A Brief Overview

 
Since the inception of Label Under Construction, Luca Laurini has long since been refining his highly experimental techniques through rigorous exertion of trial and error. He has re-written the book on fabrication methodologies, which he founded upon the firm foundation of classic old-world principles. Though he keeps his eyes forward with un-stifled momentum propelling him, he consistently pays homage to the works preceding him. The works that helped shape his ideals and provides an understanding of his direction.

Now, with a mastery of the technical aspects of experimental knitting and fabrication, Luca leaps head first into the conceptual arena. Signals is the project that highlights his ability in this facet. As the name implies, he decides to utilize a form of language to impart his message in the articles themselves. He opted to use morse code which has an intrinsic minimalist beauty in its aesthetic value. Primitive yet sophisticated. A language that is simple without compromising the efficacy in its ability to convey a message clearly. One might argue that morse code is a somewhat obvious choice and to this I would be quick to agree. However it is not the incorporation of this system that makes it noteworthy, but what he builds upon it.

Morse code is a series of dashes and dots. Luca has used this crude system of communication to form a communion between the physical and the cerebral. A communion that is heavily evident in every facet throughout the garments and their designs; from the selection of fabric and yarns to the selection of poems, aphorisms. And true to form, he takes this venture for a dip in mathematical analysis. The capsule can be viewed from several viewpoints. Luca mentions the representation of the monochromatic scale as a field in which to set a familiar backdrop for the overlying message. My thoughts are drawn to the old movies where black and white was used so the viewer could easily discern the good guys from the bad. It is from this point that we see the appearance of decay and the induction of corrosion.

Corroded Graphite Dyed Double Layer Shirt
Here Luca plays with an open-ended notion of duality, obviously leaving much open to interpretation. The corrosion shirt features the letters used to spell corrosion in morse code. It is stripped with the application of chemicals that burn organic fibers leaving any synthetic materials unscathed. 
 
The base knit is a dry black with a second layer on the front panel which has been graphite dyed and etched with the acid. The eroded graphic sets atop the inner layer like a scar upon stained innocence. 

The first piece he shows to set the tone for the Signals presentation is the SOS arched shirt. 
 
As we all know, this universally recognized message is often relayed repeatedly as a cry for help in times of distress. The knit features the SOS signal repetitiously knit through the body. 

It is a very literal reference to the dark side of existence; the feeling of helplessness that is key in defining the human experience. 
 
The jacket: easily my favorite offering from this capsule collection. Here is a garment with spirit. Here he touches the other spectrum of life; the light of rebirth and the beauty of renewal. 




One can’t help but escape the idea that quoting Neitchze on an article of clothing is nothing short of self indulgent. This is one instance where the article wears the aphorism like a tattoo (etched into the fabric of the interior lining), expressing the reason for its existence. The central theme of this piece is “Everything goes, everything returns”. 


The pattern is based on an old World War jacket, and has been beautifully refined.
It features a deep pocket that runs the width of the back and was used by soldiers to keep rations. The closure system is of hand-crotched eye loop and the Signals Morse Button. 


It is large enough to keep a laptop (though not advised to do so) and the fabric is of salvaged military supplies, which possesses a beautiful, slubby finish while maintaining a very polished look. 

 
Also, received in our representation is the Talking Selvedge Trouser. 

The pattern is the original j-pant done in the japanese paper cotton material, with a representation of the selvedge code running the length of the twisting seam. 

The graphite dyed poem sweater.
 
An updated raglan style knit (reverse shown) which has been graphite dyed and features the text running the right half of the body, wrapping back to front. 

And the Alpha-Numeric Double Blanket/Poncho with morse code diagrams of alpha and numeric keys, respectively mapped out on each set piece. 
The two separate pieces are bound lengthwise by oversize buttons.
 

...approach this collection with an open mind seasoned with interest and peppered with a bit of romanticism. You'll find an endearing collection of garments..



Personal note...

As many of you know, I took a brief hiatus from the grind to make a trek to Italy. What a wondrous time I had, but that's another story to be shared. Upon my return the other day, I was very excited to see the second delivery of LUC, which arrived in my absence. I must say that I am nothing short of overjoyed at the arrival of the Japanese Paper anatomic J-Pants. So much so that it prompted me to share a bit of my initial reaction. Having been produced in extremely limited supply, this fabric is among my favorite to date for its unique properties. Endowed with elegance and at the same time tough as nails in temperament, these trousers are rugged and ready for whatever situation life can throw. The j-pants in this fabric are constructed in a subtle juxtaposition of grain directions from one leg to the next, it is a subtle reminder of the often overlooked attention to detail that many of the designers I favor exercise in their work. The pants are partially lined and offer great comfort to the wearer in this rigid fabric which will obviously take on its own life with repeated wear. Every pair is destined to come into its own and I am thrilled to be taking on this journey and see where the process of wear takes me. Here is an image (apologies in advance for the poor quality) of mine , sized up for absolute comfort in a very relaxed fit, as Luca rocks himself.

Image of in store F/W11 LUC.