It's always interesting when a designer explores totally different moods in their men's and women's collections. In the case of Richard Chai, whose women's collection was a study in simple shapes, muted colors and soft textures, the men's collection showcased a stark contrast: where the women's collection was soft, men's was rugged and rough; where women's was neutral, men's was vibrant and bright.
Yet, somehow, this men's collection felt like a more natural exercise for Chai, whose aesthetic tends to work best with sporty urban references and those signature eclectic, wearable separates that can be depended upon season after season. Which is exactly why today's collection must have thrilled so many of the buyers in attendance: this men's line is always built to sell.
If the non-fashiony male shopper can't be convinced of his pastel printed pants (and actually, in a pajama-like blue stripe, these weren't too daunting as far as printed pants go), they will find plenty to love in Chai's colorful utility jackets, slim cut blazers, preppy pullovers and parachute vests. His judicious use of accessories, like the occasional floppy bucket hat or long-brimmed baseball cap, gave the collection a cool, 90's era hip-hop vibe that will no doubt translate on the sales floor.