Aug 2, 2009

Umit Benan and the beard

As I've mentioned earlier I did not catch up most of the S/S10 menswear shows / presentations because I was caught in the busyness of graduating, packing my stuff to bring home (surprisingly and embarrassingly my VOGUE magazines weighed more than my textbooks) and being the tourist guide for my family while in Russia really took its toll on me.

Well much apologies for that... Now that I have much more free time to do some surfing, my attention was shifted to an interesting article by Anna Battista from Dazed Digital about the designer Umit Benan. When asked about what he can sum up about his S/S10 collection, he answered 'tacky yet modern', with the tackiness referring to his own imaginary Cuba as an inspiration for the silhouettes, fabrics and styling. Personally I like the fact that he uses a lot of linen and jersey for that Cuban reference. Oh, and the model is accessorized with Panama hats, cigars and bar stools too, no less. And a little dose of gender-bender doesn't seem to hurt at all- he uses feminine details such as ruffles and draping on his shirts to create interesting contrast against the masculine feel in the rest of the pieces.


S/S 10 'Cuba' Collection

I say spot on with the styling, sir. May I selfishly declare that I can closely relate this collection to that of my current taste in clothing - roomy pants combined with cardigans and loafers. And I immediately recalled that I personally own some very similar pants in terms of silhouette and fabric which I have featured previously (pants no.1 and 2, see below). It amazes me how a designer can really create a collection that is highly coveted because prior to the discovery of Umit Benan I've always felt lukewarm about most of menswear collection, in a sense that I don't really feel a rush to get my mitts on their pieces (except for Yohji Yamamoto AW09). But the opposite goes to Benan's collection... If, and I said if I had all the money in the world I'd certainly purchase this whole collection in a heartbeat!

The baggy pants No. 1

The baggy pants No. 2

In the interview he also told about his previous collection and the accompanying anecdote about how he is looked down at, questioned and misunderstood as a trespasser in his own apartment compound by the neighbors just because he is not clean-shaved and doesn't wear three-piece suit. This proves how looks can be deceiving and people often judge a person from their appearance! (An issue of which I again selfishly declare to be so close to me in real life)...To prove that people can be wrong in the above-mentioned case, he deliberately puts photos of him unshaven from day one to day 77 here for people to see, analyze and contemplate the transformation of a man's face and the effect on his personality and the perception by others. And yes you've guessed it right- despite his ever-changing outer appearance, he still remains the same person inside.

A/W 09-10 'Day 77' Collection

Thank you Umit Benan for such a fresh collection that I really can relate to and that dose of provocation!

image credit: dazeddigital.com

14 comments:

CC said...

love that line

Giancinephile said...

People easily judge you with what you wear that is why I like to look scary like being always in black to give the impression 'piss off, slag off, don't talk to me' kind of vibe. But that's not really the issue. It's always nice to look up to people in the fashion industry who defy fashion which in some way makes them anti-fashion... all for the pursuit of their own personal preferences.

And I'd like to try roomier trousers in the coming days... better look for one. haha

Giancinephile said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Anonymous said...

thanks for the tip! i love his stuff and your interpretation of it!

Izzy said...

I haven't seen the latest issue of Mykromag. What is it? Where is it available? What does it say??? E-mail me at thedandyproject@yahoo.com I'm very eager to know!

Izzy said...

Okay, I just saw it. Walking on clouds right now...

Emma Homestay Bandar Tasik Puteri said...

CC, I love the collection too, and I've been waiting for so long to like a collection this much.

Gian, absolutely true! The issue is such a huge thing here (especially for a country having a huge Muslim population like Malaysia where dressing 'moderately' is the general idea of showing how 'good' a person is) LOL tell me about your ploy of dressing in all black!

boulevardier, thank you thank you!

Izzy, I just sent you an email and I didn't know how quickly you find it yourself. You must be ELATED!

sharinna. said...

thank you! yes, it is indeed hectic and stressful :S

O-man said...

finally..
a non scrotum choking pants!!
i remember the day when cawat sampai lutut & underwear showing is the in-thing...ohh~~

shiraz b said...
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fashpash said...

holy lord you're one ugly dude! nice clothes tho.... too bad it doesnt suit you not one bit!!!

Ca said...

Really like the first outfit, those grey loose trousers look so comfortable!

Hope you've settled nicely back at home! And that your graduation went well!

Giancinephile said...

Can't wait for your next update! haha

I don't know but people in S.E. Asia seem to assign negative things if you love wearing Black... you're often too scary or simply misunderstood. I'd much prefer it that way- some living in your own world kind of thing! haha

Can't wait for your coming outfit posts... starved from blogging time because of school... haha

Penapenis said...

Kindly update your blog, sir.. hehe

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