Oliver Spencer’s runway show for the eponymous label’s Autumn/Winter 2012 collection was undoubtedly (and unsurprisingly) one of the most popular events on London Fashion Week’s menswear day. The long-anticipated show (which came with highly sought-after tickets) revealed yet another successful range of garments that will certainly please the numerous followers that Oliver Spencer has garnered over the years.
If the label’s Spring/Summer 2012 collection (reviewed previously by The Style Examiner) took inspiration from the late 1970s and early 1980s’ French Mod look and artistic manifestations (particularly music) associated with the period, the Autumn/Winter 2012 range was described as being influenced by 1970s’ art house with the iconic persona of a young Lucian Freud in mind. As expected of Spencer, unlined single and double-breasted suiting and outerwear (which included reinterpreted bomber jackets and pea coats) came with attractive and surprising details, such as contrasting fabric panelling, asymmetrical external pockets, and wood buttons.
Highly textured fabrics such as rough cotton, thick wool, and corduroy were available in plain shades, or in tartan and Prince of Wales checks. The colour palette comprised browns, dark greens, greys, and burgundy that contrasted with vibrant red, orange, and blue, whereas footwear, such as capped-toe Oxfords or brogue-style suede boots, seduced for their vibrant colours and shapes.
