James Long is shaping up to be quite the visionary. Last season, the designer took us on an imagined journey that would definitely span a great book or two. Dramatic hoods and knits with incredible detailing caught the decadent eye. This season however, it’s all about war. Citing “acid rain, corrosion copper and camouflage” as this season’s inspiration, Long bravely treads a path long traveled. Countless designers have attempted to reinterpret camouflage in a way that is fresh and above all stylish, but few have succeeded as well as Long. Hitting the trenches, Long’s warrior is on the cusp of tomorrow’s fashion. Surprisingly, lamé gold and green make a fashion taboo enticing. Paired with sleek leather and often replicating burned out patterns, Long’s take on camouflage is brilliant. In addition to his foray into the bold side of fashion, Long continues to strike a charming chord with his deconstructed black knits that create their very own camouflage. Overall, the collection definitely has its racy segments not suited for the fashionably shy, but with the great balance supported by the season’s leather pieces, Long has created one of the season’s most memorable collections.
