The Belstaff SS16 presentation was a celebration of the sea, its beauty and power. The models with seemingly wet hair were leisurely sitting and standing by sand dunes and talking amongst themselves and the guests (looking refreshingly alive instead of statically standing like human statues) as if they were just hanging out by the beach, while a projection of the sea waves and composer Sorana Santos gently playing the piano set the atmosphere as seafood delicacies were served on a terrace overlooking the presentation room.
The play of textures and use of colour as well as shapes all referenced the seaside, from the pastel blue and pink hues of the sky, dark sea weed green to quilting on a bomber jacket and a dress resembling the lines left in the sand by the tide. Light silk spring coats and separates portrayed the fluidity of arguably the greatest force of nature, while a delicate tiered dress, windbreaker jacket and T-shirt with a print of water reflection depict the play of light on the surface of the sea. White, the colour of the sea foam and the clouds above it, was used in the form of cotton flared trousers, jumpers or skinny jeans.
The beach was reflected in natural sandy beige coats in linen, silk or suede. Also graphic stripes were present in the collection referencing pinstriped surfboards or motorcycle racing which Belstaff is known for. The famous rider’s coat, a belted jacket with four pockets and high collar, was also part of the showcase, this time in soft leather. Leather was used throughout the collection on jackets in dark green or metallic silver, dresses, laced sandals or white Chelsea boots keeping with the motorcycling theme.
by Sara Hesikova
Images courtesy of Jason Lloyd Evans