Love him tender? Of all the designers under the sun, Marc Jacobs might have been the least likely to look to Elvis Presley. Yet, in keeping with the pervasive fifties fascination that's run through many of the men's collections for Spring, he did. There were enough florals here—slight nod to Elvis' Hawaiian trilogy, perhaps?—to justify the first-time-ever creation of a seasonal Marc Jacobs badge, complete with bloom, that was stitched to many of the collection's pieces. To match, there was tropical-colored linen suiting, higher-waisted trousers, and a series of shawl-collared tuxes that telegraphed Las Vegas loucherie. The mix was peppered with allusions to workwear, sneaker fetishism (hand-painted versions, made in collaboration with the label's longtime graffiti artist of choice, Bast, will be limited to one hundred pairs), and hokey Americana. Odd as it seemed, it made for a peppier collection than usual. But word to the wise, a healthy dose of attitude and a heavy spattering of tattoos—both in evidence on Marc model of choice Cole Mohr—may be required to leaven any musty vintage vibes these clothes will have on the hanger.
