The Autumn/Winter 2022-23 collection by ICE PLAY is a plunge into the Italian wonderland of the 1980s. The magic of the swinging Milan in the 80s is the theme that ties together the brand’s men and women’s collections, with an injection of vibrant, fluorescent, luminous colours. A veritable kaleidoscope of boxy fits, based on the style of the famous “paninari” of Piazza San Babila, creators of an aesthetic movement celebrated by films, songs and video clips, and captured for posterity using the iconic 80s must-have object: the Polaroid camera. The tapes playing music on full blast thanks to the first Walkmans, the hits by Madonna, the Duran Duran posters, Michael Jackson’s dance routines, Cher’s revolutionary make-up. The disco club sparks brand new emulative mechanisms that still influence the fashion scene today, which never tires of celebrating the virtues and excesses of a legendary decade. A real pop universe from which ICE PLAY has gone all out to draw from, revisiting the famous snowfall of 1985 to create the ideal setting for the collection.
The women’s proposals by ICE PLAY are an obvious tribute to the famous Jane Fonda VHS aerobics videos. Logoed tops and leggings meet black & white printed lettering alternated with fluorescent colours such as lime green. Scarlet maxi hoodies are worn as dresses with pouch pockets, perfect when paired with the matching patent puffer jackets. Leisurewear takes to the stage in the form of teddy fleece jackets, cleverly worn over tracksuits with vintage prints. The attention to detail is evident in the contrasting stitching on the outerwear with detachable press stud sleeves. The pop print paying tribute to music tapes is paired with the denimwear, while the knitwear is livened up by oblique strips and the mandatory logomania. Strategic drawstrings update the 80s silhouettes of the tracksuits in hammered chenille. Blazer and trouser suits are the official uniform for globetrotters ready to pack matching scarves and bags in their suitcase. The must-have garment? The oversize eco-fur coat, the envy of Dynasty fans everywhere.
The activewear inspiration also features in the men’s collection, as can be seen in the many fleece tracksuits paired with maxi hooded down jackets and padded bodywarmers. The denim look print is worn with this season’s accessories: backpacks and bum bags with XL tone-on-tone logo. The urban proposals star corduroy jackets and cargo trousers decorated with pockets and metal zips. A vibrant palette of needlecord makes the knitwear stand out, while odd sized strips and contrasting shades add a burst of good vibes. Alternatively, ICE PLAY proposes melange jumpers with all over logos to be worn with lined leather jackets in soft teddy fleece and matching caps.