this is usually in my top 5 shows for mfw but..i'm really disappointed this time
Agree.
Neil is one of those designers whose designs I wear, although I don't think of him as a leader; he just designs great clothes. His designs work so effortlessly into my wardrobe that and doesn't scream "instant high fashion designer!"-- a trait I appreciate so much about him.
But all those checks and graphics are turning me off here. The B&W groups are especially bland. I think I hate any designs that are heavy in geometric shapes-- I don't ever want to look like a walking mathematical equation. And patchwork: If I ruled the high fashion world, patchwork would be outlawed.
I can understand whenever any designer shows these types of gimmicks in an attempt to stand out. But whenever Neil includes gimmicks, he's usually able to support the remainder of the collection with really understated, but modern pieces that I like very much. But here, those supporting pieces are so basic-- as nice as they are, I've already seen before, or already own, because they're so similar, that's there's nothing here I want to spend money on.
It's all so very basic once the unflattering gimmicks are stripped away-- there's really nothing. And I really wish stylists would stop with the generic calf-length black socks worn... It's so ugly: it's just not funny, or ironic, or witty... Just ugly. And Neil looks like a Hobbit in that outfit. Never thought a Neil Barrett collection would make me feel grumpy...