Robert Geller is a fashion editor’s designer. Now, what does that mean? A fashion editor’s designer translates into those designers who every season have a very strong reference point for their collections and who easily translate that inspiration into garments that are fashion forward, current, but also have strong retail value. Robert Geller is one such designer.
For spring 2017 Geller was inspired by the German youth art culture of the early 1980s. An irreverent youth explosion that leaned toward experimentation and DIY know-how fueled this 80s German art movement. Out of this phenomenon grew a burgeoning music and club scene, alternative magazines and zeitgeist, as well as some interesting street culture.
Geller has brilliantly translated this art scene of more than 30 years ago into a relevant, yet retail friendly collection that though reminiscent of a 80s fashion and pop music aesthetic seen in the US—think Tears for Fears, Thompson Twins, and Spandau Ballet—still has value to the modern male consumer.
At first glance, the unskilled eye would recognize these familiar 80s silhouettes and see nothing particularly innovative about the collection. However, at further examination, this collection speaks to genius of Geller’s ability to borrow from the past and pair his separates with expanded shapes and interesting textiles and colors in ways not quite seen before.
Geller takes the DIY spirit of that time and fusing that energy into man bags that resemble record albums. Geller also juxtaposes restrained volume against streamlined silhouettes evidenced in oversized pants paired with narrow jackets.
Though the color palettes is borders on a fall/winter palette scheme, Geller mixes these rather drab colors with the bold colors of magenta, fuchsia, and bright orange which expresses the peripatetic nature of that era. Geller also demonstrates his keen sense of experimentation by placing Polaroid appliques on everything from man bags to shirts and jackets.
Images courtesy of Ken Jones
Standouts in this collection are Geller’s charcoal black leopard jacquard sweater with charcoal/black leopard rose jacket, lime green Geron mock neck tee shirt with grey Robert blazer, black L/S shirt with green Cupro short, and fuchsia Geron S/S mock neck tee shirt wit black Robert blazer.
—William S. Gooch
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