Nautica Men’s RTW Spring 2016

Nautica is stripping down for spring. Under the direction of new men’s designer Steve McSween, the brand offered up a presentation that focused on the core of its DNA: bathing suits, rain jackets and nautical-inspired sweaters. McSween also incorporated the company’s hometown of New York City into the mix, using the city’s landmarks, such as the Chrysler Building and its famed gargoyles, as the basis for the prints on the swimwear and knitwear.

“This is where water meets the city, but with a metropolitan New York filter,” he said.

Nylon peacoats were offered in waterproof breathable fabrics, anoraks featured watermark-print linings and cable-knit “modern regatta” sweaters conjured up the idea of a sailor at sea. The swimwear was offered in solids and patterns — including one pattern that was intended to look like “subway tiles put into a blender.” Several lengths, ranging from 14 to 18 inches, allowed for individuality.

A few key pieces included a double stripe, which McSween said will be used in future collections as a “signature detail.”

He also turned to the archives of Nautica founder David Chu for inspiration for the collection’s 12-meter jacket that he “reinvented” this season to be more about sportswear and less about competition.

Although the presentation was tight, it was a promising start in yet another reinvention of the Nautica brand.