Rag & Bone’s AW16 womenswear collection, shown alongside their menswear in NYFW, brings to mind the notion of a hardline state, offering a glimpse of a world where enforced uniforms is the norm. In this dystopia, athlesiure is the look with military influences and only pops of colour break the mould, a deviance amongst dark olive greens, leather boots and an aura of 90s grunge.
Stiff straight denim – which feel less like jeans and more like essential workwear – bomber jackets and parkas serve as an antithesis to the figure hugging ‘skinny’ look of recent times. In its place is a futuristic back to basics approach to dressing, one that combines Rag & Bone’s signature British heritage – dark check and 90s London grunge – with a utilitarian new-age New York aesthetic. Fashion and function go hand in hand with asymmetric sweaters, printed oversize jerseys, leather trousers and skater length skirts.
Seen throughout the collection, the humble funnel-neck is one of the standout features, providing not just an ease from the winter cold, but an air of stand-straight militant precision which lends itself perfectly to the collection’s staunch sternness. Finishing with a silk and sheer shirt over trackpants, the R&B boys ended as they begun, with a cohesive, clear and very shoppable collection sure to put a glint in buyers and fans eyes alike.
by Thomas Marrington
Images courtesy of Rag & Bone