1909 Victorinox AW09 Premier Show

(Images courtesy of Wwd.com)

Most people think of Victorinox, they think of the Swiss Army Knife, Victorinox's most popular product. But if designer Pierre-Henri Mattout has anything to do about it, we will soon be turning to this brand for their sharp fashion as well as their sharp knives.

Victorinox launched it's premier fashion collection, 1909 Victorinox, in New York this past week during the AW09 Fashion Week. The show took place at the New York Public Library's Celeste Bartos Center, and upon arrival it was clear that anticipation was high. A large group (myself included), were made to linger outside, invitations in hand, while those with seat assignments came pouring in. Designers Marc Jacobs, Steven Cox, and Daniel Silver were just some of the crowd out in attendance to catch this premier show.


(Images courtesy of Wwd.com)

The show itself was worth the wait. Sport Nouveau, futuristic fabric, and classic reinterpreted knits were the choice of the day, creating a "New Age Camper" style that felt as fun as it did functional.

Many pieces in the collection attempted to bridge the gap between sports wear and business wear, with a hip-hop vibe thrown in for color: cotton sweatpants joined with a posh sport coat, rugged plaid flannel was streamlined into a well-formed button-up shirt, all detailed with super-shiny bronze and silver high-tops, puff coats, and loafers.


(Images courtesy of Wwd.com)

Throughout the collection, a working class sensibility seemed to shine through: high button shirts and workman's coolers paid homage to construction workers, tight leggings and square back packs to bike messengers, plaid shirts and boxy trousers to lumberjacks. These standard characters were given a new breath of life, and carried into the new modern age through form and fabric: even the classic duster was included in the revamp.


(Images courtesy of Wwd.com)

Sure highlights of the show for me where the prints and knit work dappling the collection: an ombre, ribbed print that resembled the amazing knit cooler and backpack cozies added a sense of wildness and ehtnicity to a rather straightforward show.

In closing, 1909 Victorinox's first show succeeded in being beautiful and unique, with a futuristic blue-collar street style that is exciting and very, very fun. Really look forward to seeing more from this new label.

My pics here (Marc Jacobs was sitting opposite me, and is in practically every shot!):