Dutch/English duo Wouter Baartmans and Amber Siegel took New York’s ‘Great Awakening’ of the 1970’s to explore in their new Autumn/Winter 2016 collection. The diverse culture in the city at the time set the scene: from Harlem to Studio 54 as well as plenty of other references such as hoodrats, cockerel fighting and ‘sparkle bakelite’ in-between. Twists on tradition were put into play in this collection. Pinstripe suits and camel coats were all the range, but paired with clever details that transformed these originally classic pieces into something special. The cut and the styling of the garments are key – slightly flared, high-wasted trousers are blatantly 1970s. The female models ooze that classic glamour with hints of yellow fur linings, over-sized sunglasses, bouffant hair and long eyelashes. The use of yellow shouts New York, or any large city (subway, taxis, and so on). The collection is cleverly assembled, yet looks effortless.
Jessie Gardiner
