Perry Ellis has gone through several creative directors since the death of namesake founder Perry Ellis. Each creative director has attempted to put their individual stamp on Perry Ellis; even Marc Jacobs tried when he helmed the brand.
Michael Maccari who has held the title of creative director for two years is having possibly the best run at Perry Ellis. The brand has never looked more vibrant, youthful, and fashion forward without losing its signature aesthetic.
That said; for spring 2017 Maccari expanded the brand’s concept of layering with a nod toward botanical prints. Though this collection would work best for consumers in cooler spring climates, evidenced with all the shirt layering, jackets and long slacks and a darker color palette, there were pieces in the collection that would appeal to consumers that experience warmer temperatures.
There was also a strong active athleisure element to the collection combined with a junior men’s 80s motif. This collection is definitely for the younger consumer that Maccari is aiming for his evolved version of Perry Ellis. And Maccari is right on track with his projection toward a younger consumer, understanding that millenials are less attracted to fabrication and statement garments, leaning more toward utilitarian garments that speak to ease of comfort and destination.
Images courtesy of George Chinsee/wwd.com
Maccari also reinterpreted the suit for Perry Ellis in this spring collection. In this collection the newly evolved Perry Ellis suit for spring 2017 could be a tracksuit or a deconstructed navy jacquard suit that would work in a relaxed office environment or in a gym.
Standouts in the collection were the graphic rose jacquard bomber in Army with nylon navy crew neck, reflective vest in agave with mesh tan polo, suede bomber in quartz, and jacquard ultra-light suit in navy with knit mesh navy shirt.
—William S. Gooch
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