We are currently seeing seismic chances in the stylish world of Fashion, no surprise there, some might say, that is the nature of the beast, trends come in and out of ‘Fashion’. However, these elements have nothing to do with cut of your jeans, the the number of buttons on your tailoring or particular shades of colours. These are much more complexed, not only are we seeing changes to the Fashion week schedules (more about that at a later date), we are seeing brands having to embrace, if not begrudgingly, sustainability and ethical consumerism (lots more about that later). Plus a movement we are seeing far more of is gender neutral ranges everyone from Zara to Valentino are jumping on this stylish train, with some achieving success more than others. One such new brand who are doing this really rather well is SØRENSEN.

Their unique stance is based on a simple observation that most men, and a lot of women, too, are turned off by trends and the hype that surrounds them but want to ensure they look, and feel, their best. Created by Wayne Sørensen, formerly design director of Orlebar Brown, who was reluctant to offer yet another fashion collection. It was the work ethic of, an initial, six core archetypes (with more to follow) to offer an updated approach to style based around these six characters that then inspired the framework for a quieter more discrete approach to dressing.

These Archetypes are Driver, Engineer, Painter, Dancer, Officer and Butcher, the collection fuses manufacturing and styling references researched on historic workwear garments with personal items from Sørensen’s own archive, as well as key collaborative input from professionals currently working in each of the industries paid tribute to. Every piece has been designed to work with and into an existing wardrobe – connecting the owner to an uncomplicated way to dress.

Grenfell, the heritage luxury brand, was founded in 1923 by the Haythornthwaite family in Lancashire and began as a ‘wonder-fabric’, a cotton gaberdine cloth, developed specifically to meet the outerwear needs of explorer and missionary doctor, Sir Wilfred Grenfell who’s pioneering pushed for a fabric to suit extreme form and function, he agreed to lend the fine cloth his name. Over the following decades Grenfell was worn by British Royalty, racing car drivers, adventurers and aviatrixes, outdoorsmen, sportsmen and style icons such as Cary Grant.

This season, we saw the launch of the inaugural Grenfell Bluebird collection, inspirated by the pioneer of both land and sea speed Records, Sir Malcolm Campbell. It comprises of 12 pieces inspired by original items created using Grenfell cloth worn by the ‘King of Speed’, as Campbell was known; a gentleman and racer who was not only celebrated for his records on land and water but also admired for his sartorial style and natural ease in front of the camera.

This collection takes its cue from the ‘20s and ‘30s and will unfold over future seasons to recognise the contribution made by Malcolm and Donald Campbell to both speed and style across their careers.

The collection comprises; the Bluebird record suit, a car coat, long bomber, Field jacket, double breasted blazer, the Farringdon – a lean contemporary mac, Harrington and gilet. All pieces are available in three colours; Pendine Sand, Bluebird Blue and Navy.

Additional to this, the leading and innovative re and e-tailer Oi-Polloi, have been such fans of the heraldic work of Grenfell, and in particular their ‘Golfer’ jacket they have just started to stock this lil beauty. In their inimitable way, the lads from Oi-Polloi put it, “We’ve been big fans of their classic Golfer Jacket for years, and it’s safe to say we’re pretty pleased to have finally nabbed them.”

Harry Stedman set sail for a true life of adventure. A Merchant seamen on the high seas. North and South America would leave an indelible influence as he discovered the clothes, music and culture of these countries.
The Harry Stedman clothing line was launched in 2011 and produces timeless pieces for a truly contemporary man. Harry himself was part of the British Army and his influences are inspired by his adventures all around the world. Embracing local culture from such diverse places as New York, South America and Africa, the brand has taken elements of these countries and translated into wearable attire. Due to Harry’s love of travel and exploration, South America was always going to be an inevitable stop and now serves as the latest inspiration on his transatlantic adventure of style.

This season’s collection seeks to bring a touch of Latino flair, vibrancy and crafted garments. It’s multifaceted, taking influence from a range of South American cultural subsections from the Copacabana shirts seen worn down the beaches of Rio de Janeiro or posturing by the bar of South American club with a crushed ice Caipirinha in hand, to the Tropicalia style t-shirts seen hanging out in the streets of Mexico.

