TAKING the skater boy aesthetic to quite literally the next level is JW Anderson’s, 45-piece, genderless collection, as it takes the floor at MFW SS23.
We are first met with a string of snapped skateboards worn as breastplates and shiny bike handlebars, as if they are some sort of necklace accessory, already setting the tone for what is soon to be an incredibly eye-catching and unique treat.
Rips, rips and more rips are a large motif in this collection, as if the wearer has repeatedly flown off of their skateboard at the park. The design is complimented by a series of low rise, relaxed, puddle fit jeans, that reveal the edges of JW Anderson logo printed underwear, and fulfils that sense of a rebellious teen era.
Graphic printed hoodies follow in looks 11 and 12 and feature emblems of broken, reflective CD’s. Paired with what seems to be a bicycle lock chain, the chunky accessory hangs freely from the model’s pockets.
It’s worth mentioning the footwear for these looks too, as they consist of exaggerated on trend sliders with an almost inflated sole and are decorated with an abundance of diamantes. These can be seen through the rest of the collection too, with the same sole replicated in a flurry of trainers.
Later, we are faced with a range of oversized leather gloves that have been designed to lose connection at the wrist, allowing the models to free their hands. They appear as if they have come straight from a builder’s or gardener’s workbag and add to that aesthetic of everyday items being used to create avant-garde, yet relatively wearable garments.
The leather travels through the collection as we see an assortment of ¾ length, worn out shorts and even a biker style, burgundy bomber jacket in look 19.
More jackets come in in looks 21, 23 and 25, that prompt a reimagined, cropped blazer silhouette and feature shallow button detailing with a sharp, contemporary designed collar. The jackets are impeccably tailored to fit oversized and paired with rider leggings – they are even styled with a pair of baggy denim jeans.
For what is usually quite a sophisticated, business style look, they add an almost humorous touch to the collection, as if the natural progression from a wreck less adolescence lifestyle to the working environment.
The closing look is a windbreaker styled boiler-suit in tones of red and grey, matched perfectly with a festival season side bag and buffed leather loafers, finished with plates of polished metal.
by Alicia Tomkinson