Jonathan Saunders’ New Collection Inspired by David Bowie

The visual side of David Bowie‘s gallant Thin White Duke era was epitomized by supreme grace and the confident carriage of elegant, lanky clothes with dramatic silhouettes. British designer Jonathan Saunders – known for his unearthly, mathematical use of color – clearly had Bowie on his mind for his Spring 2013 collection. For London’s inaugural menswear fashion week, the iconic singer’s imprint was all over Saunders’ summery clothes, which combined color, print, and streamlined cuts.

Saunders hails Bowie’s effortless ability to carry off those tricky elements with a “masculine” edge. “I think it’s important to work with texture in menswear — there’s a more subtle approach to color, so I like working with textile innovation within that,” the designer told WWD.

Gallery: Fall 2012 Musical Menswear Highlights

Saunders also mixed things up by imbuing his love for color with a slightly surreal bent, mirroring Bowie’s occasional flirtation with optical art patterns. But he also utilized Saville Row’s precise tailoring, a tradition that unites the sharpest British musical and design heroes. In his Thin White Duke heyday. Bowie was rarely seen outside of an impossibly slim suit (and he still sports the look today). Cut to perfection, Saunders’ trenches, blouson jackets and knit separates hold their own and offer a sharp, sophisticated balance to all the pop-heavy details.

Check out a video of Jonathan Saunders‘ Spring 2013 Menswear Collection: