Like the color pink on guys, floral prints do that whole, in-your-face juxtaposition thing—a dude, in pink? Flowers? What? But unlike the former, which all too easily has the ability to look more “duh” than daring, flowers manage to spout a real deal imprecation of gender in clothing. But also, they add some ‘tude. We will never forget those flittering flower children of the 60’s or Kurt Cobain’s grunge-y flouting of strict gender roles in the early 90’s (with his now legendary flower dress look). But, we’re also men of the modern age. Sure, you’ll find the influence of said historical moments in the men’s floral looks to come, but in 2013 these new designs are less about addressing boy-girl styles and more about exploring the flower in relation to male modernity. They span from the spiritual to digital, artistic, geographical and folksy realms to trend driven street aesthetics. Your pick. The Spring 2013 runways of designers like Ann Demeumeleester, Balenciaga, Bottega Veneta, Carven, Christopher Kane, Gucci, and Raf Simons all had new takes on men’s floral design and we’re keeping a watchful eye on those deliveries—some of which are just now starting to hit the store shelves/go up for pre-order. Find out where and also, shop some unexpected end of season Fall/Winter floral that’ll have staying power through the new year. Click though…
1—Ann Demeulemeester
Demeulemeester takes it to the Ashram.
$545 at barneys.com (pre-order, April delivery)
2—Ann Demeulemeester
$1007 at luisaviaroma.com (pre-order, April delivery)
3—Balenciaga
Be on the look out for Balenciaga’s slightly obscured, digital take on floral.
Pictured, $241 at matchesfashion.com and in white $275 at barneys.com
4—Balenciaga
$1535 at barneys.com (pre-order, March delivery)
5—3.1 Phillip Lim
Lim marches to the beat of a different drummer…
$695 at aloharag.com (pre-order, January delivery)
6—Comme Des Garçons Shirt
Abstraction is big this season and you don’t have to go to the MOMA to find it. (Also see Christopher Kane)
$560 at barneys.com (pre-order, March delivery)
7—Gianni Barbato
Shoes for peacocking.
$619 at luisaviaroma.com (pre-order, February delivery)
8—Etro
Etro’s gone Hawaiian. We like.
$320 at mrporter.com
9—PS by Paul Smith
The X-ray’s smokey effect makes it perfect for night time affairs.
$280 at paulsmith.co.uk
10—Adidas X Opening Ceremony
Actually, Y-3 will be dropping a sweet pair of floral sambas any day now, but if you can’t wait, or want everything, there’re still UK sizes 11 and 12 available in this Fall/Winter offering.
$147 at oki-ni.com
11—Top Man
Nothing all that new here, but this caz T is up for sale now in a limited run so it won’t be plastered everywhere once it gets warm out.
$36 at us.topman.com
12—Reclaimed Vintage
Varsity and floral—dangerously layering a hot trend on a hotter trend, but it works. And is light enough for spring. Not flammable but hot enough.
$84 at us.asos.com
Related: Jacob Holston Spring 2013 Look Book: Sure Bet Summer Sweaters
