It’s always interesting to follow the trends in fashion and to try to understand what causes the small changes in the tides of dress and style. A recent article in the Daily Telegraph financial section was brought to my attention by my wife over the weekend.
The financial pages are not usually where one would expect to look for style tips but I was delighted to read that Moss Bros was reporting that their excellent Christmas quarter figures included an increase in suit sales of almost 13%.
Apparently part of this increase can in some part be put down to the fact that Gary Barlow was wearing a suit in his New Year’s eve performance. The popularity of the new series of Sherlock has also led to a rush by many major clothing stores to quickly replicate his iconic blue wool coat with style pages highlighting the fact that the coat must be worn with the collar turned up and a dark blue scarf at the neck for the full ‘Sherlock effect’.
So the ‘boy bands’ of old are smartening up their act, getting dressed up for their TV performances and the public gets the message although the general consensus, according to the Daily Telegraph is that the current look favoured by the young is a jacket over jeans.
Well, it’s a step on the path to dressing well but jeans are never going to be a part of a Perfect Gentleman’s attire for anything but the most casual evening out.
At the same time that these televisually led changes in the fashion world are being measured and reflected in retailers profits the ‘bleeding edge’ of fashion at Milan Fashion week is highlighting that British Fashion and in particular tweed is going to be to the fore in the coming seasons, something we are delighted with.
The Etro Fall/Winter 2014 Collection was a stunning if somewhat ‘out there’ splash of some gaudy and a few slightly more restrained tweeds. The looks extended all the way to matching shoes, gloves and briefcases that would get most Gentleman on the London tube a little more than an admiring list I am guessing.
The jacket styles look back to an older style with long dress jackets and Sherlock inspired coats and capes. We will be delighted to see these make a re-appearance on the London streets next winter, a cape is a totally ideal counter to the British weather.
So I know it’s not even Spring yet, let alone summer but I have to say, bring on the Autumn.
Image from The Daily Mail on line article http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-2538589/What-men-wearing-season-Knitted-shorts-tights-Armani-sets-scene-A-W2014.html
