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Here is our exclusive interview about 2020/21 FW season trends with Neslihan Gezent, the head of Academia’s men design department…
Interview: Alexander Koko
What can you tell us about Academia men? Who are they exactly?
Artistic and rebellious men who reflects their eclectic style and creative spirit on everything they do, while making it seems effortless.
What is Academia’s 2020-21 FW collection about?
The idea was to re-identify the fundamentals that formulate the perfect look as well as trendy items. This season allows for a more subtle understanding of individuals’ desires by dividing the collection into four small capsules. ‘Hybrid Workwear’ brings out new garment; a dyed basic sweatsuits with jersey mixed outerwear while ‘Concrete Mythology’ focuses on wool textures from wool overshirts to flannel jogger pants. ‘Disturbed Classics’ reinterprets iconic Academia silhouettes with new fabrics and finally ‘New Uniform’ offers new sets of pinstripe tailoring with Academia touch.
What item from the collection do you think will be the best seller in stores? Why?
Alongside with constantly changing menswear codes set by the emerging influencers, lifestyles and technology, men would like to buy more comfortable items. The idea of being chic is shifted. A hoodie could be the most expensive item in your wardrobe but if it has a strong statement. Each season we have so many different bestsellers, but the majority is usually with jersey and knitwear groups.
What do men in general buy these days during pandemic from Academia? Is there any change in shopping habits?
Comfort and newness are the key words during pandemic period. Most men are working from home and even when they go to the office, they still want to keep their style ultra mobile & sporty but with a touch of tailoring look, by choosing elastic jogger pants with cool knit tops. And If they want to buy seasonal item, they cut back on non-essentials and chose the trendiest piece.
What are the most important and crucial steps to become a world-known men’s fashion brand?
The most important step is to create a rich brand identity that can maintain its authenticity throughout seasons while allowing to grow by trends. The rest is all about right marketing and strategy on sales.
What are the essential items every man must have in his closet this season?
Wool overshirt, jumper with a slogan and oversized black coat.
What are the top trends for Men’s 2020-21 FW season?
A turning point came this season to men’s fahsion world where we witness the strong comeback of tailored itmes that just pushes streetwear style a side. Oversized coats, bold structured jackets and monochrome looks with a 70’s retro vibes strongly dominate this season’s collections. From technical outerwear to reinvented camouflage, the utility theme is very essential.
