John Lewis AW13 - a preview - in a word, WOW!

John Lewis's Autumn/Winter 2013

Being a blogger has helped me work out what I like and don't like. British, tweedy, heritage, quality - all work for me. I recently had a preview of John Lewis's Autumn/Winter 2013 ranges (due in the shops later in the year) and, for me, they hit the spot.

I came away feeling very excited. Classics like this suit any age - and are ideal for the middle-aged man of style - I'd love some of them for myself.

British-made heritage and classics

The John Lewis & Co range continues to develop each year and includes British-made garments and fabrics from Abraham Moon and Harris tweed. For AW13 it's inspired by twentieth century explorers and contains and some beautiful chunky knitwear. There are also waxed fabrics and workmanlike shirts, including one whose pattern is based on a pack of cards found in Scott of the Antarctic's base camp (see below). 

Joe Casely-Hayford, Private White VC, Barbour, Gloverall

There are some really mouthwatering designer collaborations. Unfortunately, Autumn sees JL's last with Joe Casely-Hayford, but they have worked with Private White VC, Barbour and Gloverall to produce very tempting products. One of my favourites is a shearling and butter-soft leather flying jacket from Goodwood by Belstaff (pictured below. Chocks away! This one will fly off the shelves). 

Another favourite is Gloverall's union jack-lined duffel coat. Having owned a vintage Royal Navy duffel coat, I immediately recognised the pattern that Gloverall has used for this - taped reinforcing seams and rough cord loops for buttoning up the wooden toggles. The feeling of quality and heritage is reinforced by a union flag lining; not printed, but strongly stitched from individual red, white and blue pieces - outstanding. This coat accompanies a tweed jacket with a similar lining. I just hope there is one of these left for me when they hit the shops.

There's also the remarkable Manchester-made pieces from Private White VC. Quite honestly, I was like a kid in a sweet shop - when they come up for sale I won't know what to go for.

I'll be writing more nearer the time (we don't really want to think about next winter when this one is only just releasing its grip), so will leave you with some images to tickle your taste buds. The John Lewis and Co products come first, followed by collaborations (images below by Grey Fox).