Written by Lewis Cameron

Thurs. Feb. 14.

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The word metallic has been around for generations taking a confident form in the 80s through vibrant David Bowie infused stylings of psychedelic proportions.  Over the last two years metallic mayhem has made a revival taking over the hearts and minds of all on the high street, the catwalk and impromptu vintage findings one obtains via their eclectic individual local market places.

Small, intricate detailing made its presence known through the art of studding and the introduction of metallic paneling.  The majority, arriving in the form of either the classic opposing shades of shimmering gold or reflective silver. Already swiftly moving through 2K13, and with fashionweeks the world over displaying their colourful offerings for all to appreciate, a paradigm shift is taking place as metallics move to a futuristic take in the form of loud, in your face, luminous shades.

Most notable being a highlighter pink, a turquoise mint-tinted blue, a brass infused copper and a shiny emerald green. No item is safe. Be it tuxedo trimmed lapel blazers. Full suits. Shirts. T-shirts. Shoes and even the trademark trench coat. All coming into creation from the surprisingly expressive minds of Burberry Prorsum. A relatively unlikely source in the metallic field, opting for all things monochrome in previous years. Not anymore.

With a distinct flare of rave, disco and Europop influences, Burberry have adopted a rather tacky trend and worked their magic to craft a sartorial, sophisticated alternate catering for the fashion forward modern men in the process. And we generally thank them for it.

Credit where credit’s due. Taking something which looks like foil and an item one would possibly use to keep themselves warm had they a) visited the North Pole or b) took a trip into outer space, and turning it on its axis is a triumph worth noting. Especially when it has been done to a  futuristic, modern level of luxury and opulent design.

Burberry Prorsum emphasised their money-maker. Outerwear. Contrasting bomber jackets. Retro contrasting collared overcoats. Soft sweaters and short sleeved shirts. But they were not alone in the metallic mayhem. Versace, always one to mold metallic into their raison d’etre, played heavy on the 80s vibe with oversized suits and outgoing trend savvy tailoring. Focusing on lighter, softer hues in white, silver, dusty pink and powder blue. Lanvin kept it classic and cosmicesque displaying monochrome influences with metallic blacks and pewter shades being the prominent and dominant theme.

The key is in the placement. The trend is naturally an extremely loud and in your face trend so one must be careful to ensure one does not overdo it. Simple yet effective statement pieces and accessories will make all the difference. Keep it cool, confident and collected at all times. Mix and match with other trends like oversized denim shirts or cropped jackets toning down creating an informal twist on a rather formal feel. If wanting to rock the formal approach blend in some black to keep the focus on the metal and an element of minimal charm to perfect the look.

Monumental metallics have already worked their magic on me. I’ve even begun my move to Spring/Summer, welcoming these vivid metallic shades into my life with open arms, customising a royal blue t-shirt with gold fabric paint and gold studs. Purchasing a copper, burnt orange vintage baroque infused shirt from a local vintage store and more recently on a shoot in a Botanical Gardens setting, I included a woollen pewter patented oversized scarf and a cosmic cluster necklace with a midnight metallic blue vintage lace shirt. Giving our guys a taste of metal with an androgynous flavour for the fun of it.