Klaxon Howl shows its typical vests and denim, in addition to intense model walks and the most stylish male guests

Klaxon Howl shows its typical vests and denim, in addition to intense model walks and the most stylish male guests

After last season’s sailor-themed runway and two successful collaborations with The Bay (we’re still gushing over last fall’s duffle bag with heritage HBC stripes, spotted on Tommy Ton this week), we had really high expectations for Klaxon Howl’s spring collection. This week’s stark white runway felt naked without the anchors, barrels and other boat kitsch that had people talking last spring. The front row had some of designer Matt Robinson’s best customers (and some of our choice for most stylish men), Joe Amio, Martin James and moustached runway favourite Jano Badovinac, who once again walked in the show. Like seasons past, there was a series of vests, like a fitted grey wool vest with a subtle chain closure or the unbuttoned, distressed denim sleeveless jacket paired with a short-sleeve button-up—but the high-waisted denim and double-belted pleated shorts left us mystified, wondering who could ever pull those off. Check out our look at this week’s Klaxon Howl spring/summer 2012 show after the jump.

Click on to see Matt Robinson’s spring/summer 2012 runway show »

Navy, grey, camo-green, khaki and white dominated the runway, with punches of denim, chambray and salmon and some safari-inspired pieces. In place of trendsetting bags were ’80s-inspired bandanas and some serious model attitude (swagger, perhaps). Overall, Robinson gave us a sample of what we’ve come to expect from the rugged menswear line (and what we can expect to find in his new, not-so-secret Queen Street storefront), but what was lacking was that fresh new outlook we hope to find at fashion week.