LANDEROS FALL WINTER 2015

April 23, 2015

LANDEROS FALL WINTER 2015

VERSION 2

For those of us who had the pleasure of experiencing even just a hint of the 80's, we already know how revolutionary of a time it was. It was a time of innovation, rebellion, debauchery, and excess all rolled into one. A time when romantic danger was acceptable. An era of time that designer Andre Michel Landeros will always hold dear.

Hands down, one of the most important elements of the 80's was the music. Traditional instruments were being replaced with synthesized electric ones. Our introductions to foreign artists (namely ones living in other countries) began to broaden. And then there was the creation of that thing called MTV.

Although its primary focus may have been to highlight music, MTV played an important part in changing the fashion industry as well. It gave both singers and musicians visual identities. Viewers were now able to see their musical idols on a regular basis because of these 3-5 minute creations being made. As a viewer, we were also able to see how styles of dress varied according to each genre. Some we related to... Some we didn't.

For Andre, his taste in tunes gravitated towards 80's New Wave, Electro, and Post Punk, and it still does today. If it weren't for music, Landeros New York may not even exist.

"For me, it's the first step in the process," he shares.

He got the idea of naming his latest collection Version II from the band Scritti Politti. Version II is what the band named a couple of their albums B sides. Serving as a continuation of his F/W 2014 collection, the name only made sense.

Though Andre may draw inspiration from genres of music that some perceive as angry, gritty, or depressed, that doesn't really represent his designs. There are other important components in his creations that help steer us away from those thoughts.Two being Luxury and Glamour. A product of New York's nightlife, one can safely guess that the designer has seen his fair share of craziness. But with craziness, also comes opulence. With a collection made of the finest silks, wools, and furs (crystal fox, sheared beaver), its obvious he opted for the latter.

If it were up to Landeros, we would probably live in a world that didn't focus on sexuality so much. Who made the rules that only women should only wear dresses and skirts after all? Though considered a menswear designer, Landeros has quite the fondness for androgyny. Many pieces of his latest collection can be worn by both men and women.

More inspiration of the F/W 2015 collection comes from well known illustrator Tony Viramontes. Like Landeros, the illustrators career revolved around music and fashion. Known for his collaborations with Vogue and Marie Clarie magazines, Viramonte's work can also be seen as album cover art for notable names such as Janet Jackson, Arcadia, Donna Summer, and Duran Duran (a group he had a long running relationship with). Viramonte's illustrations often blurred gender lines. The features of his females could be thought of as being more angular, cheseled and strong, while the men were often times a bit softer.

With only two seasons under their belt, a final component to the Landeros New York brand is to always expect the unexpected. The brand seems to keep us on our toes with this signature. While traditional tailoring will always be weaved into the line, unconventional fabrics will be what the pieces are made of. Neoprene Bomber Jackets, Boucle and Lurex slacks, Liquid Mercury shirts and trench coats!!! We say yes to all. until you get your hands on your favorite looks, enjoy these images from their recent runway show.