The Modern Traveler

Text Fredrik Austad & Maren Serine Andersen

Presenting COS and MRPORTER.COM with The Modern Traveller: a capsule collection for summer 2015.

“In addition to sharing similar brand values, we feel that MR PORTER is a pioneer in their area of expertise. In this contemporary setting of the ‘information age’ they continue to lead in adapting the latest technology, information sharing and pioneering design-led fashion. For ‘The Modern Traveller’ we wanted to create a collection that reinterpreted function for every occasion – a collection where the tailored suit can take you from a business meeting in NYC to an art gallery opening in the evening.”

– Martin Andersson, Head of Menswear Design, COS

The constantly changing western society is turning more and more globalized. This has definitely made its impact on the modern man’s life. It is clear that it has become almost mandatory to possess a wardrobe functional for every occasion that might occur. This includes traveling, work life or in private and is exactly what inspired to become a collaboration between the Swedish minimalistic designer brand COS and the well-known, web-based menswear destination MRPORTER.COM.

The creation of the limited 23-piece collection is based on menswear essentials in lightweight, wearable pieces. The color range combines white and greys with burgundies and various hues of blue. Clean lines and simplicity representing COS, mixed with sharp tailoring has resulted in a distinct minimalistic design that most likely will appeal largely to the Scandinavian customers.

all photos: MR.PORTER & COS

Photographer journal: A journey through Portugal by Joakim Heltne

mon Dieu contributor Joakim has documented his journey through Portugal.

Memories portraying well-chosen sites of the lovely country has been captured by the photographer using his iPhone. This is what he discovered when he explored places like Sintra, Cascais, Porto, Aveiro, Azenhas do Mar, Sortelh and Lisboa.

A closer look at McQ autumn/winter 15

Text FREDRIK AUSTAD & MAREN SERINE ANDERSEN

For their AW15 womenswear collection, it is quite obvious that McQ aims to attract Scandinavian people in their prime. The pieces are simpler than in their previous collections and there is a notable rise of basic classics that are easily paired.

The chaos of metropolitan life has been the inspiration, a component that is reflected in the wide selection of pieces. Tailoring, leather and knitwear are strong elements of the collection. These are tastefully combined with a lot of black and exotic prints such as the python printed dress and the leopard pony hair jacket.

When it comes to the menswear collection, the design is based on iconic pieces traceable in youth culture. This is a somewhat typical signature of McQ, and the designer has this time transformed the pieces into being contemporary iconic interpretations with unmistakable references to urban inspiration.

Layering is a keyword when it comes to styling and it is difficult not to admire certain looks such as the pairing of Japan inspired culottes with straight-cut blue jeans. The diverse range of knitwear is easily matched with the more masculine leather pieces. The contrasting effect of simple meeting complex introduces a collection that showcase the diversity of McQ’s customers reflected in texture, color and silhouette.

McQ is under constant development and has created a new unique universe at mcq.com to strengthen the brands identity. The new logo features the name of the house of Alexander McQueen with most of the letters crossed and blacked out, leaving the ‘McQ’ behind.

Jonathan Akeroyd, CEO of Alexander McQueen, comments:

“This is an exciting time for McQ, offering a clear definition of the brand’s values as we move forward. A new creative identity and digital home for the brand allows us to further establish McQ’s relationship with the house and the importance of the brand to our continued evolution.”

all photos: Group88/McQ

Photographer journal: Henrik by Erik André

A few testshots of Henrik (Team) by Erik André Nes.

Armoire d’homme nominated for the International Woolmark Prize.

Story by Fredrik Austad

The Scandinavian fashion brand Armoire d’homme is one of the European nominees for the International Woolmark Prize 2015/2016.

The Woolmark Prize was first launched in 1953 and is still showcasing young fashion designers and brands from all over the world working with Australian Merino wool. Today more than 60 designers from over 20 countries are presented in the international competition. Previous winners are great names like Karl Lagerfeld and Yves Saint Laurent.

The European award will be held on 13th of July 2015 in Antwerp and the winner will compete in the international finale held during Pitti Uomo in Florence January 2016.

Armoire Officielle was established in Copenhagen 2012 by Kjetil Aas and represents a timelessness design together with functionality “taking classic pieces and re-interpreting them in a contemporary context.”
Explore the brand here.

COS x Snarkitecture – Milan design week.

Text Fredrik Austad

The minimalistic Swedish clothing brand COS is collaborating with New York-based studio Snarkitecture for this years’s Salon del Mobile during Milan design week.
The design duo Daniel Arsham and Alex Mustonen have created for COS an environment that reflects the brand’s core DNA. They wanted to create a space to inspire, explore and relax, and to return to. The shifting quality of light seem to create a different space and experience with each visit

COS Heads of Design, Karin Gustafsson and Martin Andersson were drawn to Snarkitecture’s work when researching inspiration for the SS2015 collection. They found many parallels between the approach to design of Arsham and Mustonen and COS: most notably the concept of reduction. Snarkitecture describe «removing anything non-essential and focusing the viewer’s experience» and comparably the COS aesthetic is often described as clean and modernist.

The installation is open from 14 to 19 April and is located within the art district of Brera.

Film by Andrew Telling

Mardou&Dean – The Octagram

Story by Fredrik Austad

The Octagram – the eight pointed star
You can find the octagram in different cultures and religions all over the world.
It was created in different times, at different places but we can still recognise the same figure.
Why do the same things suddenly appear in different parts of the globe?
Why do we sometimes think the same thoughts without communicating?

Humans have a collective consciousness, an invisible bond that ties our minds together.

These are thoughts that have inspired the Mardou&Dean autumn winter 2015 collection and have resulted in a variation of pieces with contrasting fabrics as delicate chiffon, fine wool and leather. The strongest items being a biker jacket with fringes, nice tailored wool coats for men and puffy animal friendly sheepskin jackets. We also have a thing for these two stunning dresses.

Getting to know: Elisabeth Bakke-Hareide

Say hello to Elisabeth! She is a model at TEAM Models and our newest contributor at mon Dieu.

L’amour Fou – Nina Jarebrink AW15

Photography Fredrik Austad

«Uncontrollable passion, crazy love, wild love, dangerous love.»

Nina Jarebrink showed her FW15 collection last Thursday inspired by the strong power of love.
The collection had a 70s vibe with red, blue and black velvet fabrics, textured wool , and of course the signature pieces like the Camilla belt with gold details and big feminine hats. Here, some of our favorite looks.

Getting to know: Helena Haglund

Introducing our newest addition to mon Dieu: Helena Haglund.