





Whilst I maintain a great appreciation for the work of Kris Van Assche, his collections have often left me feeling wanting for just that little bit more. In the eyes of fashion media he is inevitably thinly drawn out for analysis under the rather immense and fashionable shadow of Hedi Slimane. And indeed this type of comparison, whilst not being truly respectful of Van Assche as a designer in his own right, does have the benefit of boosting that added impetus within him to amaze us.
For the latest Fall '09 collection under his own label, Van Assche exceeded my expectations in that respect, yet still left me feeling as if the full extent of its meaning was somewhat lost in its realisation. That being said however, I was definitely fascinated by the silhouettes he provided throughout. Known for his trademark wider cut trousers, it was nice to see the slimmer, stacked offerings alongside his usual cut.
I immediately recognised Van Assche's cultural influences from the northern areas of Pakistan and Afghanistan, with his unique take on the traditional shalwar kameez top. There was also his interesting use of the black shawls, which in this case, rather than providing a body wrap were simply draped over the models for a flowing silhouette.
As such, when I came across the Fall '09 Ad Campaign, I was both pleasantly surprised yet puzzled with the results. The monochrome shoot works well in evoking the sense of the collection, and the styling is impeccable. However, I must admit I am not entirely comfortable with plain wooden decking of the backdrop. I find that given the inspirations and influences of the collection, the setting could have been more better realised. That being said, I still think the campaign works successfully in showcasing the feel of the season's collection.






Currently playing: Lay It Down - Al Green
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Hmm. I like the minimalism of the shoot's setting ... but I see what you mean. Some of the richness of this truly gorgeous collection is lost when its underlying influences aren't highlighted in the ads.
ReplyDeleteim so bad, im pretty behind on KVA's men's collection. i think ive obsessively analyzing his offerings on yoox trying to decide if there's something id want.
ReplyDeletethis is the 1st time ive ever seen a kva ad. i really like them. in fact, i like these a lot better than the all his dior homme ads. in fact i wish these were dh ads. i think kva shines much more on his own lines than at dh.
the catwalk clothes are so cool. If i was a guy I would dress like this. Love the pics, the graphic use of the boardwalk. Heaven. Great post dapper boy. Carla
ReplyDeleteI totally adore this Van Assche collection, actualy did a post on it a while ago. Mens collections doesn't excite me as much as womens collections usually, but there is a few times when I see mens clothes that takes my breath away. The silouhettes, fabris, layering and contrasts here looks wonderful in my eyes, and I think it's just the right ammount of feminine/ masculine, it's the type of collection that proves that a little bit of feminine can be very masculine. :)
ReplyDeleteThis is a very nice collection! I love black and white! ^^ Picture number 4 is my favourite. It's gorgeous! :D
ReplyDeletefunny, i think i have to agree with you about the background, i find it distracting!
ReplyDeleteI really like his collection, it's practical and classic! I don't mind the background so much because it's not distracting from the clothes. xxoxoxxoxo
ReplyDeleteI really like these! But hmm... I agree, I feel like the backdrop makes it more of a picture than a focus on the clothes.
ReplyDeleteI have to agree about the background, it should've have been a different setting, but nonetheless, the pictures look amazing in this somber palette.
ReplyDeleteI see what you mean. They could have definitely chosen a better background.
ReplyDeleteHowever, I absolutely love the second shot.
l,
Hannah
...the b.g is alittle too graphic! But I simply enjoy fashion Photography so much! ~XO*
ReplyDeleteI'm such a sucker for those big military boots. Especially with the heavy layering on top, and the scarves.
ReplyDeleteThe monochrome shoot is simply stunning.
I actually really love the contrast of the simple linear background against the clothes. I like that it doesn't bring in any real context.
great post
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I love the style of you and your blog.
ReplyDeleteIt's so innovative and intriguing!(;
DK!!!!!!
ReplyDeletei am in LOVE with these last shots..he is hot too! always helps. haha
hope you are well and happy easter!
xxx bel
I like the collection and the adverts are really nice. They make it look a little more sophisticated than the runway styling.
ReplyDeleteooh i like these! very chic. the boots are definite envy. ..and that models hair is pretty hot. haha.
ReplyDeleteKris does magic to footwear i heart all his boots and hi-tops :oD
ReplyDeletethe slouch is just perfect.
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