Do Real Men Wear Coral? - Perry Ellis Fashion Week

MY THOUGHTS:

As a former Senior Vice President for Perry Ellis I like the risk that John Crocco is taking. I think he is right on track when he says you wouldn't wear coral from head to toe. It looks great when he pairs it with the neutral basics in white and tan. Its pure updated classics and that is what Perry Ellis is all about.  I've also always been a sucker for sweaters and argyle.

I like the coral and tangerine, but John you got to change the creamsicle. Don't change the actual color, just the color name. Real men might wear coral, but I don't know about creamsicle.

Mark Libell




Here is the full Wall Street Journal article.
SOURCE: The Wall Street Journal 9/14/10 by Elizabeth Holmes

It’s been said that a real man will wear pink. But what about coral?

John Crocco’s Spring 2011 collection for Perry Ellis was heavy on the hue, as well as related shades of creamsicle and tangerine. Coral pleated shorts opened the show; a coral wool suit also made an appearance, as did a gingham coral blazer and a striped coral shirt.

“I just love that color this season,” Mr. Crocco said. “Not head to toe, but you can throw in a piece and it really works. In my experience, men are not afraid of color. You just have to show them how to wear it properly.”

Mr. Crocco paired his orangey hues with neutral bases in white and tan. Accent colors came in sky blue and a light lime green. He said the palette was inspired by the mid-century brights used in “Mon Oncle,” a French film by Jacques Tati.

Another work from the filmmaker, “Les Vacances de Monsieur Hulot,” led to the refined yet comfortable aesthetic. “It was sort of a beachside romp,” Mr. Crocco said. “The styling and the mood of it was very dressed up and sophisticated. Even though it was on the beach, it was still really put together.”

Indeed, the line trousers with cableneck sweaters; argyle vests and double-breasted jackets paired with shorts. Many of the shorts were cuffed and nearly all of the looks were paired with clean Keds sneakers. Chambray and linen fabrics gave the show an ease. Featherweight V-neck sweaters looked effortless, either on their own or under a blazer.

It was also a nod to the original intention of the Perry Ellis brand, Mr. Crocco said. “American sportswear, it’s the idea that you could dress casually but they were still very nice pieces.”