ALAN_TAYLOR

Entitled 'The Immaculate Traveller', Alan Taylor's 2011 menswear collection is a considered selection of garments with an equally considered way in which they are constructed. It dissects the concept of being an explorer, the motivation and drive to discover the unknown. Initially inspired by an article written by Anna Zenga (Image Director of Ermenegildo Zenga). Taylor was fascinated by Anna's technique in packing for a journey. In particular, the five steps, whereby taking the immaculately selected essentails(all depending on the length of your trip) and layering them in certain order in your bag to efficiently use all the space of your luggage, without distorting the garments. From this he developed his garment construction, such as the detachable raglan sleeves and separate layered shirts . The juxtaposition within outfits between classically tailored separates in contrast to the more functional based garments became a key part of his collection. Furthermore, Taylor developed his trail of reasearch into exploration and sought refuge with the protagonist male characters behind these epic journeys. He found his muse in Tom Crean, an Irish explorer from the 'Heroic Age of Antarctic Exploration'. Inspired by Crean's pure grit and selfless bravery Taylor wanted to make his clothes tougher. Quilted waxed check, quilted herringbone, black wool and a wine rainmack material provide the base for this collection using white cotton twills to freshen the color pallet. Alan Taylor's 2011 collection is not trying to be an over the top departure from contemporary fashion rather a development from classic idea with a fresh take on construction and fabrication.