Eclectic Academia: MSGM Men’s Fall/Winter 23

Not your average school uniform

For most, those college years are a visceral memory. Maybe you reminisce on raging frat parties and bar crawls, or those sleep-deprived nights of finals season. Nonetheless, college is a time of change, creating a formative experience for many. It’s thus not surprising that designers would return to the aesthetic impulses of university, crafting their own academic fantasy. For Fall/Winter 2023, menswear mainstay MSGM has reopened their luxe university, filled with knit sweater vests and eclectic clique-wear. It seems that FW23 is back-to-school season. 

Image courtesy of MSGM
Image courtesy of MSGM

It was cinematic beginnings for MSGM creative director Massimo Giorgetti, who found his inspiration in the world of film. Galvanized by the memory of that classic Robin Williams film Dead Poets Society, Giorgetti embarked on a mission: encapsulate the beauty and change of education within a singular collection. As Williams’ students stand on their desks to recite “Oh Captain, My Captain,” the miracle of schooling is put on full display. Early academia is where we cut our teeth, learning about ourselves and the lives we want to lead. MSGM’s collection is an ode to the educators that best lead that process. 

Image courtesy of MSGM
Image courtesy of MSGM

Thematically, the collection sticks to the standard MSGM streetwear look. With a variety of oversized fits and graphic prints, the garments embrace some of the brand’s more new-age stylings. Still, the collegiate tinge presents itself in the youthfulness of the garments. There’s a sense of whimsy to the collection’s emblazoned graphics, not unlike the fashion of those early college students trying to find themselves. It’s a subtle twisting of the MSGM form, redirecting toward academic inspiration. 

Image courtesy of MSGM
Image courtesy of MSGM

A collection highlight, knit vests proliferate the FW23 lineup. These vests range in form, putting Giorgetti’s desire to toy with a singular garment into action. Some form that standard sweater vest, not unlike the uniforms many were forced to wear in high school. Others, though, are more bold, with plunging hemlines and prints galore. These MSGM sweater vests are about to be everywhere, just you wait. 

Image courtesy of MSGM
Image courtesy of MSGM

As a theme itself, the collegiate, preppy style is not so unique to MSGM. While TOMBOGO took on back-to-school for their collection just months ago, even MSGM has used the collegiate aesthetic before, back five years ago for their “University of Casualty” collection. The thing that makes this collection standout is thus not some divine inspiration, but rather a deep technical prowess. Combining the MSGM streetwear flair with a more refined, prep-school style is a difficult challenge. MSGM passes with flying colors. 

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