John Elliott's SS17 Runway Show, Watching Water.
David X Prutting
Curating music for a fashion show is no longer a novelty. Whether it’s Twin Shadow’s tunes for Public School, Leigh Lezark’s sets at Chanel or Duran Duran guitarist John Taylor’s daughter Atlanta de Cadenet spinning for countless after-parties, fashion playlists are (almost) as integral to a show as the clothing itself.
But menswear designer John Elliott took the connection even further on Wednesday at his spring 2017 show, partnering with underground music digital platform Boiler Room to livestream the event at New York Fashion Week: Men’s.
John Elliott and Boiler Room Collaborate to Stream Men’s Fashion Week: Exclusive
Through the platform, Elliott met artist and producer Lee Bannon, who created the show’s set (sounds included rushing water, shattering glass, an industrial lean and an unexpected mix of Mariah Carey’s “Emotions”). “Lee fit the vibe, for the collection and for the brand. He focuses first on his craft, which I really appreciate,” said Elliott, who spent a few days with the artist, showing him the collection and discussing the theme of Watching Water, a concept that the designer used to contemplate life on a private island or yacht. “We wanted it (the music) to still feel dark and heavy, to have some emotion to it,” added Elliott.
The collection was a pivot for the 33-year-old designer, who usually sticks to a palette of grays, and whose fall 2016 collection was even darker, inspired by Berlin nightclub Berghain. “I wanted to get back to this curious, happy kind of life,” explained Elliott of the Dodger blues, Kelly greens and lush, aquatic looks for spring. He also mined inspiration from his 90s childhood, scouring eBay for Nike aqua socks that informed the leather slides that accompanied the lightweight looks, which included terry cloth shorts and tops, windswept anoraks, reversible silk bombers and a printed beach towel inspired by a Moroccan fountain. Pusha T and J Balvin, NBA Finals MVP Andre Iguodala and actor Colton Haynes were among the shows attendees.
Elliott has been a fast-rising star at New York Fashion Week: Men’s and last month was nominated for the Swarovski Award for Menswear at this year’s CFDA Fashion Awards.