The collection
Tradition meets with contemporary detailing. A classic palette of black, navy and grey is interspersed with brown and shot through with flashes of red, moss and Stewart blue, while a strong purple story infuses tailoring and casualwear alike for Daks. The fabrics – mostly developed as exclusives with UK mills – include a host of traditional checks including Sheppard checks and Glen checks alongside Donnegal and Harris Tweed fabrications.
It is an unashamedly British collection that smacks of authenticity having teamed with UK mills in a season when Italian and European mills are reflecting the influence of Dolce & Gabbana’s tartan catwalks. It will undoubtedly appeal to the key Japanese customer base but the rich fabrics on the tailored separates offer an easily smart alternative for retailers seeking premium smart casualwear. More three piece and db options inject a dandyish edge but the formal tailoring block is otherwise softened with a lighter canvas and with less-pronounced shoulders.
Key pieces
- Harris Tweed 2sb with suede elbow patches
- Dogtooth collegiate style bomber jacket with knitted collar and waistband
- Belted parka with storm flaps
- Brown herringbone 3sb jacket with buttoning patch pockets
- Tartan casual shirts
Brand comment
Robert McConville, menswear designer: “The whole collection is titled Highland Fling. So there are lots of checks and we have integrated lots of donnegals, herringbones and tweeds into the range. There are lots of purples in the range as well as greens, browns and rich oranges. There is a more structured look and the arm hole is higher while the lapels roll high and the shirting has a very English feel using micro structures. From a commercial point of view, the co-ordination across the range makes it easy for buyers to buy into it in different ways, whether they buy a section of it or pick different bits out. I’m confident that the db shape will come through more in autumn 09 – though whether or not it will work for every retailer will depend on their audience. For us, casualwear will become a more important part of the range and we are seeing buyers getting into it more confidently too.”
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