Men in black: Edun runway features men, too

[February 11, 2013]  NEW YORK (AP) -- There's something new on the Edun runway this season: the Y chromosome.

The theme for fall 2013 is youth culture, and the label founded by U2 rocker Bono and his wife, Ali Hewson, decided to showcase men's clothes with equal emphasis.

"We've been making men's clothes for so long, but a lot of people didn't know that," Hewson said after the show. "It's great to bring men's looks to the fore."

The look was strong and simple for the men: big black biker jackets, with fitted black jeans. On the women's side, many of the looks -- from jackets to tops to dresses -- featured little silver chains.

But not too thick, emphasized the label's designer, Sharon Wauchob.

"I didn't want it to be too aggressive and tough," she said backstage of the chain detailing. "It's always a very careful balance between expressing femininity and expressing a strong identity."

Also big on the runway: delicate black chiffon tops for the women. And although black was very big in general, there were a few items in sparkly silver lame, like a tartan stencil "slash-neck" dress, paired with black sateen skinny jeans, or a silver lame jumpsuit. Hewson said one of her favorite items was a black leather jacket with open shoulders.

Edun was founded in 2005 by Bono and Hewson to promote change through a trading relationship with Africa. Of the 38 outfits displayed Thursday, all but a few included garments that will be produced in Africa or made from fabrics sourced there.

Bono was in attendance at Thursday's show, though he made clear he had little expertise in the matter.

"You know I know nothing about the fashion business so I'm the last person to ask about Edun," he said. "But I know a lot about my Missus, and she knows a lot about fashion."

Bono added that he was "interested more in the mission aspect of what Edun does," saying the company is "committed to proving that you can do trade, rather than aid, in some difficult geographies. And so I think nearly 50 percent is made in Africa in some interesting spots."

[Associated Press; By JOCELYN NOVECK]

Nicole Evatt in New York contributed to this report.

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