"Urban Duality"
Manière De Voir - A/W25 Menswear Capsule Collection
Inspired by a design challenge from the elevated streetwear brand Manière De Voir, this capsule explores contrasts at the core of modern menswear— utility vs. elegance, mass vs. niche, softness vs. structure. Developed in response to a creative brief, the project reimagines MDV’s bold aesthetic through six directional looks grounded in moody Fall/Winter tones and refined texture play.
"URBAN DUALITY: MANIÈRE DE VOIR A/W25
MENSWEAR CONCEPT"
"Urban Duality" explores the contrast between relaxed casual wear and elevated going-out looks for AW25, designed with Manière De Voir's diverse audience in mind. Structured silhouettes, bold layering, and brand-driven detailing are grounded by a seasonal palette of Caramel, Sakura, Dark Olive, Breeze Blue, Silver, and Ivory.
Designed to target Mass Market, Niche, and Super Niche customers, the six looks transition seamlessly from elevated casual to polished outings. Each design captures MDV's clean construction, tactical edge, and confident streetwear spirit, offering a forward-thinking vision for the modern urban lifestyle.
INSPIRATION MOODBOARD
"Blending crafted textures, relaxed sophistication, and elevated urban energy."
COLOR PALETTE
CARAMEL
SAKURA
DARK
OLIVE
BREEZE
BLUE
SILVER
IVORY
LOOK 1 - MASS MARKET - ELEVATED CASUAL
A relaxed-fit sweatshirt combines a cotton body with integrated wool-blend striped panels at the collar and sleeves, creating a built-in layered effect. A chest pocket and a sleek silicone back logo add a subtle hit of branding without overpowering the clean design.
Wide-leg pocket pants, crafted from a cotton-elastane blend, bring easy movement and sharp detailing with triangle cut lines at the legs and pleated accents. Designed with functional versatility in mind, the look blends utility and street polish to match the rhythm of modern city life.
Finished with a triangle leather crossbody bag and a furry blue-tone beanie, this outfit moves effortlessly from casual hangs to bold urban adventures.
LOOK 2 - NICHE MARKET - ELEVATED CASUAL
A hybrid cropped shirt-bomber brings structure and attitude with a wool-blend body, custom MDV logo-striped panels, and bold color-blocked details. Oversized front pockets and a polished logo tag at the back add utility and a clean finish, balancing streetwear energy with refined touches.
Matching wide-leg Bermuda shorts in the same wool blend extend the branding story, featuring statement patch pockets stitched with logo-striped fabric. Designed for expressive dressers, the look captures playful boldness while staying grounded in elevated street style.
Finished with a blue-and-white plaid cap, a black shiny nylon crossbody belt bag, and a pretzel keychain, the outfit delivers a punch of unexpected attitude.
CUSTOM WORKMARK STRIPE PRINT DEVELOPMENT
BLUE COLORWAY
(used on Look 2)
WHITE COLORWAY
(used on Look 5)
LOOK 3 - SUPER NICHE - ELEVATED CASUAL
A classic baseball jacket is reimagined in a cotton-wool blend body with playful sakura tones, poly suede shoulder patches, and calfskin leather sleeves quilted with MDV's Eiffel Tower motif. Chenille patches at the front—including a clover, a Parisian Eiffel Tower emblem, and a "J’ai de la chance" text—bring personality and storytelling into the design. A bold chenille street-sign logo patch at the back anchors the jacket’s graphic identity with MDV’s signature mark.
Wide straight-leg cotton pants balance the look with functional patch pockets, knee pleats, and a clean logo tag for subtle detailing.
Styled with a denim patchwork messenger bag and gray-blue sunglasses, this outfit captures confident individuality and a collector’s spirit rooted in urban storytelling.
CUSTOM CHENILLE PATCHES ART DEVELOPMENT
FRONT GRAPHIC:
"I AM LUCKY" FRENCH TEXT IN GALADA FONT
FRONT GRAPHIC:
PARIS TRIANGLE GRAPHIC WITH EIFFEL TOWER MOTIF
BACK GRAPHIC:
PARIS STREET SIGN
WITH MANIÈRE DE VOIR LOGO
"Playful Parisian-inspired patches designed to enrich the storytelling and elevate the tactile experience for Super Niche audiences."
LOOK 4 - MASS MARKET - GOING OUT
A wool-cotton blend quarter-zip pullover brings a sharp update to casual dressing with bold color blocking, hidden zipper chest pockets, and subtle black piping along the shoulders and back. A small chest logo and a sleek logo tag at the back keep the branding understated and clean.
Wide straight-leg cotton khaki pants add utility and polish, featuring four functional pockets with snap-tab closures and pleated legs for ease of movement. Designed for laid-back going-out occasions like dinner dates or movie nights, the look balances comfort with crisp, urban polish.
Finished with a dark olive beanie, a leather-canvas carry bag, and a pearl-and-silver belt loop chain, this outfit offers a touch of elevated styling.
LOOK 5 - NICHE MARKET - GOING OUT
A cotton-wool blend button-up shirt redefines smart casual with bold color-blocked panels, custom lettermark logo stripes, and a shaped collar for a clean, directional edge. A diagonal front cutline, welt chest pocket, and signature back pleat with logo tag add structure while keeping the silhouette relaxed.
Matching cotton-wool blend pants feature a wide waistband, side pockets, large patch pockets at the legs, and hidden logo details that reward a closer look. Designed for museum visits and musical play dates, the look balances creative sophistication with laid-back confidence.
Styled with a colorful plaid fuzzy scarf and a soft gray-blue leather shoulder bag, it moves seamlessly through the city's cultural playgrounds.
LOOK 6 - SUPER NICHE - GOING OUT
An oversized hybrid jacket fuses retro tailoring with modern edge, inspired by the traditional Mao suit. It features a structured stand collar and is crafted in a wool body with all-over MDV Eiffel Tower quilting. Three attached front pockets add functionality, while fringe finishes at the neckline, shoulders, cuffs, and front opening introduce a raw, dynamic texture. An embroidered chest lettermark, a metal logo seal at the lower pocket, and an adjustable snap-tab at the back hem layer in crafted sophistication and bold branding.
Wide-leg retro bell jeans anchor the look with deep side pockets and standout frayed Eiffel Tower motifs at the knees—creating a bold branding statement that feels raw yet refined.
A frayed denim bucket hat and a shiny leather pocket bag complete the styling, amplifying the urban retro energy for cocktail parties, art socials, and standout city gatherings.
COLLECTION OVERVIEW & DESIGNER'S NOTE
Through this project, I wanted to explore how elevated streetwear can meet crafted individuality - blending structured silhouettes, playful details, and modern urban energy.
Every look was designed with the Manière De Voir spirit in mind, but with my own perspective on how boldness and refinement can exist together. I focused on building pieces that feel versatile yet expressive, polished yet personal.
This capsule is a reflection of my belief that great design connects to both lifestyle and emotion, and I hope it offers a fresh take for AW25 and beyond.
Thank you for taking time to experience this journey with me.
KAI-CHEN WU | DESIGNER