Oscar Quiroz AW12 Collection

Following up from his debut last season, Quiroz’s winter collection is focused on the functionality of the back details rather than purely for decorative purposes.

“With Winter I wanted to look to my heritage as someone who is half Bolivian, and take the colors and textures and the feel of natives all around the world from Eskimos, to Incas and Mayans. Thanks to the fantastic support from Lampo Zippers and Rowan yarns, I was able to mix fabrics from Bolivia, Baby new wool Yarn from England with Italian craftsmanship and attention to detail. I got fantastic zippers in strong gold that really set the collection up- Gold and Alapca!” states Oscar.

Fabrics for his first season at Fashion East are pure luxury. Merino sheepskin, Wools, Cashmeres, silks, double thick wool/crepe and hand knitted Alpaca jumpers and socks, and an extra thick pima cotton shirting add and extra dimension to the previous spring/summer collection.

Colors are kept natural with white, black, grey marl, camel and dark slate grey building up the color palette for the collection heavily based on navy. Bursts of colour such as gold,, ruby red and sapphire blue add a n extra layer warmth inspired by the precious gemstones of the world.

Details on the collection involve trouser linings on the outside of the trouser, jackets with capes in place of the back piece, embroidery with thick gold hoops on the knitwear, the heavy gold zips that feature throughout and tops with include detachable bags.

“This season was a challenge for me in two ways, I wanted to pay tribute to my ethnicity, without being seen as an ‘ethnic designer’ and I also wanted to use silk satin, which is still seen as a feminine fabric but which I love to use and see if I can pass it through as menswear."

Corset Boning (another feminine accessory that Quiroz enjoys experimenting with) is also used in a smart but oversized evening short in the collar, placed on the pocket and in the cuff, again to maintain the shape for the wearer