IN A lavish set-up at Christie’s more intimate outpost on Ryder Street, SW1, menswear brand Turnbull & Asser presented their SS17 collection during London Collections: Men. Dubbed Velocity: The Heir and Hero, their latest luxe offering was a full throttle drive down memory lane. Guests were spirited away to ritzy 1970s Monte Carlo where the brand found their inspiration in the antics and heroism of Grand Prix victors of the day in the renowned Monégasque spiritual home of the automobile racing sport.
Capturing the machismo spirits of F1’s playboys of yesteryear, think British champion James Hunt going head to head with contemporary Niki Lauda, Turnbull tapped into a theme that’s taken over menswear this season. All go faster racing stripes and proud colour palettes stained with team spirit these menswear maestros’ take was based around effectively juxtaposed masculine graphic aesthetics with softer summery vibes.
All the colours of a Riviera town as dusk falls were rendered in shiny dinner and day suits that gave the classics refreshing rumblings of velocity and movement. Resort wear introduced included Oxford shirts and beach shirts taking on the appearance of loungewear and pyjamas yet still striking strong silhouettes. Enriched with lashings of Brit eccentricity, flamboyant tailored separates range from patch pocket jackets and statement horizontal stripe blazers in ultra-light wool, each continuing the season’s play on movement.
Continuing to champion the artistry associated with their Made in England mantra, neckties and pocket squares influenced by various art movements of the ‘70s also extenuate this with powerful prints and pattern. Finally, an exclusive collaboration with motorcycle helmet manufacturer Davida completes the collection, cementing the overriding theme with custom crash helmets featuring unique decorative bubble visors.
by Liam Feltham
Images courtesy of Turnbull & Asser
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