Ouch! | Cathy Horyn on Men’s Wear

The Times fashion critic, Cathy Horyn, is never one to mince words — especially on her blog. In a post from Paris about the couture collections, she tells us how she really feels about the latest men’s fashion. After reading her brilliant rapid-fire critique, we can’t help but worry that more kiboshes could be coming her way. Forthwith, Cathy’s smackdown:

The way I see it is that all the men’s designers have to prove to the consumers that they need these clothes. There must be a compelling reason, if your standards are high and your budget — well, isn’t budging. Givenchy? Not a believable vision. Galliano? Been there, Jack Sparrow. Dior Homme? Wasn’t this a cool label once? Lanvin? Seductive and romantic, the clear fashionista favorite. Number (N)ine? Crazy delightful, worth it if you have $2,500 plus to spend for one of the Flemish-colored jackets. Saint Laurent? Drab and unimaginative. Rick Owens? Original but I don’t want to know what the wearer’s hobbies are. Raf Simons? The fit is the compelling reason, nothing more, nothing less. Comme des Garçons? A good season for eclectic pieces, including the leopard pumps. Dunhill? Pointless things done to clothes, with the formality of a boutique hotel uniform.”