PERRY ELLIS LOOKS TO POINTILLISM FOR FALL 2018

by Stephen Garner

Perry Ellis Iconic American design label Perry Ellis presented its fall/winter 2018 collection during New York Fashion Week on Tuesday evening. The runway show also heralded its new platform and spring campaign ‘Life Ready Since 1976,’ which harkens back to the brand’s heritage and reinforces the idea of anywhere dressing, an important part of the Perry Ellis ethos.

The Hippodrome NYC, once the site of a circus and other public gatherings, served as the backdrop for the runway show. The rich, festive history of the location and the depiction of a “Circus Sideshow” by George Seurat began a deep fascination with a modern take on pointillism. From the stage production of “Sunday in the Park With George”, based on a fictionalized version of Seurat, the collection derives a rich color palette and crosses over into the exploration of versatility of sportswear and fabric usage.

Perry Ellis Creative Director Michael Maccari loosened up the styling of the collection to reflect the needs of the Perry Ellis man, preparing him to go at the day in a variety of ways. The collection featured printed anoraks, puffers, and vests that layer over total stretch trousers and other functional pieces.

Color blocks and hand painted landscapes mix with complicated jacquards providing depth to non-solid weaves. The use of color serves to provide the connection between work and play. Graphic statements nod to the seasonal direction and are in every case “On Point”. The canvas is prepared and the foundation has been laid for a season based on design, order, harmony, balance, and composition.

Perry Ellis