Michael Pattison's Injection Of A Little Risqué

Today I thanked the fashion gods for Michael Pattison's injection of a little risqué humour into Fashion Week.

His winter 2008 collection, Yoko Homo, is a tongue in cheek look at Harajuku styling and this quirky concept, combined with Michael’s signature tailoring and eye for great fabric, makes for an eclectic collection that is nothing short of a knockout.

Strong Japanese influences taken from obi and kimono form the base of a collection that is up-to-the-minute, while successful pieces from past collections have been reinvented, Harajuku style.

Brights were the go for both men and women. Michael’s love affair with punch pink, canary yellow, and iridescent grass green is very much apparent and these crayon-box hues alight alongside tartan, floral and stripe prints that all sit very much outside the square.

One such print is the cherry red hydrangea print designed by Robyn Smith. Kitschy yet classy, this print appears both in the men's and women's collections, and is just one example of how Michael’s designs can transcend the genders, while still defining them.

Pattison is a fine tailor, and once again he sent superbly cut pants down the catwalk. It appears his view of woman is rather on the conservative side, and this works in his favour. Pencil skirts sit just right, dresses hug all the right places and there is no doubt in my mind that his woman wrap\coats will be sell-outs. His green shot silk, full-skirted shirtdress took many a breath away too.

Pattison’s menswear collection is oh-so-versatile - knits and basics are layered with suiting, bomber jackets and waistcoats, while the men's coats are heavy and perfectly masculine. Bright hues and fruity prints were mixed with darker, more corporate pieces in a juxtaposition that works perfectly with the direction in which men's fashion is moving.

Pattison is certainly giving World a run for their money. Heads were turned by his pink men's boiler suit, and grey 'man skirt', in a manner seen here only before at World's shows.

The fabulous t-shirts with metallic print whippets, emblazoned with the deliberately misspelt 'Dericious' reinforce the fun factor of both this collection and of a designer who does not take himself too seriously.

For more, check out fashionz.co.nz

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