Fashion Passes: WALTER VAN BEIRENDONCK S/S 2014

As though on a mission to prove that menswear needn't be boring, Walter Van Beirendonck's latest collection was an explosion of print, colour and texture - even within 31 looks, there was not a trace of minimalism to be found . One of the original members of the legendary Antwerp Six collective, Beirendonck's eccentric collections have earned him a cult following and made him one of the most successful members of the group, which also includes fashion veteran Ann Demeulemeester.

Beirendonck is renowned for his bold colour choices and this show was no exception - named 'Home Sweet Home', the designer himself explained in an interview that he took inspiration directly from the home that he shares with his wife in Antwerp. "It's my house, the interior of my house that I took inspiration from, very literally down to the vases", he stated, proving that inspiration can be found in any area by a creative mind.

Walter Van Beirendonck S/S 2014

This concept translated into a series of silk suits that were printed with grainy hardwood floors and retro carpet tiles - more loosely tailored than the average suit and paired with raffia loafers (complete with phallic imagery), the collection was laid-back in its approach and featured enough playful touches to distinguish itself from the other menswear shows. The theme continued as the models walked the runway decked head-to-toe in soft ice-cream coloured pastels - angular blocks of mint green were interspersed with light pinks to create the ultimate summer suit jacket.

In terms of my own personal favourites, it was hard to pick between a pair of flowing silk trousers speckled with light beige motifs and an opulent purple silk jacket printed with a vase of golden flowers which, presumably came straight from Beirendonck's own garden. Many designers speak of creating collections that are personal, yet few actually go so far as to splash their own wallpaper on a suit jacket - it is a strangely intimate move that allows us a peek inside the everyday environment of the outlandish designer and, ultimately, one which has resulted in one of his finest collections to date.

See more photos after the jump!