Gieves & Hawkes SS 2016 Menswear

Gieves & Hawkes Spring/Summer 2016 sets the tone for a leisurely pace of life in balmy surroundings, requiring a wardrobe of impeccably tailored essentials. Even on holiday, Gieves & Hawkes’ Savile Row aesthetic is one of considered, masculine precision presented in a sportier mood.

Navy, terracotta and rainforest green anchor graphic prints in complementing, tonal shades. Silk is a key component of the fabric compositions this season, lending a fluid modernity to printed shirts, lightweight outerwear including a stand-out green mac, and knit Ts. A military chevron print brings a graphic levity to Ts, shirts and foulards.

Chief Creative Officer Jason Basmajian has focussed attention on the handle and texture of the fabrics, creating easy going short sleeve Ts in lightweight printed cotton and knit linen/silks, worn under a soft suede blouson and paired with perfectly tailored wool/cotton shorts. Printed cotton/silk shirts in long and short sleeves reflect the off-duty spirit of the collection and the versatility of the key pieces which can be worn with up-town tailoring or casual shorts alike.

Favouring a light knit or printed shirt under a jacket instead of the expected shirt and tie blurs the line between formal tailoring and sportswear. The Henley knit makes an appearance under a leather jacket or lightweight suit giving a further relaxed alternative to traditional combinations, and reinforcing the concept of dressed-down tailoring. A sharp navy cotton double breasted suit with a shawl collar is perfect for travel, effortlessly covering a variety of looks to take the wearer from day into evening.

Key outerwear pieces include a softly tailored crepe wool coat with patch pockets, and a micro-print mac in a technical cotton. Leather jackets, buttoned as a shirt or zipped as a bomber, are masculine and versatile in tactile, refined finishes.

Tailoring is relaxed and features a softer construction and shoulder line, expressed in the lightest fabrics in shades of cream, tobacco, navy, green and rust. Double breasted jackets worn open over superfine knits or a polo shirt lend a confident nonchalance.

Tonal leather and suede double monk strap or Derby shoes feature alongside models in exotic skins. Deluxe trainers in crocodile, suede or leather worn with shorts for daytime dressing can be taken up a level into evening with a tailored jacket and pants.

Eveningwear codes are honoured with a silk jacquard dinner jacket in a palm motif, dressed down over a cashmere/wool/silk superfine knit, with white cotton pants. A single breasted, shawl collar slub silk evening blazer is perfect for summer evening cocktails.