Louis Vuitton, Dior and Paul Smith were a few of the many creators showcasing their Spring/Summer 2013 menswear collections during Paris Menswear Fashion Week June 27 - July 1, where suits made a statement and shorts got skimpy. Discover the top trends here.
Statement suits
From Junya Watanabe's bold check suits to Thom Browne's patchwork creations, there was little chance of seeing a classic tuxedo take to the runway during Paris Menswear Fashion Week. Whether via print, fabric or color, suits had been designed to make a clear statement, with Viktor & Rolf and Paul Smith among the creators favoring orange along with Ann Demeulemeester, who presented a double-breasted velvet suit in the citrus tone. Mugler, meanwhile, presented a rainbow-themed collection of suits, with lilac and coral among the statement shades.
Short shorts
While more approachable Bermuda styles prevailed at presentations from the likes of Junya Watanabe and Kris Van Assche, short shorts were the talk of the town during Paris Menswear Fashion Week. Models at British tailor Hardy Amies's show dared to bare with turned-up shorts cut at the mid-thigh, while shorts at Raf Simons were cut high and even included brave slits. For the most daring of male fashionistas, Mugler presented tiny white shorts which were teamed with long black socks to allow for only a small peek of flesh.
Smart/casual
While full-on athletic-inspired looks were some of the most dominant at Milan Menswear Fashion Week thanks to the likes of Versace and Diesel Black Gold, Paris Menswear Fashion Week made a more subtle nod to sportswear, with a smart/casual aesthetic prevailing at a number of shows. At Raf Simons, blazers were worn with sneakers, while labels including Viktor & Rolf and Comme des Garcons also juxtaposed smart attire with trainers.
Under the sea
After an underwater theme prevailed at last year's Spring/Summer womenswear shows, the trend looks set to continue for gentlemen in Spring/Summer 2013 too. Labels including Pierre Cardin, who was making his 90th birthday comeback on the official menswear calendar, favored diving-inspired fabrics, while models at the John Galliano show took to the catwalk in shorts that appeared to be made from recycled fishing nets. Louis Vuitton's collection was also nautical-inspired, with boat shoes getting a modern update in stark white, while at Dries Van Noten classic navy and white blended with military tones.
