JO:TREND

Life’s a Breeze: The New Nautical.

Set to be emerging in Spring Summer 2011, this fresh new trend will be sailing far away from obvious nautical prints and patterns, and focusing more on the sophisticated and unique cut of garments. With the economic environment regaining stability, Life’s a Breeze represents a moment in time when gentlemen will splash out on their wants rather than just needs, as we encourage them to take a well earned break from their day to day life.

For the man with a keen attention to detail, inspiration is derived from the 1940’s Swing Era, where the accessories really made the man. Clothes will be full-cut again, with double-breasted, longer jackets and wider trousers. Hand-painted silk ties will be the must have accessory, ranging from elegant to exotic to express individuality. The low-crotched 1940’s Zoot Suit trousers with a narrow ankle will inform high-waisted, baggy trouser cuts, for a casual, comfortable approach to suiting as well as fitting with an active lifestyle. Subtle references to the Zoot Suit have started to appear already in 3.1 Phillip Lim’s and Comme De Garcon’s Spring/Summer ’10 catwalk shows, and is an aspect that will be developed further for Spring/Summer 2011. A feature that will be incorporated and stitched into such trousers would be a hidden clasp belt, which will take over from the removable belt, showing extra attention to detail for ease and comfort. Another distinctive cut to look out for will be the Bell sleeve, which will feature heavily on lightweight casual jackets, portraying a fun, optimistic approach towards the improved future economic climate, as well as encouraging confidence in men to be more experimental with cuts.

In terms of fabrics, Life’s a Breeze rebels from the ordinary with an air of confidence, with durable cottons dominating, layered with silks and linens for a defiant look. Chino cloth will be used for structural elements of garment design, whilst Camdeboo mohair will be used within blazers and jackets to allow the wearer to keep cool whilst ensuring form-fitting comfort. Layering of such lightweight fabrics will create a confident, casual, comfortable look to last throughout the Spring/Summer 2011 season. Attention to detail within the garment designs will appeal to those who are heavily interested in hidden extras, including double collars, double pockets and contrasting colours on the inside of these. Pockets will also develop to be larger and squarer in shape for a functional, utilitarian approach. The increasing use of technological communication and its continuous development means more space will be required to carry future innovative devices such as Apple Ipads.This will also be seen in the development of the ever-growing man bag, which will become increasingly oversized, but will contain precise pockets to cater for this voyaging gent’s every need; his books and notepads, his souvenirs, and in particular his gadgets.

A coastal beach hut colour palette incorporated with faded natural hues will embody an intellectual but adventurous take on life after the recession. The misty softness of washed out blues combined with colour contrasting accents will portray a masculine take on pastels for a confident, authoritative look. Matte will be teamed with sheen as blues, beiges, greys and metallic silvers are combined.

Style icons for this particular trend would include a young Bob Dylan during the early 1960’s. His overall look, combining high waisted structured trousers with layered casual tees and shirts, and adding accessories including wide rimmed hats and sunglasses provide a look full of confident attitude, yet intellectual and thoughtful. Also, with reference to film, the styling within The Talented Mr Ripley (1999) represents the confident attention to detail that this trend follows.

GOT A LOT OF PICS/COLOUR PALETTE TO ADD IN BUT TAKING TO LONG TO LOAD ON HERE.

NEED TO ADD ABOUT HOW TOPMAN DESIGN COULD BE INFLUENCED.

NOW GOING TO WORK. MESSAGE ME WITH ANY SUGGESTIONS AND WILL READ WHEN GET BACK. :)

JO.