Spring 2021 is all about hopes and dreams.
We have never needed our dreams and hopes as much as we do in current times and last year, when I was planning the Spring and Summer 2021 collections, I found myself daydreaming about travel as a way to escape from the confinement of lockdown. I kept thinking how lucky I had been to see some extraordinary places around the world and missing the travel to favorite destinations and I kept reminding myself of these extraordinary memories. This ultimately turned into my inspiration for color, styling and design for Spring and Summer 2021. From quick weekend escapes, to special occasions or celebrations, I am lucky to be able to pull from direct experiences of destinations I know very well, their geographies, the scenery, the architecture and atmosphere. Each vignette of color, in the SS21 collection has for me a reference to a place that conjures up happy times and a reason to look stylish.
A Weekend in Rome
I think that Rome is probably one of the few capital cities that it’s best to see on foot. Taking in the sights in this city can be overwhelming as beauty is literally everywhere. Walking from piazza to piazza, you discover the marketplaces, the extraordinary art and statues of the fountains, and the wonderful fragrances of the bars and restaurants. Proud Romans love to meander in their city, parading with style combining classic navy blue with shades of sand and khaki. I added a faded red, reminiscent of ancient terracotta pottery and worked with rich, sun faded textures in the blended sportcoat qualities.
A Business Trip to London
I often wonder if having a royal family in residence, makes London such a regal place. The layout of the streets and the Regency architecture of the neighborhoods are all so smart and formal, but at the same time, very inviting with some of the best interiors of luxury hotels. The well-kept, green parks are shared with regiments and horse guards, the black cabs whizzing around Mayfair and the double-decker buses on Oxford Street help give London it’s unique atmosphere. The palette of Black and sand is simple and optical, working easily in outfitting but also in the glen plaids of the suiting.
A Romantic Time in Paris
Maybe I am biased that Paris is a city that evokes so many happy memories –
I met my husband in 1981 there in Café De Flore, I was first introduced to the true glamorous allure of fashion by stealing into runway shows. I also worked there for almost two years on Avenue François 1er at Maison Balmain. The Café lifestyle, the sophisticated people and being the home of many of the world’s luxury brands, inspired a clean palette with monogram luggage browns, and steel blues that have hints of green in them.
A Visit to the Country
After my business trips to London and Europe, I would normally add a quick trip to visit my family in the country – sometimes in Sussex or sometimes into the Cotswold’s. The slower pace of the country makes an ideal weekend getaway, enjoying the scenery, homestead cooking and long country walks. Shades of olive greens and cool natural colors of the landscape inspire an earthy palette playing with textural surfaces and rich traditional weaves of houndstooth and hopsack.
The Roof Down in Beverly Hills
The unmistakable glamour of Hollywood and Beverly Hills inspire a fresh sliver grey and white story with all the style of Hollywood icons and reminiscent of classic black and white photography. The optimistic Californian sunshine with the long sunsets and iconic lifestyle perfectly captures a modern mood in grey shades accented by white layering or by adding a white sneaker to outfits.
A Wedding in Provence
A dream destination for that special day. What better inspiration than the excitement of a once-in-a-lifetime occasion with loved ones and celebrating love in the wonderfully romantic destination of the South of France. The influence of lavender and the natural products of the French fragrance industry influence the subtle hints of blue, lavender and rose picked up in the deco’s of the suiting plaids and checks and repeated in shirting and neckwear. A perfect harmonious palette for any special spring or summer day making a groom’s choice easy, but also for any guy looking for a beautiful, special suit for any occasion.
A Round at Pebble Beach
I visited Pebble Beach in California whilst staying at the Post Ranch in Big Sur and enjoyed a wonderful 24 hours with great food, sunshine and a stylish social life. I remember watching the sun setting from the clubhouse bar and almost believing I would enjoy a round of golf.
I have put together some stylish pieces for outfitting that would take you effortlessly around a golf course, but look just as good for walking the dog around town or driving your convertible up and down the coast. Colors, tech fabrics and outerwear layering included an expanded selection of vests, knits and pants to be worn together casually and comfortably without sacrificing style. Most of these looks can easily be upgraded to clubhouse or grill-room style by adding a wool or wool blend sportcoat – perhaps a new knit sportcoat for a superbly comfortable piece of tailoring.
I hope you enjoyed reading about my inspiration and explore the collection.
