New And Exciting Outerwear Options For Men
By Andrew Grier

Men’s outerwear designers find inspiration from many sources and their ideas run the gamut from total luxury to techno-casual. But, the overriding desire is to create fashion that follows function. Stylish, functional attire is a benchmark of the current Helmut Lang, Prada and Gucci collections.

Prada continues to set trends in men’s outerwear where most manufacturers have copied and reinterpreted the infamous Prada black nylon jacket. Yet shifting beyond the anti-fur movement, Prada uses authentic fur pieces in its current collection. The Prada highlight for the season is its updated, paired-down take on the classic baseball jacket in mink with a zip front closure.

Reflecting NASA and motocross influences, Helmut Lang has created shortwaist jackets and coats that have ribbed padding at the joints, zipper detailing and Velcro closures. Helmut Lang outerwear also has detachable fake fur collars as part of the funnel neck design.

Not to be outdone by its competitors, Tom Ford for Gucci takes the classic, single-breasted wool/cashmere blend overcoat and fashions it into a sexy single-breasted, fitted, funnel neck coat with high armholes. This coat is a perfect complement to your New Year’s Eve tux. However, no one does leather better than Gucci; its unlined, lazer cut jackets and coats that mold to the body like armor but speak of sleek, sophisticated style are sure to appeal to many.

For the traditionalist, Polo and Giorgio Armani offer classic styling with a refined flair. Polo supplies high-quality down-quilted techno jackets that are a must for busy urbanites. Armani provides the best traditional topcoats for any well-dressed gent in its Mani, La Collecione and Armani Black Label collections. Remember fashion follows function, forever. M

November 1999