Like a breath of fresh air, out comes the new collection from Max Tan to make us wish winter was here again. With Fall/Winter 2017-2018, the designer sweeps us to an icy place where architecture, fashion and art all collide. The latest campaign takes form and function to new heights all with a beautifully stark color palate.
From the designer:
Details are added to designs today more often than not to embellish surfaces, which draws attention away from form. Instead of stripping away unnecessary details found on garments, we ask, how these details can instead be turned into a necessity - utilizing them to change or break silhouettes?
Fall/Winter 2017-18 begins with the same approach to design used in every MAX.TAN collection - maximizing on minimalistic ideas and soft geometrical forms. This collection then embraces references from the simple movement of pressing and stacking of layers to form artful origami folds. A graphical palette of clinical white is contrasted with jet black and navy blues and is expressed in surprising cocoon shapes, signature handkerchief hems and asymmetrical hemlines.
Geometric pattern pieces are seamed to allow natural folding and falling of fabrics and are held together by self-tying ribbons. Flat handkerchief panels are then sandwiched between patch pockets and the bodice. Contrasted in a different colour blocks, this highlights the “unnecessary” detail but in itself it becomes necessary in creating a new silhouette.
Fluid fringe panels are stitched onto a masculine trench coat, introducing movement to the traditionally-stereotyped strict garment archetype. The combination of feminine and masculine is combined in this collection to create a masculine sensibility of understated glamour - fusing fragility with modernity.
Few designers can maximize minimalism as well as Max Tan and we've loved so much of what he's done over the last couple of years (see S/S 2016 on The Brvtalist). This collection hits so many of the right notes as the tones, details and mood are spot on.
