It’s true, the utilitarian trend has returned for Spring Summer 2021. By definition, the term ‘utilitarian’ in menswear is used to describe a trend that has one encompassing design feature — functionality. It is a style ethos that closely exudes the codes of savoir faire — an adjective often used by French Houses to describe a sense of luxury that is wearable, easy, and stylish. As reported in our Spring Summer 2021 trend analysis, the season saw a change in attitude and moved away from the surge of romanticism in menswear.
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Pictured Above: Bottega Veneta crystal embroidered tank top, Beak leather and metal belt bag.
Instead, a plethora of tonal styles, functional wear, and a lack of loud prints were the sensibilities that paved the way for a new dawn of fashion for men. What is promised for the next few months is a redirection of one’s sense of dressing. It implores that trends should appear enduring, and thus one should opt for convenient, comfortables styles that are functional to your daily needs.
Here, the Spring Summer 2021 season’s sublime approach for simplicity is reimagined for a new generation of the nostalgia obsessed with utilitarian offerings of house favourites and new introductions.
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Dior Men Wool coat, silk bandana, Maxi Saddle leather crossbody bag
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Fendi Wool sleeveless sweater, cotton pants; Saint Laurent Sac De Jour leather tote bag
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Versace Cotton shirt; La Medusa nylon crossbody bag
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Prada Nylon hooded jacket, nylon shorts, polyester-blend tights, Cleo leather shoulder bag
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Berluti cotton-blend pants, Camden leather braided lace-up shoes; Fendi Wool coat, Peekaboo leather tote bag
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Jil Sander Cotton overshirt, silk scarf; Louis Vuitton Aerogram leather and canvas belt bag
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Dolce&Gabbana Cotton-blend jacket, cotton pants, denim patchwork backpack
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Hermès Leather jacket, cotton shirt, cotton pants, leather duffle bag
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Photography Ethan Lai
Art Direction Izwan Abdullah
Styling Manfred Lu
Grooming & Hair Eric Tan using Shu Uemura and Keanu Haircosmetics
Styling Assistant Bing
Model Tristen | Mannequin Studios
A version of this story about the return of the utilitarian trend in Spring Summer 2021 first appeared in the April 2021 issue of Men’s Folio Singapore.