As we get closer to the inevitable Sales and the subsequent launch of SS16 ranges the release of new clothing is meant to slow down, it would appear that no one told Pretty Green, Fred Perry or Real Stars, let's dive into some new gear:
Despite being very late into AW15 Pretty Green dropped some rather impressive Military style shirts on us this week, coming in green or black. Detailed with epaulettes, button down collars and tone on tone chevron embroidery these are a cool option for your multiple festive nights outs.
Topping off their Northern Soul and Black Label ranges Pretty Green released some new jackets, well a jacket and a blazer.
The new Boating Blazer from the Northern Soul theme capsule is a studied lesson in subtle cool with 3 buttons (yes, that's 1..2...3!), cool grey and navy with white outlined stripes, lovely top stitching details and an ace burgundy lining. Oh, and it's made in Europe from 100% wool. The only shame is they didn't do any strides to pair with it, would have been brave but so cool.
Also out from Pretty Green is the Black Label Carbury Overcoat, styled on a Great Coat. Outer in a cotton/wool mix, antique style brass buttons for that authentic military look and some 2015 updates in the shape of some rather smart leather detailing. And on top of all that coolness, it's quilted, wahey!
If the longer look isn't for you then check out their Black Label Reefer jacket, every bit as cool but cut like a standard Peacoat to sit on/below the hip.
Fred Perry tend to do range top-ups unexpectedly throughout the year, not sure if this weeks extravaganza is AW15, SS16 or something in between...but who cares, there's lots of lovely new things to feast our beady eyes on.
You simply can't beat a Twin-Tipped polo shirt, and Fred's M1200 always hit the mark. I don't know how they do it, but every release contains at least one colourway that is greatly desired. For me the new Chocolate Marl/Mustard/Clear Blue is a stunner. Yep, it's just a Twin-Tipped, but when the colours are right it lifts it from essential to must-have. The Clear Blue/Cyan/Pacific is pretty sexy as well, as is the Enamel Blue/Blaze/Mahogany option. And for 80's fans check out the Graphite Marl/Cocktail/Dusk, it could have been lifted straight out of The Business.
Sticking with Polos, but knitted this time, this is one area where my modernist leanings can tend to take over, I really do love a knitted polo option. Fred's new Argyle Knitted Shirt is incredibly smart. Good colour choices on a new take on the pattern.
Tucked among the drop is the casual styled Brentham Quilted jacket, resplendent in a new Peanut colour, or yellow as we traditionalists might call it. A really cool short warm jacket option for the miserable Winter we're no likely about to endure.
Finally on Fred, new tartan socks, rejoice!
Oh, and there's new Wiggo also....super cool
Over at Real Stars Are Rare it was an exciting week with the launch of their new 3rd Collection and a new tagline for the brand that I approve of highly, ' no demographic, just quality '. It's a simple statement but it's one I really love. They've done an ace new video to showcase the range, directed by previous Pretty Green Ace Face Ben Smallwood no less. Who he you ask? He recently took up directorial duties on Paul Weller's latest video as well as being the face of Pretty Green for a couple of years. A very talented bloke, hopefully we've lots more to see from him.
Popping in to range (lightly as I did a review earlier) there's a lot to feast on. I'm a huge knitwear fan, so was the mouse was immediately clicked on that menu. Behold, loads of new Shetland jumpers and in a retina scorching array of colour options. All pretty cool, but leading the pack for me are the Apple Green and Orange options, special mention to the Blood Red colour which would look mega under a dark Winter jacket.
The Star Knit is retained and upgraded in heavier knits, the Petrol Blue/Navy option has to be a contender.....
If you've had a decent day at the bookies and fancy some rock star cool I'll point you in the direction of the Star Knit 100% Silk option. Every good man should have a couple of luxury pieces in their wardrobe armoury, I fancy this could become a popular choice.
Weller's favourite is the Henley, so no surprise to see them retained, upgraded and given some new colours. Again this cool green Real Stars have found looks the business, as does the jet Black option. I have a couple of their Henley's so I can vouch that they are superb. I can feel another being added to the collection....
If you're in the market for a new Suit and fancy some swagger then I'll point you at their new Double Breasted Flannel Navy Suit, at £495 it's not too bad a price for top piece.
A brand I greatly admire is Sunspel, sticking to a high quality mantra each piece they produce is a great example of classic styling. They've produced a new limited edition piece that ties in to their (recent) James Bond heritage. Developed in collaboration with the GoldenEye resort (the home where Iain Fleming wrote the James bond novels) they've come up with an outstanding 100% Egyptian Cotton style in a rather sharp shade of blue. I own a single Sunspel polo shirt and I can honestly say it is the best polo shirt I have ever owned.....ever.
Anything else out there...well yes...
Lambretta have topped up their range, worth a mention are their 100% Silk scarves, the White Polka Dot demands a look
Ben Sherman have refreshed their New Arrivals with multiple new pieces recently, head over to the New Outerwear to check out the Made In England Harrington Jacket or the or the very neat Melton Gunsmith Coat
Ted Baker are no strangers to some pattern, check out their Paisbro paisley print shirt, absolute perfection for the party season.
Paul Smith have carried out a major refresh to their offering, like Fred Perry I'm not too sure if this is AW15 or SS16. Worth a look are their Echo or Sleater Desert Boots. Both are very smart designs, and both offering an usual leather sole 'Love' design juxtaposed with the standard defacto rubber crepe style, go check them out. Pricey, but they have a certain something about them.
If you're a Rolling Stones fan and had a seriously good day at the bookies check out their collaboration with Moncler, but I'd advise take a seat while you check the prices...
Sadly the weekend is almost over and it's time to head back to the weekly slog of work for a lot us, as always we salute those who work weekends. Enjoy the rest of the weekend troops and fingers crossed for a decent week ahead.
Peace&Love, theSub