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At some point, men’s fashion lost its sense of humor (Those crass T-shirts with the funny sayings that aren’t really funny don’t count). And we’ve been stuck in a time freeze of the wannabe rocker look versus the “I don’t care as long as it’s clean,” look.
Modern Amusement hopes to change that. Bred in L.A., the line epitomizes dressy-casual California cool with a whimsical twist. Creative director John Moore generates said whimsy by bucking fashion trends and weaving intricate stories throughout each collection. “It’s important to be relevant,” he says, “yet when you close yourself off, you tend to be more innovative…if I was concerned with trends, we would produce only T-shirts and jeans.”
Moore insists Modern Amusement is about finer dressing at a reasonable price. “The goal is to offer what’s available in designer on a more accessible level—to be a bridge between designer and street.” He admits when designing a collection he is challenged to push the boundaries. “Men’s fashion tends to be evolution rather than revolution. I constantly struggle with practicing restraint because I’m also trying to create an understated elegance.”
This fall’s collection is Moore’s take on the City of Angels in 2030, a futuristic tale of “Mods versus Trads.” The gangs battle to bring fashion to the modern world, each with a signature wardrobe. The “Mods” symbolize dark and modern: navy, gray and black. The “Trads” are more traditional hues of brown, khaki, red and magenta.
Men who are either modern or traditional can find something: lean trench coats, dressy track-style jackets, cashmere trousers, soft sweaters, funky-prep shoes and multi-color socks. It’s the details that lend a luxurious vibe and keep classic silhouettes from being boring, including fabric covered-buttons, elbow patches, under-collar prints, patterned linings and contrast color trims.
