Linen on Linen
What I believe to be one of the most underrated and misunderstood fabrics, is undoubtedly one of my personal favourites. I won’t deny I have a passion for heavier textured winter fabrics as well, but there’s something unique to linen that makes me passionate about it. The ultimate Summer choice, this lightweight crinkled fabric is perfect to pull off intricate looks in the blistering heat, due to its breathability and unique fibers: and here is where opinions divide… Linen will always have a characteristic feel and crinkled look after wearing, which many consider rough and too relaxed or sloppy - for me, that’s just the beauty of it.
The unique charisma of a slightly wrinkled linen suit perfectly paired with horsebit loafers and unbuttoned shirt, it’s a hard one to match. Especially since nowadays ecru has given place to brighter shades and bolder patterns, allowing for endless possibilities of (un)polished elegance… As with all fabrics, quality linen comes at a price but there are a few affordable alternatives out there worth taking a look at, especially Zara: the Spanish giant produces not only some of the most original pieces but also with quite surprising quality. Both the vest and trousers feature a soft feel with just the right amount of roughness and stiffness to ensure a great fit (with some minor adjustments and tailoring of course). The intricately detailed vest pairs beautifully with the camo boat shoes while the rest of the look is toned down by a white dress shirt and navy pants.
Details: linen vest and pants by Zara, v-neck by Purificacion Garcia, dress shirt by Paul Smith, camo boat shoes by Asos, vintage floral pocket square, shades by Ray-Ban and watch by Daniel Wellington.
Model and Styling: Miguel Amaral Vieira
Source: beyondfabric
Spring Showers
One of the most versatile essentials you can add to your wardrobe is undoubtedly a classic belted trenchcoat. While this year is all about bold colorful parkas, the timeless panache and unique silhouette portrayed by the trench is, in my opinion, unmatched. It’s just one of those pieces that will endure for eternity as a staple of menswear elegance, so it’s worth splurging on a model that will likely last you for life.
This version by Paul Smith in a trademark khaki shade, has been with me for about 6 years and is definitely one of the most heavily rotated garments throughout the year. Besides the impeccable fit and exquisite details, it features a detachable wool inner lining perfect for colder months, which easily gives place to a lightweight version come Spring time. The muted lighter shade is perfect to contrast with darker bottoms such as charcoal wool slacks, while allowing to go bold on other pieces or accessories for extra flare. Here, burgundy was used to brighten things up and bring visual coherence to the look, with the pale pink shirt providing a clean background.
Details: belted trenchcoat by Paul Smith, cardigan by H&M, dress shirt by Hugo Boss, 110s worsted wool slacks by Gentleman tailors, leather boots by Buttero, tortoise shades by Linda Farrow Luxe, silk tie by Vicri and watch by Rolex (GMT Master II).
Model and Styling: Miguel Amaral Vieira
Source: beyondfabric
Winter Seaside
There are several ways to introduce interesting elements to an attire; although our first impressions are undoubtedly visual, and color plays a huge role in this area, the whole universe that comprises an attire is much more intricate. When it comes down to it, everything from patterns, to contrasts and more importantly textures, have a significant impact in the outcome: after all, in its bare essence, we are dealing with fabrics…
It’s amazing how the same fabric ends up delivering such different garments through alternative production techniques, like in this case wool, used in the heavy knit cable cardigan and smooth floral scarf and herringbone slacks. Striped braces add some panache and the suple taupe suede derbies bring yet another texture to the mix.
Details: cable knit toggle cardigan by Officina 36º, dress shirt by Paul Smith, herringbone wool slacks by Gentleman, suede derby shoes by Buttero, cap by H&M, shades by Linda Farrow Luxe, wool/silk scarf by Èpice, braces by Tie Rack and polka dot socks by H&M.
Model and styling: Miguel Amaral Vieira
Source: beyondfabric
Transitioning
Autumn seems to have arrived in full strength, providing us the perfect opportunity to start playing around with layers and transition garments. While the temperature allows, you can get away with layering shirts with cardigans and lightweight jackets or, making use of another staple: the puffed vest. As I’ve mentioned before, this Peavest by Tonello instantly became one of my all time favourites, not only because of its uniqueness as it combines elements from puffed vests and the classic peacoat, but also due to its versatility: it can be worn over a shirt, sweaters or even sportcoats and suits. Here I paired with a white dress shirt and played around with shades of green (blackwatch scarf and argyle socks) and brown (suede holdall and double monkstraps). Lately, I’ve been having a hard time avoiding hints of dark green in my attires and there are few other shades that complement brown and blue as nicely.
Details: Peavest by Tonello, white dress shirt by Paul Smith, Levi’s 511 slim (tailored), double monks by Zara, reversible blackwatch/navy scarf by Coisas d’Homem, vintage suede holdall, watch by Rolex (GMT Master II), bracelets and socks by H&M.
Model and Styling: Miguel Amaral Vieira
Source: beyondfabric
Paul Smith joins forces with master shoemaker John Lobb to produce an exclusive line of footwear.
Upgrading Shorts
There’s a common misconception that shorts have no place in the world of dapperness, that showing a bit of leg immediately throws a well put together look to the ground. If there’s one thing that Italians have shown us as of lately, is that this couldn’t be further from the truth. Granted, shorts aren’t appropriate for every occasion, say work for instance, but they’re a great alternative for these relaxed Summer months when having a drink after work becomes a routine. Make no mistake, when paired properly, shorts can elevate an attire to a whole new level while portraying that special seasonal feel. Just remember to leave the socks at home, put on a pair of suede loafers/boat shoes and top them with a shirt/blazer combo. Accessories earn you extra points…
Details: double breasted cardigan by Purificacion Garcia, white dress shirt by Paul Smith, chino shorts by H&M, fringed crepe sole boat shoes by Buttero, tortoise shades by Linda Farrow Luxe, vintage pocket square, rope bracelet by Add-On, leather bracelets by H&M, watch by Rolex (GMT Master II)
Model and styling: Miguel Vieira
Source: beyondfabric
Por Vocação treats us to an inside scoop on Paul Smith’s Milan showroom and some statement pieces for the British designer’s SS13 collection. Loving those rose and lips prints in rich red…
Source: porvocacao.com
Weekend getaway…
Details: navy DB cardigan by Purificacion Garcia, Pale Yellow Button Down by Our Legacy and cashmere/wool v-neck sweater by Paul Smith
