Proposing a coast

There’s surely been no better time to launch a summer collection inspired by our beloved English coast following on from one of the longest, driest summers on record. More summers like that and we’d stray far less from our beloved shores.

In only his third season at the helm of Gieves & Hawkes, Creative Director Jason Basmajian’s (pictured below) palette for 2015 delivers subdued but elegant hues that blend tones of ocean and marine blues alongside greys, sands, acquas and teals. Geometric cotton scarves inject a graphic edge to the pieces.

“Basmajian’s penchant for all things monochrome is evidenced in linen jackets and scarves in complimentary more subtle hues, while spotted knitted-ties add a certain nonchalance to the look.”

Combining different shades of a single colour adds sophistication (see below) – the same for textures which are employed to great effect too: understated greys fused with teals, navies and blues. Basmajian’s penchant for all things monochrome is evidenced in linen jackets and scarves in complimentary more subtle hues, while spotted knitted-ties add a certain nonchalance to the look.

Sartorialee’s eye was drawn in particular to a sublime black Irish linen double-breasted dinner suit (below, centre). It’s an age old question whether you can really wear navy and black together? If the tones are particularly similar, it’s a good idea to layer them next to or on top of each other so their differences are more apparent and there is no better example of how this has been achieved in this ensemble. The formality of the suit is, for want of a better word, casualised by a simple fitted navy blue t-shirt and textured navy scarf for a look that won’t leave you hot under the collar at the summer ball.