Adam Arnold Spring 07. photo: Pete Springer
The model call for people with shaved heads or who would be willing to shave their head should have been a hint to the uninitiated. Adam Arnold has a vision.
Adam Arnold enjoys throwing audiences for a loop, and his most recent show was no different, although the disorientation was a central feature. The catwalk snaked through the two floors of the Design Within Reach store, an entirely appropriate backdrop for Arnold’s brand of natural fiber sci-fi clothing. The models came from above and below, one starting upstairs and crossing paths with another model coming from downstairs. The MC Escher motif was readily apparent in one of Arnold’s signatures for this collection; a detail he called “Mobius”, which is a single seam which interlocks with itself. He also remained firmly entrenched in the future, with THX 1138 among the first of his listed inspirations, which explained the models all having shaved heads.
Adam Arnold Spring 07. photo: Pete Springer
Another signature detail for the collection was the use of macramé, which appeared in several blouses and dresses, as well as a mens’ vest. The majority of the menswear varied not so much in cut as in material. One suit retained Arnold’s traditional proportions but came in a sandstone summerweight wool, and another was presented in classic blue checks. A less formal look was a canvas jacket and slacks combination. Two particularly distinctive pieces were knit: a cardigan came in a sunflower gold color, and one sweater, while muted in dark blue, had three keyholes at the neckline, one of which offered a teasing glimpse of the much brighter tie beneath.
For women, there was a lot of volume, with a few looks that were either kimonos or kimono-inspired. Several printed tops featured wide but not droopy sleeves; the designs were loose and light but never without a center. One showstopping blouse had a fairly conservative cut but came in a bright orange which Arnold called persimmon.
Adam Arnold Spring 07. photo: Pete Springer
And while the clothing was lighter and more colorful, it was not fully springlike, either. The eye-popping persimmons and lilacs were toned down by the muted navies and browns they were paired with, and the final product was demonstrative but not frivolous. The few more expected spring looks, such as a plain white cotton dress, retained the clean seaming that is Arnold’s signature. One more surprising design came in dark navy, but the color choice for the billowy smock dress somehow fit; a lighter color and the look might only work poolside. As it was, the dress was elegant yet comfortable and relaxed. Another striking look in navy was a blouse with pleats all the way round with strips of satin dangling which suggested an exotic bird. The bald model only heightened the effect.
–Will Levin
Also see our Debrief: Adam Arnold Spring 07 Part One.
All photos: Pete Springer www.petespringer.com
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