashion runways ties into the trend towards nostalgia and retro-inspired branding, opening up opportunities for marketers to evoke similar feelings in their campaigns.
3. Accessory Diversification - The trend towards male-oriented purses or totes as seen in Dries Van Noten's collection presents an opportunity for brands to diversify and expand their accessory offerings for men.
Industry Implications
1. Fashion Industry - The fashion industry can innovate by taking a more inclusive, non-binary approach to clothing design that is driven by the practical and functional aspects of fashion such as trench coats.
2. Advertising Industry - As the trend towards nostalgia and retro branding continues, the advertising industry can innovate by evoking positive emotions and memories through creative campaigns.
3. Accessories Industry - The accessories industry can innovate by designing and marketing more male-oriented purses or totes, capitalizing on an emerging trend in men's fashion.