It was no coincidence that jazz was playing throughout Steven Alan’s Lincoln Center presentation. For fall, the designer was inspired by the post-bop era between 1964 and 1968 when men had a signature relaxed, urban style. He translated that feeling by combining tailoring with casual-cool touches like t-shirts and caps for the boys and even the girls, who definitely had an adorable tomboy vibe happening.
“Francoise Hardy was a big inspiration,” Alan told us. “It’s all about this foundation of American classics, but with a bit of this cool French girl influence.” Easy layering gave luxe fabrics like suede,
velvet and cashmere a nonchalant feel that Mademoiselle Hardy would certainly approve of. And while the 60s vibe came through strong, there were plenty of modern touches, like tailored sweatpants and elastic cuffs.
Outerwear was subtle but lovely. A cashmere-wool blend camel coat was so soft and slouchy I wanted to wear it out of the presentation. There was an oversized, mohair blazer in seafoam green that would lift any winter wardrobe, and a classic black shearling.
Looks were polished off with structured leather accessories including backpacks and clutches, which will all be sold with the collection along with cute brogues and chelsea boots. It all came together as a
commercially viable range that was far from groundbreaking but didn’t bore either.
http://fashionista.com/2013/02/steven-alan-fall-2013-an-american-francoise-hardy/