It’s been quite some time since we sort the advice of our experts and asked their opinion. So with things starting, hopefully, to return to normality, we thought let’s give them a shout a ask what is getting them out of bed at the moment. The first of three posts set them the question.
What brand are you most excited about for Autumn/Winter 2021?
Firstly up we have, Simon Longland, head of menswear at Harrods said:
“The Louis Vuitton and Dior collections were both incredibly strong this season, and I am excited that within the coming weeks, we will unveil new expanded boutiques for both brands to showcase the amazing new season pieces. Jil Sander and Thom Browne also have absolutely timeless collections this season, it’s all about wearable investments with a hint of modernity– buy now, wear forever. Lastly, I can’t go past Tom Ford, which is quite frankly, the definition of modern luxury, and really comes to life in the cooler months. From rich leathers and suedes to luxurious knits and perfect tuxedos and evening jackets, Tom Ford constantly releases wearable and ageless pieces year after year.”
Now its, Harry Block, Owner at Copperfield. Copperfield is a long established source of the latest men’s trends. Opening in 1973 and standing the test of time since, the business offers a selection of globally curated goods to suit the modern contemporary man’s lifestyle.
“The brand I’m most excited about for aw21 would probably be nanamica as it’s usually my favourite every season.
Personally a brand I’m always looking forward to receiving at the start of each season is Nanamica. The functionality, detail and design always stand out for me, especially in AW seasons.”
From the South we head to the North and we have a firm favourite, regular and pride of Manchester, Pete Parry, Founder of Steranko, the mens and womans fashion emporium.
“This Autumn Winter for me is all about the Portuguese Flannel shirts, beautifully crafted in soft brushed flannel. They look and feel wonderful.”
Next up we have a real fashion veteran and what this guy doesn’t know about menswear isn’t worth knowing. Adrian Gibson, is now Menswear Buyer for Robert Goddard. Spanning back over twelve decades, five owners and three generations and with stores throughout the South of the country and stocking Barbour, Calvin Klein, Polo Ralph Lauren and Valentino to name a few.
“We are really excited to add Napapijri to our mix. It is great to see this classic outdoor brand really making a resurgence, particularly with a younger customer who may not remember it from the first time round. With high profile ambassadors such a Taron Egerton and Rick Edwards it is certainly making an impact. The price points are great and instantly recognisable, strong branding is a winning combination with customers right now. We are very happy to of added it to our brand portfolio.”
Then we have Wellgosh, that’s not me being shocked but this stylish gem in the heart of Leicester who have been building up quite the reputation in Menswear, stocking Aape, albam, Edwin, Norse Projects, Rains and more and more. Daniel Greengrass – Buyer/Store Manager of Wellgosh
“General Admission – We recently received the General Admission x Santa Monica Airlines collaboration that tees us up nicely for our debut season with the brand. A really nice mix of apparel and homeware, executed with a relaxed Californian approach to fashion and being looked after in the UK by the formidable Michael Kopleman.”
Last, but certainly not least we have Damien Paul, Head of Menswear – for legendary go to style website, MATCHESFASHION.com
“I’m extremely pleased to have S.S.Daley’s debut RTW collection launch online today, as part of MATCHESFASHION’s Innovators Programme 2021-22. Steven Stokey-Daley’s talent and new take on menswear is incredibly exciting. His forward-thinking design feels extremely relevant for the now and after our initial meeting with Steven, we were so excited by what we were seeing, and then, understanding his vision, everything just clicked. The attention to detail from the locally sourced fabrics, to the fact that he won’t compromise on his vision and already is honing his house codes, creating ageless, timeless clothes for real people, that are credible but wearable, dramatic without being costume-y, is really great to see.
We are delighted that S.S.Daley has joined our latest Innovators cohort. Steven and his brand are the perfect example of harnessing everything we stand for in the Programme. He has a great business mind as well as being super creative and it’s clear to see how quickly he is connecting to customers.”