Geometric prints are interesting as the success of these often depends on the size and format of the pattern. Anything deemed as too busy or overly-complicated is unlikely to have widespread appeal.
For example, in his SS14 collection, Raf Simons applied a black and white triangular print to a cropped bomber jacket, and a green and white criss-cross pattern to an oversized sleeveless t-shirt, complete with a logo emblazoned across the chest. These prints worked well because although vivid, they are not too busy.
Similarly, Paul Smith incorporated small-scale geometric patterns onto warm-weather staples such as short-sleeved shirts and shorts, which were often anchored with muted garments. These are the type of pieces that would slot seamlessly into any summer wardrobe.
Marc Jacobs was another designer that favoured geometric prints within his 1970s-inspired collection, choosing to use them on jumpers and cardigans in both monochrome and striking multi-coloured palettes. These pieces were combined with slim-cut trousers in neutral colour ways to really allow the knitwear to take centre stage:
At the ‘unwearable’ end of the spectrum, Givenchy incorporated wild geometric prints within nearly all of their SS14 looks. Many of these were digitally-influenced, with the patterns applied to a wide variety of garments and worn all over the body in shades of beige, red and blue.
The overall effect was extremely busy and in your face – we’re not even sure that splitting them into separates would help in this instance.
Likewise, Walter Van Beirendonck’s collection demonstrated pattern mixing to the extreme, with multiple prints often applied to a single garment. For example, one blazer contained a graphic horse motif combined with a repetitive moth print and a second blue block-panel complete with a diagonal striped pattern, which subsequently continued along the length of the trousers.
Unfortunately for Van Beirendonck, this mish-mash of patterns really is too much and pushed the clothing into the realm of costume. As always, less is more:
SS15 References
Geometrics were heavily favoured at the global SS15 fashion weeks, with everyone from A.P.C. and Boglioli to Louis Vuitton and Prada favouring repetitive motifs.
Set to become a major trend for 2015, the great thing about the patterns sent down the runways was that they were all extremely wearable. Whether applied to outerwear or shorts, these smaller scale, muted prints are sure to appeal to the everyday male:
Lookbook Inspiration
Current Pieces
There is a wealth of geometric prints currently available on the market, although subtle patterns in subdued shades are the most wearable and will offer increased longevity:
