Pullover Shirts

Its always a bit tricky to concentrate on Spring/Summer when have last 4 weeks have been focused on the seasons which are over 9 months away, the current weather here hasn't exactly been making me optimistic either. But I have come across an essential wardrobe item for the soon to be scorching (fingers crossed) season ahead. The pullover shirt is a somewhat overlooked item. But the time has come for this mixed up item to take the limelight. Mixing the formal look of a smart button down and the casual feel of the polo shirt. I like the fact you can layer these buttoned to the top with a cardigan or jacket for a sharp look and in the same breath leave it unbuttoned and throw on some shorts and its a beachwear beast. Heres some of the best I have found...

Marni at H&M

I have to admit that Marni is not a brand I was particularly familiar with compared to previous H&M collaborations, but I have to say having seen the collection and having had time to explore the brands other in house projects I am suitably impressed. Consuelo Castiglioni masterminded the brand in 1994 and continues to be the designer and driving force behind the brand. Known for their energetic prints and fairly bold styling the collection for H&M seems perfectly timed for the current summer trends. Giving Castiglioni license to really showcase what the brand embodies but still delivering a highly diverse and wearable selection of wares. The collection hits selected stores on March 8th and I will definitely be making the trip down to London to pick up some selected pieces including the patterned short sleeved shirt which I love...

Dana Lee SS12 Collection

The launch of the brilliant OneEightNine online store has brought a new brand to my attention. New York based Dana Lee has created a superb menswear collection that offers uncomplicated summer style in some of the most interesting colour schemes I have seen. Dana's creative process insures every item is limited, handcrafted and constructed with the upmost care and attention to detail. The thing I enjoy most about the SS12 collection is how the loose fitting light materials, bold colours and the photography conjures up the feeling of 80's American summertime. Look out for it to hit OEN in the next few weeks...

Billy Reid Mens AW12 Collection

Billy Reid initially came on my radar after their very successful collection with Levi's. Since then the brand have become one of my favourite and mot consistent performers in menswear. For AW12 they took it to the catwalk and its no surprise it is their strongest collection to date. It really catapults the brand into the forefront of the current tailoring phenomenon. Their southern american inspired cuts and pastel washed colours that sculpted previous collections are prevalent and bring a refreshing new dimension to the formal looks making them accessible to both casual and formal markets. The knitwear and outerwear was simply brilliance...

YMC Mens SS12 Collection

Following the great success and acclaim of their previous AW11 Collection YMC continue in the same vain into their newest offerings. Loose fitting casual cuts are the star of the show and they continue to deliver great combinations of colours. The camel and khaki shades tie the outfits together with a host of blues and burgundies. I think if your going to choose a colour palette for the summer this collection isn't too far from the mark, I particularly like the trousers and the overhead linen shirt which is a compromise between the smart shirt and casual polo...

Prada AW12 Mens Collection

Well enough has been said about the star studded Prada Mens AW12 Show in Milan but what about the collection itself. It was a masterclass in true Italian gentlemans style, long jackets cut to perfection, double breasted suits and polo necks peeping from collared shirts. I think it is testament to how fine the sartorial elements in this collection fit together that even in the absence of a tie every look is very sharp, smart and masculine. I loved the deep satin colours in the show, the quality of the materials really shone through, and the geometric patterns on the scarves, shirting and outerwear which has continued from last seasons line. Its great to see tailoring taking centre stage this season and being interpreted in so many different ways is really got me pondering a well overdue new suit...

Burberry Prorsum Mens AW12 Collection

The Burberry Prorsum Mens Collection is always one of the highlights of the Milan fashion calendar and for AW12 it once again did not disappoint. Christopher Bailey seems to have the midas touch of late and the collection was a triumph from start to finish. The tailoring in this collection was stunning and showed the brand is intent on making their mark on the mens sartorial domain. The opening looks showcased a selection of beautiful grey suits which paired with tweed flat caps and english resin animal head umbrellas (which are a perfect winter accessory) completely immersed you in the english gentleman mood. Alongside the tailoring was a very nice selection of knitwear with varying necklines and unique patterning but very much kept the very clean cut, smart aesthetics of the rest of the show. I thought the collection flowed beautifully and as you would expect from Burberry ended with some strong outerwear and also some very interesting velvet suits in autumnal shades. Altogether it was another faultless outing for the brand, even when critiquing the small details in the brightly coloured suede gloves and leather shoulder strapped umbrellas there was no real weaknesses to be found. In the words of a gentleman bravo...