“Have a Nice Day” in John Elliott’s Fall/ Winter 23 Collection
Americana is back
John Elliot’s Fall / Winter 23 collection is finally here, and it’s a continuation of the designer’s Spring / Summer “Leap of Faith” collection. Inspired by Gus Van Sant’s scenic film, “My Own Private Idaho,” Elliott utilizes themes that can be reflected in “hand-worked” clothing. In doing so, this collection finds the beauty and profundity in intentionally well-worn garments.
Elliott’s previous collection was influenced by the designer’s coming of age experience. Composed of daring cuts and textured fabrics, Elliot’s previous collection encourages fashion-lovers to embrace change. As a continuation of this collection, the narrative continues in “Wherever, Whenever…Have a Nice Day.” This season, Elliot’s collection is all about the formative years- what comes after change.
John Elliott founded his label in 2012, and has since taken the fashion industry by storm. Since childhood, Elliot has had three loves: skate culture, basketball, and fashion. Growing up as the grandson of a seamstress, Elliot’s dream from day one was to have his own label. The Los Angeles based designer shot to fashion fame after winning gq’s best new designer of the year award back in 2015, the same year he released his debut collection.
Over a decade after his start, Elliott describes his approach to fashion and design as “nontraditional.” All-American styles are given a modern feel with ombre color ways and Japanese patchwork. While some garments are neatly cut, others feature a raw hem, giving the pieces that nostalgic worn-in look.
John Elliott stays true to the Americana theme with hand-sanded leather and pristine denim. “It’s a nerve-wracking experience but also a breakthrough in terms of finding something that felt new and super interesting,” says John Elliott. The outerwear is a standout in this collection. Long hunting jackets and cropped field jackets upholstered with washed-out cotton are designed for an American Winter. Italian-made footwear and “modular” bags complete the looks.
By infusing vintage elements into his latest collection, this label is “a brand that’s unbranded,” says Elliot. “I really want people to notice things they might have overlooked on first purchase or wear, and fall in love with pieces over time, as they learn more about them.”