SELF MADE by Gianfranco Villegas SS16 Lookbook

Generation WH(Y) is the storytelling of the everyday, ordinary life of today’s youth. These “kids” live life without thinking too much about the future, never asking “WH(Y)”. Gianfranco Villegas takes inspiration from his personal experiences in Paris, ranging from basketball matches in the playgrounds and skate parks to daily routines such as parties, clubbing, going to the supermarket and riding the metro.

Street art and photography are equally relevant to the collection, with inspiration taken from photographers such as John Kilar, Daniel King, Gorsad and artists among which are Korakrit and Tianzhou Chen. The streets of Paris, covered in torn and fading posters are also reflected on the garments.

The designer describes this collection as the (“VOL. 1”) of an album, where each garment is as song expressing a distinct personal feeling. The graphic strength shown through the image of the panther, the boxer and the torn heart is echoed by the message conveyed by the lyrics chosen to appear on the garments.

The iconic pieces of this season are those seen in the un- derground street life in Paris, such as bomber jackets, leather jackets, sweatshirts and t-shirts, each personalized by the “Kids” wearing them. The Italian roots of the brand are referred to through the trench/rain coat, which is an “ode” to “Allegri”, a clas- sical Italian brand which influenced the designer from the early age of 5, when his aunt worked as a cleaning lady for the Allegri family, which allowed him to spend his summer vacations at the sea side with them.

This season the designer relies on handmade techniques, through hand paintings, hand made embroideries and hand made patches mixed with precious materials such as lea- ther, premium cotton and silk-cotton, technical waterproof materials, silver zips and silver buttons, finished off with raw cuts and patches that keep the authentic feeling of a luxury streetwear brand.