Mr. Versatility: Spring/Summer 2010 men's fashion collections

By Adam Tschorn, Los Angeles Times staff writer

The Spring/Summer 2010 men’s runways in Milan and Paris had no shortage of fantasy. From the seafaring dangerous dandies of Vivienne Westwood to Galliano’s Napoleon meets Lawrence of Arabia desert dwellers, they told the tale of escape and exploration through bold prints, bright pops of blue and kilometers of embroidery.

But there was also something noticeably different this season. The trappings of character and flights of fantasy were layered as lightly as the gauzy Arabian headdresses, and it wasn’t difficult for even the casual observer to strip away the fantasy veneer from the runway looks and see solid, versatile and commercial pieces that would be key components of most modern men’s luxury wardrobes (if that modern man doesn’t mind showing a bit of leg, as close-cropped, ankle-baring trousers were nearly ubiquitous). Most notable were the linen pieces — jackets and pants in gray pinstripes and Prince of Wales checks — lightweight nylon jackets and ultra-thin suede and denim shirt jackets.

Giorgio Armani