Thom Browne Address Life's Monotony for Fall

For someone who usually employs all the bells and whistles, plus every mad hat fantasy in the book, Thom Browne's fall show was surprisingly subdued. In the past we've traveled to dream worlds complete with a unicorn and dealt with preppy serial killers, but this season we entered the world of corporate America and its relentless monotony.

To open the show, eleven models slowly walked to their desk, "clocked in," and got to work on old school typewriters. Each wore a khaki trench coat over a gray three-piece suit, teamed with black brogues and square-frame glasses. The exacting way in which this group moved may have bored some of the audience, but also served as a commentary on just how tedious corporate life can actually feel. I must admit, as the models droned on one after one, I was slightly confused as to whether this would be the full collection, but then a model made her appearance in a gray topcoat with giant fur cuffs and things got more exciting.

Browne will always cut the perfect suit, but it was mindblowing to see him excel in using trompe l'oeil technique on ankle-length dresses. The viewer would be tricked into thinking it was cardigan, layered over a dress (and teamed with a tie!) if they blinked or didn't look closely enough. More updates on Browne's signature preppy style followed: trousers with ducks printed on them, shrunken blazers, and skirt suits for the fanciful corporate type. There were even a few evening looks tossed into the mix—the long sleeve dresses in silver, black, and white was a particular highlight. But it was the gold suit and matching dress towards the end that were audience favorites.