For the first time ever, I would attend a John Bartlett fashion Show, not because I could never attend but because Mr. Bartlett is known as a renowned menswear designer and I always talk about things I love or use – not that I don’t love the very manly men he’s had in his shows, in fact I remember one season where the models all looked like Canadian lumberjacks – yummy. The man knows how to dress A MAN – repeat A MAN. No this season was special because he was returning womenswear.
Before the show started, I overheard that he had included 6 or more (the number kept on changing) famous lesbians as his models and I can tell you they were a perfect fit for collection. You have to forgive me though, I’m not up on my lesbian celebrity knowledge but (thanks to Angelina Jolie and Bravo’s Make Me a Supermodel) I did recognize former model Jenny Shimizu.
Anyway, on to the clothing, on first sight, what immediately came to mind was Fox Hunting; of Lords and Dukes riding on horseback in their houndstooth, oxford sweaters, corduroys and herringbone jackets and pants. As I stated above, John Bartlett designs for men – real men (A+ for that olive leather t-shirt)
but unlike those days, John Bartlett’s women were right there along with the men not in dresses or riding side saddle but in turtlenecks, belted blazers, lots of Tweed, leather shirts jackets, etc – just like the men. You see why having the Lesbian models in his show work perfectly? their look and personality was a perfect fit for the masculine and precise tailoring (as always) of this collection.
Although I didn’t bother them for a photo, in attendance were Real Housewives of New York’s Alex McCord and Simon van Kempen as well as the adorable Simon Doonan. Enjoy the show finale below
