Gilded Age Fall/Winter 2013

Gilded Age creative director Stefan Miljanic always looks to explore casual menswear through a prism of climate extremes. A couple of seasons ago, Miljanic referenced North Pole explorations in a collection that included interesting Nordic weaving patterns in sweaters and outwear mixed with shearling coats and thigh-high boots.

For fall/winter 2013 Miljanic conjured up images of what his guy would wear in a post-apocalyptic world. “The inspiration for this collection was a very 80s post-apocalyptic. I reference Mad Max, Blade Runner and Road Warrior in this collection. These are 80s American cinematic superheroes who have to wear environmental protective gear. There is a lot of leather and chain metal which is symbol of protection, explained Miljanic.

Miljanic used the background of the dingy Bowery bar, Chez André, as the setting for his exploration into post-apocalyptic menswear. Though this collection relied heavily on a palette of grey, black and other neutrals, Miljanic did through in some pale orange, rustic red and shades of muted blue, elevating the collection to beyond just another walk on the wild side.

Miljanic’s use of chain metal as a fabric substitute for what his customer might experiment was a risky, if not viable venture. Still, there were some great fitted, leather biker jackets and skinny jeans in this collection.

“We want to bring awareness that things could turn out badly if we don’t protect the environment and we might be wearing these types of clothes and styles. These clothes will be for the superhero type of man who has found a way to survive in a post-apocalyptic society,” contends Miljanic.

Hmm, time will tell!!

—William S. Gooch