If you speak to someone who loves clothes, chances are they can recall an early memory where dressing-up revealed to them the power of self-expression. For SYSTEM’s latest co-ed collection, presented at Paris Fashion Week men’s, the brand tapped into that very feeling.
The collection – titled At the Very Moment – drew inspiration from Norman Rockwell’s drawing “Dressing Up”, playing with the themes of childhood wonder and the bittersweet process of growing up. Known for its minimalist approach, on Thursday night (January 23), the Seoul-based brand invited guests to revisit the quiet thrill of dressing-up, blending English countryside charm with modern tailoring.
Below we break down all the key takeaways from the show.
The Muséum National d’Histoire Naturelle’s Gallery of Mineralogy set the scene for the evening. Putting in work to cleanse any undercurrent of fashion week low energy, the ancient crystals and rocks helped bring the vibe up as guests roamed through the space before and after the show. On each seat, guests had a small teddy bear, a playful nod to the collection’s nostalgic touch.
Balancing childhood innocence with grown-up ready-to-wear pieces, the collection was reminiscent of fits you’d see on a country weekend in England. Schoolboy ties, plaid scarves and structured knitwear met silky shirting and textural layers of alpaca wool and suede. Lavender, mint and muted pastel tones softened the collection’s otherwise classic tailoring. The silhouettes evoked memories of English boarding schools: think Barbour-style jackets, oversized blazers and frazzled English woman knits.
To add to the British vibe of the collection, SYSTEM also partnered with quintessentially British brand Baracuta, reinterpreting the label’s classic G9 Harrington jacket.
For the past few years, the big handbags have really had their moment. Among the accessories for this collection was an oversized leather tote bag that commanded attention. Big enough to hold a childhood’s worth of treasures – or just everything you need for a day out – it tied the collection together.
Of course, what is a fashion week show without an actor or musician who steals the show? At SYSTEM, actor Lucas Bravo, best known for his role in Emily in Paris, was spotted on the front row.
Head to the gallery above to see images from the show and shop the collection here.
