The Missoni Man SS 2020 collection is a harmony of fluid tensions; channeling the poetic irreverence and inherent nonchalance that defined the iconic style of Serge Gainsbourg. Informally formal, spontaneous and unconventional, Gainsbourg’s sartorial attire unveiled a personal realm of artistic freedom and travel that came to represent the quintessence of French insouciance and elan. His chic and effortless manner expressed an alternative cool with hints of exotic bohemianism, and inspired this season’s collection of relaxed, softly tailored garments that epitomize Missoni’s take on contemporary sport-lux.
An imaginative use of color, pattern and printed designs narrate a story of incongruous elements to form a cohesive whole. Bright turquoise, jungle green and chalky blues, interspersed with pops of sunflower yellow, recall the enchanting brilliance of the Mediterranean and golden sands of the Côte d’Azur. Rich bordeaux, light tobacco, vivid geranium and dusky pinks, with inflections of bright Prussian blue, culminate in an impressionistic vision of Parisian skies as the sun gradually sets over the vibrant cityscape. All the while, vivid graphic prints from the Missoni Archive and Breton stripes contrast and coexist with the softness of the abstract floral motifs of hand-painted watercolors.
This collection offers an array of versatile pieces in loosely structured silhouettes. Half-lined double-breasted blazers in lightweight summer wool and loom-knit fabrics feature pinstripes or Prince of Wales checks. Unstructured French pea-coats are designed using an exclusive cotton twill fabric flecked with space-dyed yarns and over-dyed in powdery hues. This same peacoat is also presented in a loom-knit fabric with a Missonified macro Vichy check pattern. Belted trench coats come in lightweight ikat loom-knit fabrics or printed cotton canvas infused with a special aloe vera finish lending softness to the garment. The collection is rounded off by a refined selection of lightweight knitted crewnecks, boat-necks, shawl-collar cardigans and polos in floral and ethnic-inspired jacquards, argyle-patterned intarsias, dégradés, and iconic Missoni over-dyed patchworks.
