Finale at French83’s New Zealand Fashion Week 2017 show.
Menswear shows are few and far between at many fashion weeks but this year marked the return of local menswear label French 83 who made their solo debut at NZFW 2016. This year, designer Nicole Wesseling showed both French 83’s about to be released Spring/Summer 2018 collection called Anderson and Winter 2018 collection called Elliot on the runway.
The brand has developed an ethical approach to design and uses natural and sustainable fibres to create their handsome designs. The designer’s Dutch heritage also influences her approach to the look of her brand and we were curious to see what French 83 would present this year.
There were lots of fresh looks to love about both collections with clean lines, refined tailoring and neutral hues making for sharp suiting in grey, beige, brown and blue with subtle pinstripes. The suiting was most modern in abstract prints or layered with a wide collared coat.
Summer looks included v-neck tops and polo shirts in mint green and grey paired with casual fitted pants. Striped shirts were worn open with shorts and white pants which had a European feel when teamed with berets. There was a relaxed elegance about these pieces which would be at home in many settings.
Winter offerings included fur collared jackets and bombers in warm hues and a wide-collared oversized checked coat in greys and blues. Clever details such as double-ended zips and misaligned buttons kept things interesting and modern. It’s great to see different offerings for guys alongside the classic suiting which was perfectly tailored. French 83 certainly have lots of different looks to offer men for the coming seasons.
Images by Katherine Tuenter.