Over the past decade, Telfar Clemens -of the eponymous label, Telfar- has continued to inspire us with his vibrant yet simplistic unisex designs.
Ever since the fashion industry’s humble beginnings, collections have always managed to reflect the cultural and political trends of the world and, in many cases, have guided us into the future. It is essentially an outlet to send crystal-clear messages about what is happening in the world, whilst simultaneously pushing the boundaries of traditional social norms. To keep up with the demands for sexual equality and the rise in popularity of gender fluidity, many designers are now incorporating unisex styles into their collections. However, in the case of Telfar, unisex fashion is not a political statement meant to send any type of message; it is simply Telfar.
Backstage Telfar SS 17 NYFW
In his recent Spring 2017 show in New York, we saw vibrant pops of colours and loose rectangular silhouettes dominate the runway. Men wore layered one-piece swimsuits with unconventional flesh-revealing cuts, not to be deemed sexual in any way. The blinding shades of neon orange, green, and blue were quickly balanced out by structured silhouettes, giving the collection a sense of coherency.
Unisex fashion is not a political statement meant to send any type of message; it is simply Telfar.
Backstage Telfar SS 17 NYFW
Telfar’s design aesthetic is conceptual and of the highest tier of excellence; he has managed to reinvent conventional all-American prep by fashioning it something completely advanced. He is a golden example of an innovator, taking classic styles like a polo shirt and altering the cut and neckline to create something exciting yet wearable. At the end of the show, the words, “Now you know how to wear Telfar,” echoed through the speakers, assuring the audience that the collection is not some fantastical gimmick. Telfar is made to be worn.
By Tenille King
