As the long shadow of Autumn looms in the distance, we decided to embrace the forthcoming season and welcome it with open arms. We here at Clothes-Make-the-Man, laugh in the face of the colder, darker nights which necessitate us to wrap up warm and pile on those layers.
With this in the forefront of our minds we sort out expert opinion from a complete cross section of the mens retail market. From the most exclusive of department stores, in the grand form of Harrods to an up and coming e-tailer, the rising star of TheIdleMan and from not one, but two of the leading established independent brick and clicks stores, Steranko and TheHipStore and finally to the nation’s largest and most loved department store chain, of course House of Fraser. We asked our representatives what was their favorite brand for the next season and as to why they loved them so much for the fall of Autumn. First of learned panel is
“My big brand for Autumn is WOODWOOD, you can really see the progression from a cool Scandinavian Street Brand to a really credible contemporary label without losing its original identity. I know everyone is banging on about the 70’s but it’s a radical look for anyone to fully obtain especially in Menswear, WOODWOOD have referenced it in all the right places and kept the collection really wearable. Beautiful suede jackets in camels and navy wool meltons with shearling collars are stand out pieces and the knits with a nod to sportswear keep the collection young and balanced. Its still achingly minimal which is what you want from the Scandi Set.” Thom Scherdel, TheIdle Man.
“My favourite brand for Autumn is Portuguese Flannel..expertly woven shirts, made in er, Portugal. The craftsmanship of these shirts when considering the price is quite fantastic. Every check is a delight, every colour a joy. The tightly woven fabric gives the softest most luxurious finish. A great, great new brand.” Pete Parry, Steranko.
“One of my favourite brands arriving at the Hip Store this season will be Freemans Sporting Club we are looking forward to receiving our first selection of ‘ Formal Sportswear ‘ from Freemans.
Based in New Yorks Lower East Side Freemans are bridging the vanishing art of American hand made quality durable goods inherent in something made by skilled artisans .
Every garment is made in New York from a new generation of tailors and sewers .
The first. collection and store idea grew out of a group of friends in 2005 who made bespoke suits to order, they played pool ( Sports) above the Freemans restaurant which continues to serve today excellent haute comfort cuisine in a assuming space at the end of a graffiti walled alley just off the Bowery.
Expect to see Cord and cotton Oxford shirting , moleskin, camouflage a and wax cotton outerwear.” Everton Campbell of TheHiPStore
We are always really excited to attend Neil Barrett’s shows, and having just opened his largest shop-in-shop in Europe, this season was certainly no exception. We saw his trademark military influences and statement pieces combined with much more classic items, such as simple tactile knits and tailored coats, which will work brilliantly for Winter. Jo Harris, General Merchandise Manager for Menswear, Harrods.
“The brand of choice for me for Autumn is Barbour – this is a key brand for us and growing year on year. What’s exciting is that they are really focusing on growing as a true lifestyle brand and offering layering pieces such as shirts, polo shirts and knitwear rather than just being known for the familiar quilted and wax coat, “Barbour International” , the motorcycle inspired branch of the brand, has even introduced an extensive denim range in our stores.
It’s great to partner up with an equally iconic British brand which has remained true to its authentic heritage and the importance of quality but also recognised the important of staying current, trend driven and reinventing itself over the years.” Paul Hayes, Senior Menswear Buyer at House of Fraser
By now, you know, and hopefully trust us, in bringing you the best in style and grooming from around the world, just so you don’t have to go to the trouble of tearing around looking for the very best in style and grooming. One such brand is Sachajuan, a Scandi professional hair brand created by two hairdressers and renowned for it’s pared-down, simple and straightforward approach to haircare. The minimal packaging is typical of the Scandi approach to design and naturally has a unisex appeal.
Founded by Sacha Mitic and Juan Rosenlind, see what they’ve done there? Both with extensive international careers in hairdressing, as well as opening their own salons, Mitic and Rosenlind have used all of their expertise to create an essential line of superb hair care products. Simple, straightforward and transformative is what sums up SACHAJUAN’s approach to haircare. Constantly striving to make their brand simply understood and easy to use, the minimal packaging with its sleek lines and clean labels embodies this ethos perfectly.
