The Hutterites

For autumn/winter 2010, Antonio Azzuolo at a.a. drew some of the collection’s inspiration from the Hutterites.

The Hutterites are a communal religious group who find their origins in the 16th-century Reformation.

Tracing their roots to the radical Christian leader Jacob Hutter (1500-1536) of Tyrol, the Hutterites sprung up in Tyrolean Austria.

Pacifistic and communal, the Hutterites are Anabaptists, closely related to the Amish and Mennonites.

Eventually, the Hutterites spread to Moravia, Transylvania, Ukraine, and Russia. Finally in 1874, they found their way to North America.

Hutterites set themselves apart from mainstream society in many ways, one of which is their clothing.

Besides separation and difference, Hutterite clothing stands for equality and cohesiveness.

Hutterite men wear dark clothing to symbolize modesty. Belts are not allowed; pants are held up by suspenders. Simplicity is imperative; deviance is unpermitted.

Photo Jacob Hutter, Public Domain at Wikipedia.

a.a. by Antonio Azzuolo

Born and raised in Montreal, Antonio Azzuolo graduated with a B.A.A in Apparel Design from Ryerson University in Toronto, where he specialized in Men’s Tailoring.

Antonio moved to Milan after graduation, going on to participate in the “Festival des Jeunes Stylistes de Hyères” where he won first place in the menswear category.

The award permitted Antonio to relocate to Paris and launch his professional career.

Before he launched his label a.a., Antonio worked as design director for Ralph Lauren Purple and Black Label. He also served at Hermès and Kenzo in both New York and Paris.

Antonio has prepared an eclectic collection for autumn/winter 2010:

The Look
Urban space cowboys swing to a mod beat.

Inspirations
Hutterites, midnight cowboys, early Elvis, Glam Folk/Rock

Silhouette
Tailored and elongated shapes contrast with various cropped and layered knits.

Details
Saddle shoulder, rope sleeve, metallic leather patches, subtle graphic intarsia motifs, Trompe L’Oeil effects and recycled fur trim.

Color
Heather grey and beige, navy, brown, charcoal, black accents of apple green, melon, powdered blue, white, cream and iridescent metallic.



Photos & slideshow Copyright a.a.