Individuality is more than just a defining word for Stockholm-based brand Army of Me; founders Daniel Wahlberg and Richard Sjoblom have built their label on being different, combining classic designs from the west with avant-garde fashions from the east. The duo began back in 2008 with a collection of merely 8 styles with just 20 pieces being produced for each: fast-forward to the present, and Army of Me is presenting at Amsterdam Fashion Week for their Spring/Summer 2016collection. What can be expected based on the brand’s signature appeal is an abundance of layering in somewhat monochrome colors alongside an experimentally playful set of cuts and tailoring. Yet despite maintaining a strongly recognizable aesthetic, Wahlberg and Sjoblom still reinvent the brand each season, staying true to their concept of originality.
Spring Summer 2016 is expectedly monochrome, but lack of surprise does not bring disappointment: blacks and grays blend perfectly onto the surplus of elongated tops which border on becoming dresses, while texture play comes in the form of leather, mesh and other soft blends in layers. Hemlines are frequently ragged or asymmetrical and drape far past what would be expected of menswear tailoring, giving a further nod to the brand’s androgynous aesthetic. Nonetheless, masculinity feels amplified. Combined with splendidly modern-gothic like styling such as black eyeliner, futuristic sunglasses, leather gloves and harnesses for one, the wares are best dubbed as enviously fierce.
