Ones to Watch MEN - Baartmans and Siegel Spring Summer 2012

Photography by Lucas Seidenfaden 

Baartmans and Siegel graduated from the prestigious MA Design Technology Menswear course at London College of Fashion in 2010.  Their designs were quickly snapped up by Harrods and have subsequently gained a collaboration with acclaimed English shoe makers Grenson. After showing for two seasons with Lulu Kennedy’s Fashion East it was high time for their first runway show as part of the Men’s Ones to Watch at Vauxhall Fashion Scout.

Baartman and Siegel are known for their remarkable tailored garments and today was no exception. From the first look, a stunning striped suit in pale greys to beautiful black classic trench coats, the collection was everything a true English gentleman would want hanging in his wardrobe. As the collection progressed the tailoring evolved into larger silhouettes, with driver jackets and raincoats at the forefront. In particular there was an oversized black draw stringed coat with large gold buckle that created a buzz around the audience as it went down the runway. 

There was a real sense of sportswear running throughout with particular reference to golf.  Slouchy jersey jogging pants worn with tailored jackets and bomber coats teamed with dress suit trousers were a fresh take on traditional English tailoring.   

Signature pieces one would expect to see from Baartmans and Siegel, such as printed silk scarves, were revisited in a larger scale that overflowed from exquisitely cut trench coats. One thing missing from the show this season was fur and in it place came striking knitwear in deep blues and black that were teamed with oversized school boy shorts. The combination of the two showed a boyish side to the Baartmans and Siegel design aesthetic. This boyish inspiration within the collection continued into the leather satchel bags, sunglasses and striped blazers.

Overall, the collection was a true testament to modern English tailoring.

Text: Joe Turvey