Brooks Brothers: The Golden Fleece Turns Black
True, in this world of mail order and online shopping, we can never fully reclaim the past and relive the good old days when all clothing in the Brooks Brothers catalogue was illustrated rather than photographed. Those were fun times. But at least some of their signature clothing is still to be found, without much restyling. You can still find a classic blue blazer with gold buttons for under $500 (just), the seersucker remains more desirable than the de rigueur designer stuff that's so prominent this season, and every so often they bring back a classic tattersall poplin shirt that you should snap up and wear until you die. Oh, and their boxer shorts are still the roomiest around (but American butts need lots of room). Now they've really gotten sassy by getting in designer Thom Browne to do a special collection, Black Fleece, as a one-off for fall 2007. Think Karl Lagerfeld for H&M, but for men as well as women, and with a far superior quality.
Browne's interpretation of the Brooks Brothers style is part Ivy League and part Paul Smith, with a whiff of Hedi Slimane, that is, nicely tailored, sharp, and schoolboyish. Most of the collection, which debuted in March, is for the younger Brooks Brothers customer. Indeed, part of the object of this fashion exercise is likely to lure new customers who would normally find the brand too staid. Highlights include a really great trench coat and lots of gray. As in, a thousand shades of gray. Expect Browne's trademark highwaters (finally, they're back!) and a slimmer fit. Coming to a Brooks Brothers near you. P.S. If you haven't seen Thom Browne's website, you should. It's spooky, with a fun film by artist-provocateur Anthony Goicolea.
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Do you know when this becomes available, and is it to be sold in the uk? love it!
I’m not sure they’ve said yet, whether it will be in the UK stores (both in London). The collection isn’t in stores in the USA until autumn, no start petitioning now.
This collection is genius, the man is a genius, It will surely bring back the rival that Brooks Brothers deserves…instead of looking like our dad we can now reinterpret a style reminesent of our grandfathers (with a modern twist) and that ain’t no bad thing.
Errrh no! There are enough preppies in this world with out this!