The metallic menswear theme is hot off the European catwalks. From Paris fashion week comes Maison Martin Margiela's 20th anniversary show highlighting his fall-winter 08/09 collection. This much sought after Belgian designer, who interestingly chooses to stay out of the public eye, has celebrated his two decades in the business with a stunning and contemporary collection.
Amongst the tailored jackets and fine-lined coats was 'barbed wire' fashion. Two designs stood out from the collection for special praise and attention: the barbed wire ring and vest. The ring was as aggressive as it was comfortable, whereas the vest (not actually made of barbed wire, but rubber tubing) leaves nothing to the imagination in its coverage of the body.
Judging from the ardent and stubborn following Maison attracts, it is no surprise that this collection will take menswear into the metallic age (once again?).
Barbed Wire Fashion
Maison Martin Margiela Menswear
Trend Themes
1. Metallic Menswear - Disruptive innovation opportunity: Designing and manufacturing metallic clothing and accessories to cater to the growing demand for futuristic fashion.
2. Aggressive Accessories - Disruptive innovation opportunity: Creating comfortable yet edgy accessories like the barbed wire ring, merging aggressive aesthetics with wearable designs.
3. Contemporary Collections - Disruptive innovation opportunity: Developing avant-garde and modern collections that push the boundaries of traditional menswear, appealing to fashion-forward customers.
Industry Implications
1. Fashion - Disruptive innovation opportunity: Introducing cutting-edge materials and designs to revolutionize menswear and attract trend-conscious consumers.
2. Accessories - Disruptive innovation opportunity: Experimenting with unconventional materials like rubber tubing to create unique and bold accessories that make a statement.
3. Art and Design - Disruptive innovation opportunity: Bridging the gap between fashion and art by incorporating unconventional elements like barbed wire into clothing and accessories.