Melbourne Spring Fashion Week's Mr. Runway launches a new season of style

The anticipated return of Mr. Runway at Melbourne Spring Fashion Week is where you'll find the latest menswear trends this side of summer. It's here that a handful of premium Australian labels will show us what's on the fashion agenda in contemporary menswear.

Designers as Arthur Galan, Dom Bagnato, Godwin Charli, MJ Bale, Calibre and Autonomy will preview SS16-17 attire in a joint runway show during MSFW.

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Here's a rundown of some key looks you'll be wearing this summer.

Earthy basics

There's a return to cotton rich looks, luxury yarns with a casual twist and monotone shades this summer – think sand, indigo, white, beige and brown and even silver greys as a staple when it comes to T-shirts, drawstring summer pants and shorts.

Brands like Autonomy and Calibre keep the bulk of their SS campaign revolving around muted tones with earthy hues in casual wear that remains contemporary at heart and easy to mix and match.

"We are going to see the emergence of beige and tan and some lighter shades this summer," says Autonomy head designer Nick Demkiw.

"We have lots of mandarin collars, some military influences and shirts that are halfway between a shirt and jacket. Duo tones in checks keep it earthy as well as some washed back denim shades," he says.

Statement jackets

The statement jacket will get you everywhere this summer – from the office to the track, from brunch to Sunday strolls – it'll be the go to piece in your wardrobe.

Those doing the statement jacket proud this summer include Arthur Galan and Dom Bagnato – where checks and stripes, gelato shades of blue and orange plus some camouflage and summery greys feature prominently.

"Stripes feature strongly this season," says Dom Bagnato. "But not your usual stripes – we've gone very 1940s in colour. There's tangerine, teal and checks done in a colourful way. When it comes to statement jackets, we're featuring a lot of linen too – think light blue and silvers."

Arthur Galan also delivers in the statement blazer department – think tans, orange, navy and beige that work with jeans or chinos.

Cropped coloured pants

While jeans might be your safety go-to item, the coloured chino is here to stay and summer is the place to embrace it most. There's earthy colours for those who aren't quite adventurous to embrace the deep reds, mustard and orange shades on the scene.

The coloured chino works for smart casual events, is great on weekends with sneakers or sandals and with cuffs rolled you've got your lazy Sunday covered. Keep an eye for Autonomy's cross between a jogger and a chino. According to designer Nick Demkiw "The pant is lightweight, elastic-waist and still comes with buttons and a zip closure but there' slouch which means its look borders on street style."

Calibre has dropped the pant crotch and elasticised some pants cuffs for a luxe/sporty nod.

Street style cool

Street style might dominate the pavements of New York, London and Milan, but Melbourne is where a new wave of street cool is emerging. Nobody's got the street style menswear bracket covered like new label Amxander. We love their playful take on shirts, a European silhouette when it comes to pants and denim jackets that hail a new rock'n'roll breed of fashion lovers.

Boxy denim jackets

RMIT fashion graduates Amxander looks to European runways for inspiration and keeps their message squarely focused on boxed cut shirts and denim jackets. They're as much about soft tailoring as they are about being an iron-on print based label this summer.

"For SS16 you'll see rigid and oversized denim jackets with some detailing – that is where the trend is heading at the moment and we're on board," says Jason Pang who runs the label with Jake Cheng.

Good grooming

When it comes to summer runway hair, 'tis the season for the curl. And if you don't have curls, then the folk at Kevin Murphy suggest dressing your hair with a slight wave – the emphasis always on natural texture with sheen rather than heavy handed on products. This look will dominate the resort/casual wear runway models at MSFW while a more angular groom is required for blokes in suits on the catwalk.

The runway models wearing suits will be groomed with sharper hairstyles by comparison – think smoothed out with a hair dryer but not ironed straight with some glimpses of natural texture.

No socks

There'll be no socks this summer – it's all about sneakers, loafers and sandals worn casually. Of course, the rule doesn't apply at the Spring Racing Carnival, but when you're not trackside you can expect to see plenty of ankles exposed this summer.

Mr. Runway is at Melbourne Spring Fashion Week on September 1.

Executive Style