Neil Barrett AW14

Initial reaction:

Modernist heaven, and an ode to the sweatshirt – a piece that really embodies Barrett's elevated approach to sportswear and his streamlined aesthetic. The show was styled by Dazed fashion director, Robbie Spencer.

Quote of the show:

“Sweatshirts are my DNA, my number one thing. This was about very modernist menswear, but inspired by the people wearing the clothes: we were seeing all these guys – actors, singers – wearing our clothes a certain way which is so inspiring. We’re actually making it more for them.” Neil Barrett

Stand out look:

The hybrid degrade coats and jackets, where smooth mahogany leather morphed into suede. Barrett devoted nearly the entire show to brown, seguing through dark chocolate, plum, a bright violet moment and maroon.

Motifs:

White lighting bolts cut through sweatshirts, zipped hoodies and bomber jackets, intersecting the torso, radiating from the neck or in a tiny pattern like that on a blazer.

Controlled expression:

Silhouettes were straight, defined and uninterrupted, with jackets and coats closed with buckle-less belts. Pristine leather panels on sweatshirts, duffel coats and jackets added to the impeccable finish. Post show, Barrett admitted being a perfectionist: “I love finding perfection and never feeling content with what I do, always hitting the next level.”

Missy Elliott’s “Sock It 2 Me” closed the show – so good!