I first met Chris Kelly a year ago when he sent me an invitation to London Fashion Week where he presented that season’s menswear collection of Theatre de la Mode. Now I would like to introduce you to the 2010 autumn/winter collection entitled “TuTa Symmetry”:“‘TuTa symmetry’ is a moment of self-definition for Theatre de la Mode; with strong foundations in utilitarian design, the collection represents a natural evolution to a more fashion forward sense of wearability. As the name suggests – the perfectly balanced design takes inspiration from the clean lines and tailoring of classic menswear and twists it with the image of casual wear.
This season is particularly inspired by Thayaht, the Italian artist whose revolutionary designs led the futurists in fashion, costume, stage design, and decorative arts. Most famously, he invented a garment named TuTa, a form of coverall that was fashionable, but practical and accessible to all.
The look of Thayaht’s TuTa was simple, clean design – casual but refined for its smart approach to functional dressing. Similarly, this season Theatre de la Mode has emphasized symmetry and draping to achieve a unique form of tailored casual wear. The sweat blazer is a casual staple with a refined edge that merges fashion and function. A heavily draped neckline and a boxed silhouette combine in the snood hoodie. Trouser design is approached with a denim eye, but keeps the labels classic loosely structured silhouette. New trouser shapes come in the form of the gusset trouser and the elastic waist tailored pant.
Colours for the season are rich and neutral – moss, charcoal grey, plum, stone and navy. This is sophisticated casual wear with the feel of military uniforms: trans-seasonal dressing for urban aesthetes. From his studio in London’s east end creative director/head designer Christopher Kelly experiments with shape and proportion, designing collections for men and women that display his ever-present penchant for technique and craftsmanship. Since its launch in 2007 Theatre de la Mode has been recognized internationally in the press by publications such as Dazed Digital, JC report and Style bubble.”
Photo & slideshow 2010 autumn/winter collection Copyright Theatre de la Mode.
