Color Considered: Jay Bell On Fall 2012 Menswear

When it comes to color, some might feel the guys get the short end of the stick. Unlike the saturated hues and bold prints we see in women’s collections, menswear palettes tend to be on the more restricted side. But as Jay Bell, Barneys VP of men’s designer collections, reports, color is for everyone. From classic camel to deep emerald green, here’s what Jay has to say about the Fall 2012 trends for men.

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From the refreshingly new to the tried-and-true, the Fall 2012 menswear collections offer something for everyone. This season, color is the star—and it sets the scene where familiar classics are unveiled in a new light. Dusted hues of lavender and cerulean, ochre and amber—as if viewed through the colorized lens of a 1940s film—distinguish fall’s esoteric palette. It’s a major moment for menswear at Barneys New York—the stuff legendary clothes are made of.

Color Considered. Color-blocked combinations command attention: Shades of purples, blues, browns and reds merge, defining deceptively un-fussed, uber-chic color play. Restrained but vibrant combinations convey an elevated sense of fashion confidence. It’s an unexpected indulgence most men might reject. But when combined with familiar classics—like camel or grey—the palette becomes palatable for even the faint-hearted.

Lanvin, Pringle of Scotland, Lanvin, Prada (call 212-826-8900 to order)

Camel and ochre are new again—and when accented with hues of blue, the look is propelled fast-forward.

Balenciaga , Pringle of Scotland, Pringle of Scotland, Lanvin

When paired with black, traditional camel is timeless, and typifies a modern point of view.

Bottega Veneta, Martin Margiela, Adam Kimmel, Tim Coppens

Green-lighted. Amidst the gamut of color options, hues of the “verdant variety” thrive. From hunter to jade, emerald to kelly, the ubiquitous shades of green are flawlessly fall. And offering a more modern alternative to classic navy, forest green is a natural.

Dries van Noten, Lanvin, Balenciaga, Gucci (call 212-826-8900 to order)

Back to black. In control (yes, sir!), black on black—especially when primed in leather—is not for the meek. Be prepared to follow orders—or better yet, you give the commands!

Jil Sander, Yves Saint Laurent, Givenchy, Alexandre Plokhov