London Menswear AW10: Carolyn Massey’s Obsolete Prototype C53.

February 27, 2010
Sometimes getting out of bed early proves so very worthwhile. Case in point: Carolyn Massey‘s AW10 show Obsolete Prototype C53, recently held on LFW’s menswear day. While I may have rolled off the sista’s couch amid jet-lag-assuaging sleep in order to allow time for trekking to Manor House tube station, I was – just a minute into the show – reminded of how privileged I was to witness Massey’s genius work its sartorial wonders once again. Yes, I know this sounds gushing, but it’s difficult not to be when a designer manages to bring together all of the aesthetic elements that inform your own personal style.
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This season, Massey was inspired by a body of military patterns (many of which date back to WWII) sourced from an anonymous donor, which were suited to her trademark – and my preferred – silhouette – strong shoulders and not-too-lean trousers. The palette, which moves from dusky to dark, derives from a fondness for the “Tokyo morning sunrise” so that the stark robustness of the military is offset by the soft rose-tinted stripe or pair of trousers.
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Undoubtedly, though, the impact was carried to its full potential by men’s jeweler Hannah Martin’s who, adopting military insignia as a starting point, fused heritage with contemporary to produce badges that resembled ninja death-stars but were so much more. Obv.

Oh, and as you’re aware, previous seasons saw leggings for men (Tisci), Massey now proffers fishnets for the boys and I can’t honestly say I’m averse…
Images from The Fashionisto
  • Mat February 27, 2010 at 12:30 pm

    so impressed with carolyn massey, as every season. this is why i get so excited about menswear, and the rest of the menswear day was a delight too. the future is looking very bright for the brit designs.loved the introduction of the soft pink, capped shoulder knitwear and…..well everything!i did i mini round up on my blog, let me know youre thoughts

  • Adele Parker February 27, 2010 at 4:12 pm

    I love Carolyn Massey I think she is a brillinat designer, I would love to intern with her. Her collections are amazing and she makes me want to go into menswear more. I think she's great.I wrote about her collection on my bloghttp://perfect-pencil.blogspot.com/2010/02/carolyn-massey-aw-10.html