I’ve perused the many articles of clothing on offer from the likes of Yohji Yamamoto’s Y-3, Viktor & Rolf and Bottega Veneta and all I can say is *YAWN*. Yes, I know these are Spring collections, and yes, I know that it is okay to wear white in the Spring, but come on, all white, all the time??? Doesn’t sound like a good idea to me. We are not all ball boys and we don’t all work at Wimbledon. We are men. We pick our noses and our butts and we aren’t always so careful when it comes shaking and tucking when we take a leak. That is why I was so happy to see what John Bartlett was doing this Spring.
In a rather sickening sea of sameness, John Bartlett’s Spring 2007 collection bucks the trend of white shirt with white shorts and white shoes on a scrawny, pale white man. His palette, though limited, bravely steps away from the pale and nearly transparent and his tailoring leans more toward men with actual shoulders and chests and the kind of thighs that it takes to support such men. Though most of his runway models were monochromatically decked, Bartlett’s choice of handsome, understated colors would mix and match well across the entire collection.
Even though it is verging on preppy, this, much like his most recent winter collection, never strays from masculine lines, colors or accessories. Whether it is his uncomplicated trousers, military cut coats, Norfolk-esque jackets or his roomy, box-cut Bermudas, John Bartlett’s Spring 2007 line of stylish, versatile clothes will be a hit this season. Unlike the majority of things being offered for Spring 2007, Bartlett’s collection will be worn daily and maybe even cherished as comfortable, reliable and fun. For John Bartlett, it is not about gimmicks, shock-value or buzz. It is about looking good and being comfortable.