We've come to expect clean and crispy from Rag & Bone, but this afternoon, co-designers David Neville and Marcus Wainwright unleashed an army of rugged young adventurers down the runway.
"They're the English explorers," explained Wainwright, who (in one of the most endearing Fashion Week moments ever witnessed) was excitedly snapping pictures of his own models on the platform. "You know, the conquest of Everest in the early 1920's and 30's."
And when we mentioned how much we liked the giant fur mittens, Wainwright exclaimed "Those were all Shackleton!"
To be sure, the collection was a major departure from the prim, buttoned-up boarding school look that has defined the brand for the past five years. We even detected a twinge of Cobain-era grunge in the long plaid shirts, chunky cable sweaters and shearling-lined jackets (even camo print made an appearance), but there was still an urban edge in leather paneled pants, tweedy jackets and lace-up workboots.
"We're not just designing for handsome guys in three piece suits. Everyone does that. But it gets boring, doesn't it?" said Neville. "I think it's good to twist things."
