Ludovic de Saint Sernin. Mens Spring 2020 - Paris Fashion Week

(Images from the designer and the public domain. Credited to the photographer/company where applicable: Gorunway.com)  

I found the so called culture wars amusing to say the least, proponents of feigned political ideologies, arguing about catchcry sensibilities and so-called moral obligations, with both sides exhausting themselves via digitalized social media relays – achieving nothing outside smart phones and keyboards, whilst eventuating into a soundboard of each other to what is known as shoe horn politics.  All the while what remains and has been for a long time is a set in place traditionalism that is of a strange mix of 1950s family values, with attempts at inserting so called variants of social inclusion into the 'new' nuclear family. Society appears to have become more conservative than not and it is maybe due to the nostalgia of a viewed security, so we are looking back at selective imagery of the past, in its apparent stability, both culturally and even environmentally.  Of course it is an illusion as the past has eroded.  However, the dilemma is any viewed traditionalism and what may seem as a stability of family value aspects can lead to further pinpoint scapegoats or detractors, as society stuck in past idealisms become attracted to an 'outrage culture'.  This has happened before in history with both sides of political theory instigating moral codes, as a way of protecting and maintaining the status quo. 

Yet, interestingly this new traditionalism has been founded without the theocratic inclination of the past sans the appeal of marriage. Which, makes me think that its very core of conservative stability, with out a spirituality stronghold, maybe just a societal phase. 

However, Ludovic de Saint Sernin the creative director of his own signature brand, believes this is the case and that Europe, which was once more liberal and open to expressed sexuality, has declined backwards into a more conservative and embracing of traditional vales.  That maybe, as mentioned, occurring, but, whether it will lead to all out censorship is hard to say.  The intenet and its public run mega social media companies don't really care, information is a trade and power.  But, they do have rules that they have at times lapsed to allow for more ad revenue.  With governments clamping down on their free reign with personal information, this mostly likely where the squeeze is occurring.  

Ok, enough ranting, lets talk about the fashion and de Saint Senin within a fortunate disposition of being able to promote his mildly risqué show in Paris, has stripped down the avant-garde into a very campy and sexually charged styles.  Basic, sheer and minimal and as a young designer he is not overreaching into complexity.  Rather, showing his ability to shape and cut clothing, even if it is into a very sparse, somewhat naked array - fitted exceptionally well over the models.  His Spring 2020's mens collection is more of a show piece rather than a themed show on “censorship”, an exhibit of his honed skills with already an inside knowledge and connection to the upper echelon of the Paris fashion industry. 

Despite the post modern leanings de Saint Senin Spring 2020 collection is more modernist and dare l say predictable in its styles.