Rather than do a review of Pretty Green's latest collaboration with The Beatles as soon as it landed, I decided to hold off and do it some time later. It's always easy to get caught up in the bonhomie and excitement of a new range, the real test is how it stands up over time. Will it be a new classic.?
So let's take a look some time after launch to see how it's doing.
The range is based on the 9th album by The Beatles, called simply 'The Beatles'. Over time the album was referred to as 'The White Album' due to it's rather austere cover artwork. The plain white cover, almost devoid of any superfluous design elements, save for the small embossing of the brands name. A counter statement to the overblown mayhem of Sgt. Pepper.
A plain white sleeve doesn't really give anyone much in the way of influence, especially if you intend to create a clothing collection from it. So focus was pulled on to the famous Mad Day Out photo session by Don McCullin in late-July 1968. I'll not go too deep into the history of that one, you all have google and you all know how to use it.
So, where to start. It's always interesting to see the reactions of these types of ranges. Stevie Wonder could work out that taking the looks above and transporting them into 2018 as a commercially viable clothing range ain't easy. If we ignore the dandy excesses of London and instead stick our noses into the rest of the United Kingdom it's clear that cutting about in pink suits and fur coats is a little trickier. Ambling into your local Freehouse on a Saturday night in a bright blue suit and yellow shirt is more likely to be met with 'where are you from pal' as opposed to 'what can I get you Sir'.
Always a tough one, do you develop replicas of clothing the band wore, do you mimic clothing of the time, do you take elements and use them for influence? What is clear, no matter what you pick you're in for a kicking.
I'm a fan of The Beatles and PG, so these ranges tend to hit the mark for me, but I'm an easy sell. I loved the Sgt Pepper collection, the Yellow Submarine range left me rather cold and still feels like a bit of a missed opportunity overall (sorry PG). This collection, for me, comes roaring right back to form. Lots to like.
I think it achieves a good mix of replica, influence and the obscure. For the hard-core Beatles fan there is plenty, for the random buyer wanting some rock n roll there is plenty to choose from and for those that just fancy some new PG and don't give a flying monkeys backside about The Beatles there is a lot to pick over.
Let's pick out a few stand out pieces, well....stand out in my eyes.
Rocky Raccoon
The Double Breasted Raccoon Overcoat is a real wow piece, a really good investment statement from the collection. Based on the overcoat worn by George Harrison this screams heritage cool with its timeless look. Burgundy won't be an easy colour for all, so there is also a more restrained version in black. The addition of the PG pewter buttons wold easily have elevated this on to Black Label.
Without doubt the best piece in the collection in my eyes.
Blackbird
The Blackbird Parka is one of those more expensive posh Parka's that tend to split opinion quite a bit. Jog back to the Sgt Pepper capsule and there was a lot of divided commentary around the Parkas in the range. The ones in the White Album range seem to have been better received, perhaps the more subtle badging and art rendering come across better with everyone.?
I've opted for the green one here simply because I chose the Burgundy DB Overcoat above, both Parkas are excellent options and if you're buying I'll gratefully receive.
Dear Prudence
This is where PG tend to excel with these ranges, plucking a shirt pattern worn by Ringo Starr in a studio photo and pulling it back into life. These vivd patterns aren't for everyone and for some of us can be a little tricker to pull off. To spread the options this has been created in both full colour and monochrome across both shirts and polo-shirts. Works best on the colour polo-shirt IMHO....oh, and the scarf.
A lot of us are partial to a patterned vivd shirt, so you get 2 excellent choices here.
The Beatles
Now then, how the fuck do you possibly get that iconic album artwork into the range, bar the use of white labels on the neck tags and pinch hem tabs. It's no mean feat. I mean it's simply a blank of piece of card with fuck all on it.
Regardless, I have to say, these 2 incredibly simple pieces are among my favourites from the range. I don't go for massive branding on clothing, tending to prefer brands who keep the name out of sight and allow those that know, to know. Less can be more.
This pairing of t-shirt and sweatshirt displaying nothing more than a clever embossing of the bands name just works. I can't explain that, it just does. It represents the cover artwork in a cool way that no other smart arse could have come up with without making an absolute mess. Simple and clever at the same time.
Cry Baby Cry
Right then, let's get into the 'replica' side of things. The images from the Mad Day are without doubt very cool, the fashions sported are without doubt....challenging. Fashions trends can't always transcend time as easily as expected, and there is no argument the late 60's colour and pattern clashing palette's are difficult to pull off as we head into 2019.
However, despite some of these pieces at first look appearing rather unwearable, I think some of it can be pulled off. I've seen a few of the lads rocking the pink suit, and I have to admit, it is a smart Summer option and works surprisingly well. Ultimately, up to your own sartorial barometer to decide on that.....but we can admire the balls.
Peace&Love&Mercy, theSub