For its autumn/winter 2013 menswear collection British fashion brand Reiss found inspiration in the images produced by Czech author and illustrator Miroslav Sasek for his This Is series of children’s books. Not only do Sasek’s popular drawings illustrate the daily activities performed by grown-ups with a playful approach but they are also renowned for conjuring an idea of mid-twentieth century classic elegance, an ideal starting point for a collection that Reiss’ creative director James Spreckley describes as being anchored by “sartorial finesse and elegance with a new modern spirit”.
Underpinning an overall sense of refinement and masculinity, the collection explores modern silhouettes and balanced proportions to great effect, with emphasis on three-piece suits, pea coats, reinterpreted military overcoats, leather jackets, bomber jackets, fur collars, and checks and houndstooth patterns. The choice of fabrics reflects the importance of the notions of maturity and sophistication in the high-quality wools, cashmere and Italian leather which come in a colour palette of black, white, soft greys, blues, burgundy, dark browns, camel, custard, moss green and accents of teal and bright orange.
