Doodling AW11

For the last week few weeks our brains have been overloaded with look book images, catwalk scenes and enthralled critical ramblings leaving us stylishly dazed. With a healthy portion of the AW11 season still left to parade itself to the eyes of the wanting world, we are in need of a break. Thankfully, the stunning artwork of Style Salvage favourite, Little Doodles, provides a welcome respite from the seemingly endless collection slideshows which currently dominate our online world. Having already illustrated two of her favourite looks from Milan, we approached the talented artist to reimagine our own early highlights of the season to accompany snippets of our own ramblings. Let the beauty of the season so far wash over you...

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Jil Sander

For AW11, Raf Simons took inspiration from the minimal roots of Jil Sander menswear but managed to make its trademarks of old his own. With a keen focus on fabric and texture, Simons cut shoulders sharply, left jackets voluminous and integrated feminine effortlessly.

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Burberry

Christopher Bailey used this show to celebrate diversity of outerwear and the great heritage Burberry has in outfitting us against the elements. It was a celebration of variety. Whichever style or cut you reach for during the autumn winter months, it was showcased here. Trench, duffel and pea coats, double and single breasted, slim or over sized, leather, fur, wool and down materials were all paraded down the catwalk. At times it was muddled but there were moments of perfection amongst the dizzying onslaught of jackets.

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Missoni

Missoni used a plethora of wools and technological advancements to create layer upon layer of texture rich knitwear that had all of the comfort without any of the bulk that you'd expect. This was a collection full of looks that all of us crave during those depressing months.

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Marni

Nonchalent elegance. Slouchy utilitarianism and laid back layering of contrasting fabrics in earthy hues. It is nigh on impossible to dislike this collection, surely? My wardrobe certainly needs an healthy injection of Marni AW11.

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Dries Van Noten

Van Noten looked to classic garments of evening dress and experimented with layering and finishes before mixing casual elements to create a collection that pushed menswear quietly forward. The stylish moments of Bowie and Cocteau were remembered to create a collection that oozed glamour and elegance yet still remained masculine.

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Woolrich Woolen Mills

Here, Mark McNairy takes the creative helm of goodship Woolrich for the first time and whilst remaining true to the brand's obvious rugged aesthetic confidently steers it towards preppy tailoring. McNairy has managed to stamp his own direction on the label and compliment the well received legacy of Daiki Suzuki at the same time. Well played.

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Raf Simons

 

Simons once again flexed his maximal muscles as he paraded a variety of shapes, vivid hues and contrasting textures down the catwalk. He possesses an unparalleled ability to reimagine age old garments through his innovative use of fabric and colour. For AW11, Duffle coats were one of the cornerstones of the collection. Here they were contrasted with black PVC trousers and worn over latex tops. Despite an air of uncertainty with the news that Simons has terminated his relationship with his business partners in Italy, one thing is clear, the future of menswear is very much in the capable hands of Raf Simons.

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