un moment avec Lee
Paris, France
Turning out from behind the floor to ceiling mirror, the models for Arashi Yanagaway’s summer 2013 John Lawrence Sullivan show rushed down the length of the room and back as if trying to avoid being captured by the camera shutters clicking off around them. But they were hard to miss, with color popping out from unexpected places as they flashed by, like the inside panel of jacket sleeves, or more boldly, in blocks of bright primary colors. A question of comfort with color and with style, the collection also danced the line between formal wear and sportswear, which Yanagawa borrowed from in fabrics and Silhouette.
A fan of a good stripe, Yanagawa has an affinity for traditional menswear textiles with a modern flare. The stripe, in full blazers and pants, or more discretely running over the middle of a hat or printed onto leather accessories, created a subtle option for adding color to a look. That is, in comparison to the yellow motorcycle jacket, cobalt plaid coat, and red four pleat trouser. The shorts, in plenty, lifted the silhouette and added a youthful element along with the bright primary colors that shouted out over brief moments of black, navy and grey. Angluar hemlines on the jackets recalled the tuxedo jacket, but in fabrications that were more easily paired with slacks or jeans.
To take his bow, Yanagawa jumped out excitedly with the energy of a young man and athlete, manifesting what he had put into this season’s designs. While he appears to still have the stamina to get back into his boxing career, it’s clear that his growing number of fans are glad he’s dedicating his energy to the runway.
- Lee Anderson, Parisian Correspondent
Designer website: www.john-lawrence-sullivan.com
What we’ve said: Fall 12/13 Paris Men’s Collection
What we’ve said: Spring 2012 Paris Men’s Collection
