Per Götesson and Armand Basi Unveil Non-Gendered Collection Inspired by Barcelona
The London-based designer has partnered with the Spanish brand to create a collection rooted in Barcelona’s nonchalant chicness.
The London-based designer has partnered with the Spanish brand to create a collection rooted in Barcelona’s nonchalant chicness.
When architects Antoni Gaudí, Ludwig Mies van Der Rohe, and more were shaping Barcelona’s cityscape, they likely weren’t considering that a London-based designer could be inspired by their sharp lines and irreverent modernisation of gothic styles. Well, fast forward over a century since the influential architects were defining the city’s style, and that’s exactly what’s happened. Swedish-born designer and longtime SHOWstudio collaborator Per Götesson has just unveiled a non-gendered collection with some help from famed Spanish brand Armand Basi.
‘There’s a lot of pride in being Catalan here in Barcelona. I wanted to channel that through the collection, whilst also looking to the unique architecture that shapes the city today,’ Götesson expressed in today’s press announcement. ‘Armand Basi provided me with a blank canvas to interpret the brand’s archives in a way true to me and my work. This project has been a rewarding experience throughout.'
Founded in Barcelona in 1987, Armand Basi has long been considered a pioneer in bringing Catalan style to a global market. So, it only makes sense that to capture the nation’s distinct nonchalant sensibilities, Götesson would team up with the experts. Visiting Barcelona back in March, Götesson was quickly inspired by the city’s structure which laid the groundwork for the collaboration.
The designer known for his sharp tailoring and slashed shirts, reimagined his signature styles in looser silhouettes with strong lines, as a means to capture the ease of Catalan life along with the architectural motifs that define the city. To bring his vision to life, Götesson utilised Armand Basi’s extensive archive. ‘Per has skilfully delved into the brand’s archives and reimagined them in the unique framework of a new generation and a new Barcelona, always ready to fascinate the world’, says Armand Basi CEO Marco Palmero.
Known for his subversive take on masculinity, Götesson further challenged notions of menswear by looking directly at the sensual sartorial style of men in Barcelona today. Noting the city’s penchant for relaxed silhouettes and light-as-air knitwear , the designer incorporated languid lines and louche silhouettes into his design language. The result? A modern ease defined by breezy silhouettes, adorned with sharp contrasting colour-blocking, and geometric prints.
The collection also features jewellery created by Götesson’s partner Husam El Ode. ‘Architecture is ultimately always optimistic, you’re building something for the future. That’s an attitude Armand Basi carries as well’, the jewellery designer explains. His designs looked directly at the bold lines of Ludwig Mies van Der Rohe’s work, along with Barcelona’s famed coastline. The perfect accompaniment to the bold graphic knitwear that's a sure standout among the collection's otherwise muted colour-palette.
