Legendary Collections - Vol. 1- Raf Simons S/S 2008 "Material World"

Here's the first installment of my monthly series on legendary menswear collections. Let's start it off with a personal favorite of mine, Belgian designer Raf Simons' spring summer 2008 masterpiece entitled "Material World." For this show Simons took inspiration from the modern European backpacker, as knapsacks were seen on some of the models' backs, as well as sandals on their feet. The materials used were mostly techno-fabric, primarily consisting of thin waxed cotton, which gave the collection a sleek feel. The silhouette was slim as usual, but included some rather open and even over sized jackets and sweaters. To add to this one of the boys on the runway was even barefoot! Key pieces included the famed De Stijl sneakers/boots which took inspiration from the block paintings of Dutch artist Piet Mondrian (who also influenced some of the late Yves Saint-Laurent's greatest pieces), three section detachable waxed cotton pants, suit jackets made of the same fabric but with drawstrings on the chest and stomach area, as well as sunglasses made in collaboration with Linda Farrow. The soundtrack is a medley of techno songs, most notably from The Chemical Brothers, but also including the famous Zombie Nation tune "Kernkraft 400." Enjoy.