Agnès B asked friend Adrien Beau to design the first six looks of her Autumn / Winter 2014 collection. The result was all about the 19th century dandy. Unsurprisingly so when you know that Beau has assisted John Galliano, created theatre costumes and directed two short films set in the 17th and early 20th century. Three-piece suits were accessorised with leather gloves, pocket watches and silky cravats.
But dandyism corresponds to an idle lifestyle and this collection also seemed dedicated to the working man. Whether labouring on the docks (as indicated by a black and white captain hat), at the factory (see: grey overalls), in the kitchen (cue the black and white houndstooth trousers) or at the stock exchange (with a navy single-button suit), men will be doing so whilst being impeccably dressed come fall.
Another hit was a shiny patent-leather blood-red Perfecto, paired with skinny jeans and a black felt hat. The man skirt, an acquired taste if there ever was one, made a lone appearance, digitally printed with the landscape of a golf course. All in all, it was a bold collection.
MARIE-ÈVE ROCHON
