Duchamp AW14

Duchamp's presentation of their Autumn/Winter '14 collection at London Collections:Men was held at The Royal Academy of Arts. No static presentation this, models (bearded and not, grey-haired and not) played cards, fenced with walking sticks and mingled with visitors. This approach showed of the tailoring to its best advantage - a man is reassured if the cut of his suit allows him to wield a sword.

.

Duchamp's offering becomes more subtle and sophisticated by the year. Bold checks that seem muted from afar; velvet, tweed, beautiful cloths and outstanding tailoring make this a collection that subtly has something for everyone. Neither extreme nor conventional in any way, Duchamp's clothes are still different enough to satisfy those with a dandyish streak - see, for example, the single-breasted check suit with peak lapels and double-breasted waistcoat. And look at the sumptuous cloth of the dinner jacket in the third image below.

See Duchamp's website for their current collection.

Grey Fox comparing notes about check suits with one of the Duchamp models

Duchamp cufflinks - British craftsmanship at its best - video

Over the weekend I heard from photographer & style blogger, Jonathan Daniel Pryce, who had just returned from Kent, where he had gone to meet Duchamp London's cufflink craftsman. 

Although I know that they use British products where they can, I was surprised and delighted to hear that Duchamp's cufflinks are made in the UK. We tend to assume that such pieces are imported for all but the very exclusive end of the market.

Jonathan kindly sent me photos of his visit, during which he watched Duchamp's jeweller create each piece by hand in his small studio. He photographed the process from beginning to end and spoke to the craftsman, capturing the interview on video (below). 

The Cufflink Artisan from Duchamp London on Vimeo.

Here are some of Jonathan's images and the finished products. See Duchamp's website here for more information about these lovely British-made pieces.

I've talked about Duchamp before here on the blog. Their classic, with a colourful twist, designs are ideal for the man looking for something different. The quality of the cut and fabrics is very high.

All photos Jonathan Daniel Pryce/Duchamp

 

Duchamp colours

I was sent these images which were taken recently at Duchamp's menswear store in Westfield, London. They show well their clever and novel use of colour, texture and form in tailoring and accessories. 

Enjoy these glimpses of Duchamp's Spring/Summer 2013 collection and see my earlier post on Duchamp here.

 

 

 

 

 

Grey Fox interviewed by Duchamp

After my review yesterday of their menswear, Duchamp was curious enough about this old blogger to kindly interview me for their blog, asking some style Q&As.

If you're curious enough about the grey world of Grey Fox style (and to see me looking VERY stern), have a look at Duchamp's blog.

Duchamp - style and colour

One of the joys of my search for fashion and style in middle age has been coming across brands new to me and which I wouldn't have considered as an option before.

One of these is Duchamp, which has an outlet in a local store. First impressions are of blues and neutrals, highlighted by vibrant stabs of colour in shirts, linings, ties, pocket squares and accessories. Such display suggested clothes only for the young dandy. However, having looked more closely, this isn't the case, because Duchamp offers a subtle twist on classic designs, made with beautiful fabrics and cuts. 

I'm going to regret not buying a wool hopsack blazer (the fabric made in England) in the last of the sales in my local outlet (one has to stop somewhere!). I tried it on a couple of times; it hugs the shoulders with a softness that flatters the wearer and makes it so comfortable to wear. The details in the jacket add to an impression of carefully-considered quality.

That may all sound a bit over-the-top (this isn't a sponsored post either), but Duchamp seem to have nailed it in the way that BMWs used to be known as 'drivers' cars' because they delivered, and often exceeded, what owners expected of them. That's down to outstanding and detailed design. This impression was confirmed when I briefly met Duchamp's designer, Gianni Colarossi, in January. He also told me how the brightest Duchamp colours are being reined back to refine the classic, elegant nature of the tailoring. I suggest a visit and to a shop, or look online at Duchamp's website. Let me know what you think.

Here is a selection from the Spring/Summer 13 collection, available now.

Snapshot - blazer and polo neck jumper

Blazer and polo neck from Massimo Dutti, pocket square from Duchamp.