Italy may be the first to show new directions in menswear but Portland is — for the first time — fast on the heels of these trends.  Our senior designers, Charlie Ryan and Viola Pruitt, are feverishly working on their menswear collections for the September 18 Fade to Light Fashion Show.  In can you want to get ready, here’s the latest in looks, fabrics, prints and colors.

(left to right)

STARK UTILITY

Utility is taking on a new modern look with clean, sharp lines and geometric cutouts. A play with monochromatic styling allows the look to usher in a strong Sci-Fi element and hint at futuristic workwear influence.

MODERN ZEN

We loved this modern interpretation at zen style, with raw simplicity and fanciful details showcasing a new way to do bare essentials. Unfinished edges, mismatched threads, and pleats make this all about repurposed comfort.

FUTURE SAFARI

The utility vest has been one of the biggest street style trends at all the fashion weeks. When paired back to a neon tee or worn with wrap around shield sunglasses, there’s a retro future vibe that takes it beyond basic workwear.

COSMIC CAMO

Camo never really goes away, but there is a new version that comes rendered in sheer fabrics and faded, dusty colorways. This cosmic twist has completely transformed this traditional military motif to resemble some kind of spaceage uniform.

TRADITIONAL TECH

Traditional menswear motifs received a refreshing update with unexpected fabrics such as sheer organza and cool-casted blues and purples in place of traditional navy and grey.

POWDERY PASTELS

Powdery pastels were spotted throughout Florence, often worn in a monochromatic way that added much-needed dimension to minimal yet retro tailored basics. The addition of details like pleats or utility pockets made these sweet hues even more interesting.

SPLICED

Pieced construction is taken to a whole new level with a kind of haphazard chaos that creates a kaleidoscope pattern of classic plaids and stripes.

IN BLOOM

Florence always has plenty of dandies to see. Really impactful florals were growing on everything from suits to tropical shirts, and all with a more realistic painterly effect and oversized scales to make the ultimate statement.

HORROR PLAY

B-movie horror was all over last season’s runways and now the look is being seen on the streets. With a low brow take on monster-inspired whimsy, there were Frankenstein prints, as well as studded embellishment and metal trim.

Courtesy of our friends at Fashion Snoops