Aquascutum Menswear Autumn/Winter 2007
Sunday, September 23rd, 2007
Aquascutum has an unrivalled ability to unite classic tradition with a contemporary twist that excites generations across the decades. The Aquascutum Autumn Winter Menswear Collection is no exception:
Aquascutum’s Autumn/Winter 2007 menswear collection is inspired by the connection of art and nature and the company origins in military outerwear, designed to protect soldiers from the inclement British weather.
Graeme Fidler, Aquascutum’s Head of Design for Menswear, took inspiration from the works of British artists Henry Moore and Barbara Hepworth, who both constructed sculptures to sit sensitively within natural surroundings, reflecting and complementing nature. Fidler also researched Aquascutum’s archive from its very origins when its founder, John Emary, was commissioned to design outerwear for the soldiers in the trenches of the Crimean War. The trench coat which resulted has inspired Fidler to create a modern collection of trenches that include a pea coat style in an exclusive wool melton in a marled light slate grey; the ‘Bladon’ double- breasted trench, a new shape which has a detachable chevron quilted lining, with military details such as D-rings on the belt, storm guards and throat tabs; and the ‘Tomkin’, a single-breasted short mac’ offering a modern, youthful take on the classic ‘Aquamac’ packaway. The traditional ‘Derby’ coat is re-proportioned for today, with a velvet top collar in wool gabardine and a mink cashmere wool.
An innovative seam-sealed programme includes a company-developed mini dogtooth wool coat with applied waterproof breathable coating on the reverse of the cloth and seam-sealed, developed with Loro Piana ‘Storm System’ technology; and three double-cotton garments with waterproof breathable laminate and fully seam-sealed, providing a very traditional waterproof offering. Tailored separates are highlighted by a velvet peak lapel two-button jacket in a mink beige or black; two traditional tweed fabrics with a contemporary edge developed exclusively by Aquascutum in two and three-piece separates: and a Donegal simple tweed in lovat and classic black/white/grey or a mini dogtooth in shades of brown. The tailoring line includes a single-breasted two-buttoned notch in an array of fabric offerings from super 150s merino wool to exclusively-developed silk wools; a classic British Prince of Wales flannel and a chalk stripe flannel.
The designers have concentrated on modernizing the shirt block to deliver two fits: slim and standard. The shirt collection offers the complete spectrum from a very classic collar with standard fit and turn-back French cuffs and a classic Sea Island pure white crisp cotton shirt to a darted, fitted concealed placket, small-collared shirt which is suitably modern and youthful. Shirtings come in vibrant mini ginghams in a pale blue and a cerise. A luxury two-fold Super 140s shirt option completes the collection. The tie collection is once again taken from archive military influences and includes regimental stripes and miniature designs from the Aquascutum archive. The fabrics used place an emphasis on texture and concentrate on weaves, jacquards and structures of cloth.
Pop Star pain Prince had fashionistas marching to his purple beat at London Fashion Week when he staged a surprise performance at Matthew Williamson’s catwalk show. Prince, who is playing a series of concerts in London, first appeared to be only a front row guest at Williamson’s S/S 2008 collection. Prince, who’s no stranger to extreme fashion, was wearing a black suit and hat, and looking the inimitable star he is.
This season sees Griffin continue to collaborate with like minded and free spirited individuals and brands. Griffin have teamed up with the Berlin based bag manufacturer BAGJACK. This beauty is made to order so you have the option to get the bottom in either bright orange, black or white Cordura® for maximum durability. The outershell is made of Cordura®, a high-performance fabric resistant to abrasions, tears, and scuffs. With embroided griffin hearts on the front and is made in Berlin. 
