Kent & Curwen Fall/Winter 2013: The Bright Young Things

For Fall/Winter 2013 Kent & Curwen celebrates the “privileged life” and takes its cue from the “Bright Young Things” that lit upBritain’s high society in the 1920s. Exuding style and a bohemian adventurousness, these young aristocrats set the bar for living the good life. Throughout the collection, the clever use of colour, prints and emblems, and smart silhouettes capture this spirit, which is brought up to date with modern fabrics and styling, making the Kent & Curwen Fall/ Winter 2013 collection truly contemporary and exciting. Bright Ideas Among London’s most influential Bright Young Things were socialites (like the Mitford sisters), authors (such as Evelyn Waugh), and photographers (notably Cecil Beaton). This aristocratic, fashion-forward set dedicated its time and energy to pursuing the arts and living large; they also provide inspiration for Kent & Curwen’s smart-casual range for Fall/Winter 2013.  The look is collegiate and offers a sense of belonging as in the eye-catching navy blue club jacket, which offers modern details like grey knit piping and a striking new Three Lions badge that has been handmade by artisans in India. That same sense of “membership” can be found with another semi – formal blazer, this one crafted from heavy-gauge cotton that gives a relaxed feel. It teams perfectly with separates in the season’s most trend-setting colours: ivory, burgundy, and grey – all of which are present in a simple checked cotton shirt and a classic V-neck cricket jumper. Outerwear also captures the mood this season with muted colours and interesting details. The sleeveless down vest in grey, for example, is quilted for modern styling, but also has contrasting brown buttons and a detachable fur-trimmed hood that adds a touch of luxury. Elsewhere, a dark green hunting jacket has long been an aristocratic British wardrobe must-have, but this season’s version offers subtle new elements like a micro-print woven fabric, subtle quilting for extra warmth and sleek black piping for a modern edge. Also making waves is a hooded blouson in fashionable burgundy. It boasts such details as patch pockets with button closures, weather-proof finishing on the exterior and an exclusive Three Lions jacquard lining on the inside. Fundraiser Finery Whether your funds are being raised for business or for a good cause, dressing the part is essential, as defined by Kent & Curwen’s formal range. Here, Kent & Curwen continues to explore its heritage, but combines these ideas with decidedly modern notions of luxury. One excellent example is a pair of dark green-and-purple plaid trousers with matching waistcoat. In a novel twist, the vest has a lapel– giving it dressed-up flair of its own – no suit jacket required. Wear with a green-and-white checked shirt and a knit bowtie to add a bold touch of British eccentricity. This season’s standout three-piece suit seems quite traditional on first look – an ideal, pinstriped charcoal grey ensemble. But the fabric, a specially selected and woven wool, is supremely comfortable and the perfect winter weight. It also offers a subtle mélange effect that captures the light and is in perfect sync with today’s hottest menswear trend. For the most formal occasions, Kent & Curwen invites men to embrace a rich retro look in the form of a black velvet evening jacket. The plush fabric, satin lapels and oversized velvet bowtie are a throwback to vintage glamour, but the perfect fit and crisp herringbone dress shirt are made with the modern man in mind. Team Spirit Kent & Curwen emphasized its sporting roots in its collection of casual wear, too. This is typified in the peach-fuzz softness of a range of flannel shirts as well as in the graphic T-shirts. This season’s standouts include tone-on-tone Kent & Curwen emblems and new variations on the Three Lions such as the bold merging of a traditional Union jack with a hipster-cool lion head. The Union Jack also shows up in a range of bold red-white-and-blue rugby shirts that sport the flag across the yoke. Also making a splash this winter is the new limited-edition denim collection, which includes smart five-pocket jeans in dark blue denim with gold stitching. Those feeling fashion forward will wear the cuffs turned up to show off the very British check lining.