By YVETTE HO

The Bottega Veneta Spring/Summer 2010 menswear collection is classic with a twist. Structured jackets were paired with pants that fit loose at the hips and hang short at the ankles (a trend at more than one fashion label for 2010). Tuxedo blazers were worn with cuffed dark wash jeans. Tailored pants sport tie-dye patterns.
 
Decorous, earthy colors like beige, brown and army green on tailored jackets started the show on a conventional note, but little details greeted the audience and threw in small doses of delightful surprises. A peek of a tie-dye shirt teased the eye from underneath the jackets. A brightly colored scarf waved cheekily over the shirt collar from around the neck. Blocky red shoes grabbed the attention of the audience.

Bolder, more provocative colors followed. A neon pink shirt, orange suits and a pinstripe jacket with tie-dyed splotches made their appearance.

Rounding up this visual feast, smart, black tuxedo jackets worn with classic white shirts and ties came next. The color palette of neutrals was a sharp contrast to the flamboyant neon colors that preceded them.

Tie-dye injected a hint of the free-spirited hippie era into the suits and quirky, too-short pants added a charming careless attitude. The stiff silhouette of tailored suits was transformed and deconstructed in this collection. Tomas Maier had taken his signature muted style and tuned it up a little with sprinkles of spice.

Bottega Veneta