Duchamp, the British luxury brand known for elegant tailoring is to return with a 2022 resort collection this summer, followed by an AW22 collection in September.
A new designer is at the helm; ex-Kent & Curwen Head of Design, and Gieves & Hawkes Design Director, Mark Frost, producing a launch collection evoking the lightness, joy and nostalgia of holidays. Floor tiles become shirts in a variety of styles, whilst lightweight summer ready linen and cotton poplin add an airiness throughout the range. Silhouettes and fabrication feels relaxed and ready to be lived in, tailoring is evolved and casually influenced, yet garments still utilise expert construction techniques and hand finishing to shift a focus toward comfort and versatility for the wearer. Luxury yarns are reflected playfully throughout knitwear and the inclusion of new products adds to the adaptability of the collection. This sense of approachability for the season brings a refined playfulness to the brand, in keeping with its history, whilst developing a consistent handwriting that is recognisable as Duchamp.
High quality construction and quality fabrics also play a big part in the new Duchamp, which remains recognisable to its previous incarnation whilst effortlessly managing to be progressive.
Whilst categorically a British label, the brand is named after the French artist Marcel Duchamp and was launched in 1989 by Mitchell Jacobs, an Englishman then working as a buyer for Browns. It was originally based on a vast collection of vintage cufflinks that Jacobs had discovered in a Parisian market. The brand was born specialising at first in cufflinks, with Jacobs quoted as saying “Duchamp turned everyday objects into art and I turned everyday icons of men’s fashion into wearable art”, hence the name. The 2000s saw the brand grow to offer a full menswear collection, opening a 750 square foot flagship on Regency Street in 2006. In 2013, Duchamp began showing on schedule as part of the men’s shows at London Fashion Week.
Mark Frost, said of the relaunch, “I’m very happy to have the opportunity to help Duchamp take its next steps and progress as a brand. I’m looking to create a contemporary wardrobe that appeals to a diverse customer base and builds on everything that has come before.”
Tom Duncan, Brand Director for Duchamp, added, “The brand is well-known with a loyal customer base, and still has an incredible position within the luxury, casual market. With the investment that’s going into brand, product and quality it’s an exciting time to bring the brand back to market.”
