Written by Menswear Style in New Collections on the 21st January 2019

The roaring Twenties are intrinsically linked to the ideas of prosperity and change. Defined by economic grown technology innovations and the welcomed disruption of jazz music, this was an era of enlightenment. Yet for the generation that came of age during Word War One, decadence excess and hedonism are the definitive features.

F Scott Fitzgerald led this ‘Lost Generation’; his work revealed this glamourous yet damaged version of humanity. He stood among his readers: elegant, extravagant, lost.

Fast forward to the winter of 2019 and to a contemporary generation that has grown up in a consumer driven world of plenty, with technology making desires instantly gratified. They too are disenchanted with the society they have inherited but are engaged politically, using technology as a platform to voice their fears and insight action.

It is an exploration of lost generations new and old that inspires WOOYOUNGMI’s romantic bohemian this season. With a soundtrack that moves from swing jazz to hip-hop, two narratives are blended to conceive a modern Scott Fitzgerald. The collection first reworks the sartorial codes of the jazz age. The fashionable three button tailored jacket is modernised with a box fit, elegant high collars are stretched to chin grazing proportions and shrunken wool vests are emblazoned with slogans.

The elegant formality of Fitzgerald is replaced with a tougher street-ready mood. Unconventional fabrics – stone and acid washed denim, laminated leather, plaid corduroy and mohair – are layered together creating an edgy elegance. Elements of soccer are introduced, representing the rebellion and discontent of youth. Jerseys are teamed with tailored trousers, heads are shielded by padded caps, faces obscured by knitted warmers and duck feather padded shirts are worn slung over shoulders. Penalty cards dangle from belt loops – a reminder that with glamour and decadence comes consequence.

With Elements of soccer and a nod to F Scott Fitzgerald's 'Lost Generation', we take a look at the WOOYOUNGMI Autumn/Winter 2019 Menswear Collection.