Carolyn Massey’s Spring/Summer 2011 collection has been influenced by two books: ‘Un-Fashion’ by Tibor Kalman and ‘Farm’ by Jackie Nickerson. Inspired by the essentially natural attitude to masculine dressing portrayed in the books, Carolyn’s latest collection also gives a distinct nod to Eastern elegance with a smattering of ‘functional wrapping’.All this whilst retaining her eye for the quintessentially ‘English’ in menswear tailoring, signed off with the signature ribbon detailing which runs through all the pieces. The result is a cohesive collection with a distinct personality.
Cotton drill from Italy, Japanese cotton shirting, Merino wool and mainly European manufacture continue the Massey tradition of combining quality production with unexpected design twists whilst remaining true to the concept of pared down, minimalist menswear for the style aficionado.
Cream, stone, mustard and rust alongside Indian ink, petrol blue and navy seamlessly complement Massey’s play on proportion and shape – also an integral component of her knitwear.
Accessories are now part of the collection with shoes inspired by those created by the British for wear in the desert, and a new line of bags including a statement-making doctor’s bag and backpack with detachable box bags.
Massey’s eponymous collection was launched in Paris in 2006, twelve months after graduating from the Royal College of Art.
In recognition of her talents she has been sponsored for the third time in September 2010 by NEWGEN MEN–sponsored by TopMan–offering the opportunity to present on the London Fashion Week schedule on 22nd September 2010.
A detail obsessive, Massey is known for her elegant English cuts and sartorial nuances–her work investigates what it takes to be a gentleman and how the concept of masculinity has adapted to the times.
View the image gallery here.
Photos Copyright Carolyn Massey, Courtesy Icecream Agency.
