Bottega Veneta Goes Film Noir With Its Fall/Winter 2013 Menswear

Since Eve's first bite of the apple, the allure of darkness and the forbidden has been hard to resist. And of late, popular culture can't seem to help from sinking its teeth into dark temptations. The Twilight books and movies caused a frenzy for boys with fangs not too long ago, paving the way for the dirty fan-fiction-turned-BDSM phenomenon that is Fifty Shades of Grey. Ever in tune with the cultural zeitgeist, Bottega Venetta's creative director Tomas Maier unveiled a dark, sexually charged menswear collection in Milan reminiscent of film noir intrigue.

The show's first few looks are all black affairs cut close to the body with hints of leather that also hinted at a sinister sexuality beneath the surface of streamlined elegance. The colors progress into deep shades of plum, navy, slate gray, and saffron. Portfolios and bags came in an array of luxe skins as did loafers and boots, made from intricate combinations of leather, crocodile, and suede.

Leather is the name of the game at Bottega, famed for its woven leather accessories, but Maier took it to another level this season. Leather details snaked about cardigans, on jackets, and pants. There were even entire suits made of rich, smooth leather. A bit kinky yes, but totally on trend and modern. Suits got exciting this season, completely printed in plaid or splashed with bold colors like muted rose.

See the full collection here.