FRANCISCO VAN BENTHUM | FALL / WINTER 2012

Francisco Van Benthum’s Fall / Winter 2012 menswear collection, referenced the bygone era of Russian aristocracy. Silhouettes were voluminous with oversized coats and jackets, and baggy harem-style trousers which were said to echo the sunset of a Dutch evening.

The print and detailing was folkloric, through the use of tweed, herringbone and paisley emphasising the collections Slavic theme. These prints were encompassed onto a variety of fabrics including cotton, wool, linen and silk in order to represent every season. As with all Van Benthum collections utility clothing was a main focus, this time with the addition of style through hand-tailoring and attention to detail.

Van Benthum graduated from the Arnhem Institute of Arts in 1999 and created his own label in 2003. Recognised for bringing a unique stamp to the menswear market, Francisco Van Benthum is renowned for adding a contemporary twist to the classical silhouette by re-interpreting the traditional menswear format.

Toying with the idea of convention, Van Benthum explores and stretches the borders of menswear. His structural manner breaches the conventions of men’s fashion – propelling the label into the high-fashion bracket.

- Charlotte Stamp