LFW SS17: Belstaff

A BELSTAFF presentation is always more like a party – a civilized soiree that is. The SS17 event was no different. The venue was buzzing, fashion crowd was standing in groups chatting away and sipping on cocktails from the open bar while rather dehydrated models – it was hot in there – stood in sand and sat on rocks and motorcycles against a backdrop of deserted plains surrounding the American roads that were in tune with the theme of the collection.

Influenced by the inspirational women such as were Augusta and Adeline Van Buren and their motorcycle journey across America, campaigning for the women’s right to enter the US army as messengers and dispatch riders, which this year celebrates a centenary anniversary.

Belstaff drew on this inspiration by implementing military and moto-style pieces into the collection, along with a general Americana. A beige military jacket came with patches and so did auto mechanic overalls from the same material, as well as jeans and a backpack. Leather was used in vast quantities – from biker jackets and boots to skinny trousers and coats in a colour scheme of red, black, white and silver. As well as this, Belstaff presented an earthier colour palette referencing the landscape that surrounds the roads in shades of beige and brown.

Buffalo check, appearing on jackets, also referenced the American heritage. There were a few softer pieces – summer dresses and a cream blouse with frills – balancing out the overall tough leather and military direction.

Belstaff also introduced its first ever offering of sunglasses so essential for a motorcycle ride across America. They came in round hippie or aviator shapes.

There were a few men’s looks which were complimenting the women’s and were in some instances only men’s versions of the same thing with the exception of motorcycle T-shirts.

Along with the main line’s collection, Liv Tyler’s capsule collection was also introduced on the same evening. It was a different setting of an overgrown garden complete with a gate and a fence. Inspired by the 1960s and early ‘70s and the English countryside, Tyler picked specific women and influencers from that time as her main inspiration – Marianne Faithfull, Pattie Boyd and Anita Pallenberg.

A delicate floral pattern and the choice of outerwear like a classic beige trench coat, a khaki cape and a black military jacket make the inspiration of a countryside obvious. While a khaki suede twinset, a biker jacket and a black and white polka dot jumpsuit point towards the chosen era.

by Sara Hesikova

Images courtesy of Jason Lloyd Evans and Belstaff