Traditional tailoring and clean lines remain some of the most sought-after looks in fashion. Let’s face it, you can wear them over and over again without worrying about falling off trend. Thankfully, many of this year’s Autumn/Winter collections are geared in this direction, most notably Yohji Yamamoto’s impeccably layered pieces and local brand Sifr’s well-considered shirts and jackets for men. Here’s what you should buy into this season.
FOR MEN
Yohji Yamamoto
Channel that aristocrat look and keep some street cred to boot with the Japanese designer’s take on the modern gentleman. Flannel and tartan suits get a fresh twist with new proportions as they are paired with cropped pants to create outstanding silhouettes. Structured jackets with variations on the collar, as well as tailcoats, can be paired with floppy neckties and colorful leather shoes to create a slightly offbeat feel. Or go wild over military-inspired wool double-lapel or double-breasted jackets with gold buttons—so much to love. $899 upwards from Club 21 Men.
Sifr
Chief designer Suraj Melwani’s take on preppy menswear reaches new heights with his “Monsoon” collection for Autumn/Winter. Based on the brand’s philosophy of creating pieces with an emphasis on “refined lines, quality materials, solid construction, and minimal detailing,” the collection is accessible yet accomplished. Muted earth tones like cocoa, gray and black permeate jackets and pants (highlights include lazy blazers and trench coats), while hints of Indonesian tapestry and weaving can be seen through its crew-neck sweaters and baseball cardigans. And when it comes to footwear, loafers, derbys and zip boots with textured faux snake prints are classy and edgy all at the same time. $149 upwards from Know It Nothing.
FOR WOMEN
Club Monaco
The brand’s Pre-Fall and Autumn/Winter collections manage to marry smartly tailored pieces with a touch of casual ease to create the perfect transitional wardrobe for our sunny skies. Each piece maintains a careful balance of structure and softness through a clever mix of materials such as cotton, silk and a touch of leather, and feature nouveau art and tribal prints for that luxe effect (the collection is inspired by Linda McCartney’s Life in Photographs series). The collection is versatile and varied, but highlights include dresses with Tartan prints that are sophisticated yet playful and navy blazers that are cut at the hip for that suitably Mod feel. $169 upwards.
Valentino
One would have thought that a collection based on the movie Snow White & The Huntsman would be overly fanciful, if not utterly unwearable. Not true. Designers Maria Grazia Chiuri and Pierpaolo Piccolli explore iconography and tradition with a keen eye, resulting in a dreamy collection with an emphasis on sexy silhouettes, gorgeous lace detailing and classic evening gowns. Dresses are cinched at the waist to gracefully accentuate the figure, while evening gowns in standout red, velvet and black will turn heads with their bow-shaped detailing, ruffles and drapes—classical womenswear has never looked this magical. $6,000 upwards.
Face Time
Quirky prints from two top local labels.
Hansel
The endearing local brand’s latest collection is based on the lovable Atlantic Puffin, which explains the many pretty puffy sleeves, swingy gathered skirts and bold puffin motifs on knitted dresses found on its vintage-inspired womenswear.
$69 upwards.
Depression
Bold and uninhibited, the local label’s “Plastic Surgery” collection features drape-like chiffon dresses and shirts for both men and women, including a standout dress with a face print. $69 upwards.
