F/W 08: Rag & Bone

Lose trousers. It speaks a great volume when louse trousers grace the runway. It's the swagger of comfort in a shaky time. One should make pants lose and slouchy, as if to make a comment on the state of our country. Roomy pants so one could be free to swagger about.

Rag and Bone put brilliant jackets on top of loose and at points, worrisome pants that needed a belt and some faith to keep them up. Perhaps the inspiration came from urban wear but I truly doubt it. A quick subway ride and you'll note the change. Aside from the obscene presence of True Religion Jeans everywhere ( I blame Fergie for this), there is a noticeable change in the cut of jeans and pants alike among the 16-25 male age group. It's slimmer--not tight--but rather trimmed and complementary.

But back to the jackets. I hope global warming won't keep away the snow because I want an excuse to wear some of these beautiful, articulate, and tailored jackets in blends of silk and cashmere.

With hardware being a trend last year, I truly appreciate the modest and understated appearance of these jackets. True luxury should be felt and not seen, I was once told. Yup, I agree.

Photo: Marcio Madeira