The collection also features a number of lightweight jackets and bombers that are light enough to wear on milder summer evening whilst providing protection from any potential deluge. The jackets come in bright, exciting colours from the fire flash of orange bomber jacket, to the fresh and fun green Maracana coach jacket.

OK, I’ll say it, yes as a nationality the British are obsessed with the weather. Right it’s out there now, but of course why wouldn’t we ? I never thought I’d quote that genius of popular culture and academic heavyweight Ms Katy Perry but, from her seminal 2008 classic “Hot n Cold“, she captures the essential essence of the point we are trying to make, she claims, “you’re hot then you’re cold“. Yes the climate of these fair Isles means that for a hefty portion of the year we don’t know what the day holds for us weather wise and we’re not on our own, large swathes of countries aruexperience similar weather patterns to ourselves.

With this mind, this was a problem that Rana Nakhal Solset, Founder of EMEL AND ARIS experienced. Describing herself as, “part Lebanese, part British, part Canadian, part French and part Norwegian. They’re all cultures I’m very comfortable with and I admire and understand in so many ways.”

EMEL AND ARIS, a new British Luxury wearable tech brand, aims to provide the style conscious world citizen with an answer to looking smart and keeping warm whatever the climate or continent. Her creation, the SMART COAT, for both for men and women offers beautifully tailored coats, which incorporate an intelligent heating technology.

The revolutionary heating technology uses a lightweight, inert polymer instead of wires and produces FIR (far infrared) heat energy that is absorbed by the skin to heat the muscles and increase blood flow. The benefits of Far Infrared (FIR) therapy have long been recognised and recent research has validated the vast range of medical claims of FIR, including increased blood flow, pain relief and boosted immune system.

Initially, the collection will include a cotton trench and cashmere blend wrap coat for women and a cashmere blend overcoat and a cotton three-quarter length rain coat for men. The line is entirely made in Europe using the finest quality fabrics made in Italy by Ing. Loro Piana and treated with their patented Storm System to make them water repellent and wind proof.

Dan Ward, has built a lifestyle brand around the ethos of, “Eternal Summer… It is always Summer somewhere in the world. Summer begins not as a season, but as a feeling. Summer is a state of mind. Unique and one of a kind, we design with ourselves in mind.”

Now, if that doesn’t put you in the mood for long Summer daze and lazing around with the sound of waves crashing gentle on the shore and the smell of fresh food slowing cooking in the background, nothing will.

However, Dan Ward, isn’t some wealthy trustafairan who launched a complete resort lifestyle range on a whim. He has built up an enviable CV, to back up the credentials of his range, with over 20 years of experience in the luxury industry, where he learned his trade as a multi-function marketing and design expert at prestigious heritage fashion houses, such as Hermès, Bally, Dunhill and Calvin Klein, before founding his own, eponymous brand in 2012. Through this extensive experience Dan has been able to finely tune his skills and has giving him the opportunity to know what his customer wants from a lifestyle brand of this nature.

Ever the globe-trotter, he does truly take an international perspective when it comes to designing his range, combining his take on British sartorial clothing and Italian excellence with invigorating design touches and inspirations from his beloved Japan, where he spent his youth and from where he acquired his unique sense for graphic, linear and refined looks that call for purity and sophistication.

It of course goes without saying that premium quality and craftsmanship are of paramount importance, not only to the brand but to Ward himself. His collections are always constructed from the finest materials and make for the perfect fit, a natural conclusion when you discover he was a national champion swimmer himself. Therefore being best placed to satisfy the challenging demands of sportsmen. All of his swimwear boast characteristics including quick drying, exceptional breathability, shape retention and UV resistance to ensure customer satisfaction. The fruits of his labor are available the world over from obvious destinations in resorts like Nice, Miami, the Maldives, Bali and Thailand to the less so like Sanya, in mainland China, Toronto, Munich and Ward’s occupational base Florence. All, of course, stocked by the Creme de la Creme of retailers, Lane Crawford, Club Monaco, Luisa Via Roma, Saks 5th Avenue and online with the likes of MRPORTER.COM and MATCHESFASHION.COM.