John Varvatos MF14 (11)

MILAN, Jan 12, 2014/ — Though it was not announced, the audience was not surprised when KISS made an appearance at the John Varvatos Men Fall 2014 show held yesterday at via Maiocchi. After all, the models were wearing KISS-style make up and the band are the headliners for the John Varvatos Spring 2014 ad campaign.

In his press notes, John Varvatos explained how KISS is both an inspiration and a collaborator for his Fall 2014 collection.

“While working with KISS on my new advertising campaign, I was taken by how much everybody, regardless of their age, loves them. For me, it is the idea of the superhero, a man in disguise with incredible powers, that makes the KISS myth so enduring and appealing, and it’s exactly that mindset that I wanted to explore, adding a dash of fantasy to my work while keeping tailored finesse and elegance high on the agenda. The result is energetic and strong, for a confident man who dares.”

Hence, the collection is a little bit magical, with some superhero qualities. The crocodile skin jacket shimmers evoking a feeling of a dragon fighter. The metal add-ons glisten. Embossed silver calfskin is used on the blouson, or as an armor patch on zip-up jackets that draw a superhuman figure.

The collection is characterized by movements that create a revolving sense of surprise. The silhouette is slim and elegant. Jacquard silk tuxedo jackets are worn with stretch leather jeans; double breasted flannel suits sport heather silk lapels, for a new vision of the tuxedo.

Accessories include massive boots with thick soles, brushed leather boots with a shimmering effect, black lace-ups edged in white. Portfolio bags sport silver toggle closures, while oversized totes are painstakingly crafted. Modified top hats and sterling silver jewels punctuate the looks.

We might not have Thor but these rockers are our new superheroes. After all, isn’t Spaceman among them?

[MARI DAVIS]
Photos courtesy of John Varvatos