Viktor & Rolf met while studying fashion & some would say a duo made in heaven, as the two look almost like identical twins separate at birth! So post graduation they began working together & relocated to Paris in 1993 to launch their careers. Rock on!
But before we get into the basis of their partnership, their latest collection for men is just WOW. Take sandstone linen suits, double breasted and striking and you have got yourself a winner. Match them back with gradient eyewear and sandals on a hot summers day & you’ll be pulling focus. V&R aren’t afraid to experiment with a little draw-string either. Some macho guys do like the finer detail no matter how small, and V&R are clever with this. Colours for summer include a latte drawstring pants with lemon chord, short-sleeved white cotton shirt matched back with a thin tie and wait for it, mushroom patent leather shoes. V&R’s leather jackets are in dessert sand, their cargo pants are khaki and sandals in tan. We love their use of royal blues against almost blue/grey cardigans as well as their blue suede shoes. Now don’t laugh, they are one of their best selling items. There must be some symbolic link to feeling like a King there!
As most designers do, the boys commenced their hard work designing shapes and silhouettes around a woman’s body. Basing their first collection ‘Hyères’ (1993) on distortion, reconstruction and layering won three prizes at the Salon Europeen des Jeunes Stylistes at the Festival International de Mode et de Photographie. These guys weren’t happy with settling with the mediocre or following the masses, they were keen to bulldoze down the yellow brick road of obscurity and subsequently their presentation of four collections in experimental art spaces led them in 1998 to show their first Haute Couture collection to outstanding applause. These guys meant business!
Viktor & Rolf launched their menswear line ‘Monsieur’ was in 2003, modelled entirely by Viktor & Rolf in a mirrored performance. The Viktor & Rolf range has since grown to include shoes, accessories and eyewear.
Viktor & Rolf have collaborated with a number of other well known brands including
Samsonite(2009),
Piper Heidsieck (2007) for the iconic upside down bottle and, in 2006, the line for high street chain
H&M which greatly extended their appeal to the general public. The Stig is proud to say that he’s got some pieces!
Please enjoy their latest outfits – everything but Black, which I dig, because we all know the easiest colour to wear is the dark knight, but every now and then, a designer does lattes, creams and beige’s very well. Viktor & Rolf – rock on dudes!
By the way, if you been to the store, you will not be alien to their bespoke service, which employs an innovative computerized system to offer mindboggling customizable options for its sporty CS trainers. Everything from materials, color, lettered or numbered monograms can be personalized on a computer. A touch screen with 3D renderings of the shoe helps collect and store custom changes, and you know what, the custom piece can be ready in four weeks.
Think about fabric: Pima cotton is breathable, versatile for all season, and has outstanding quality for clothing. Cotton blends, particularly with stretch wool or rayon/viscose, are great during the summer and keep your clothes fitted to your body. Linen is definitely a must-have in summer attire.
Think of colors: Try mixing bolder shades of spring pastel hues to “spring” into summer. Bold and vibrant colors can look cool and still be comfortable, such as various shades of purple, orange, and blues. Earth and neutral tones – like olives, tans, and browns – are definitely a standard and can look professional with minimal effort. Whites and greys are staples and versatile even when paired with bolder colors to accentuate your personal look. Minimize wearing black as much as possible. If you do wear black, get that in breathable fabrics like linen or cotton chinos, or look for it in subtle patterns.
Think of your workplace: Format your attire based on the dynamic of your workplace. Don’t wear sandals or flip flops if your work does not call for it.
Raf Simons 
Solid white and black vests and jackets are also a part of the ensemble. Skinny white shorts make for a casual street appeal that does not scream attention, yet commands simple amusement. Latex has played a relative part on some pieces, putting form and reaffirming the masculinity to the soft fabrics and asymmetrical, bold cuts.
Jean Paul Gaultier
Peep-toed string sandals on jumpsuit and shorts, beret and silver necklaces, denim and knits, and some hard-looking street-smart leather and latex affairs give the collection a bit of everything you may want for whatever adventures you may have this Summer.
