Patrik Ervell S/S 11 Show

At Patrik Ervell’s Spring 2011 presentation on Saturday, the models paraded around on a runway composed of stacks of folded copies of the Financial Times, which became gradually trashed as the hour wore on. It was one of Ervell’s most assured collections yet, from the candy-striped shirt to the backpacks with braided straps. The looks were cool yet elegant, as we have come to expect from Ervell, who over the past few years has evolved through a series of seasons featuring subtle twists on classic patterns. Ervell has always been known for his innovative fabric choices—which have included translucent vinyl, rust-stained cotton, and the gold stuff space blankets are made of—and the standout this season was a softly flecked grayish cotton, the specks of color so small as to be almost unnoticeable. These are clothes that reward careful viewing, the better to experience the feel of a stiff belt or the comfortable way the low pockets on an overcoat fall exactly where your hands land. Not every designer can make it this easy to look good.