THE JOURNAL
The turn of the season signals a few things. Firstly, we finally get our evenings back. Secondly, the arrival of more clement weather means that summer feels like a tangible thing – albeit still three months away. We can finally come out of hibernation and start dressing solely for ourselves, rather than with the added complication of needing to survive the cold.
Sartorially speaking, there are other exciting reasons to look forward to spring, too. Not only does it coincide with the arrival of the latest duds from the world’s best brands, but it also means we can finally get our hands on a new collection from our in-house label, Mr P.
Since it was first launched in 2017, Mr P. has found value in enduring style, encouraging us to invest in wearable pieces that we can keep turning to, rather than reinventing our wardrobes every few months. It’s no surprise, then, that the new spring/summer seasonal capsule – available to shop now, with new deliveries arriving throughout the season – is filled with staples that can stay in your trans-seasonal rotation for years, while still feeling contemporary and relevant.
Designed with a network of trusty craftspeople and manufacturers that create without compromise, the collection has been made with longevity in mind, in line with Mr P.’s sustainability goal towards its entire collection meeting one or more of MR PORTER’s Craftsmanship Code attributes by 2025. Each ready-to-wear item comes with its own Digital ID – a QR code that unlocks details on the product’s provenance as well as styling tips and care and repair information.
As for the style, influences include American visual artist Ms Alice Neel and Take Ivy, the 1965 fashion photography book that documented the attire of Ivy League students from the 1960s (and then set off the Ivy style trend among Ginza’s fashion students in Tokyo). Though taking cues from age-defining trends and style icons of the past, Mr P.’s spring collection feels as contemporary as ever.
Varsity jackets were one of the hallmark staples that helped popularise the collegiate-inspired look around the world, and here Mr P. reinterprets the style in fresh new colourways – burgundy suede or black and white leather, both sourced by certified tanneries – and pared-back designs, fit for every day. Striped Oxfords and polos and cotton-chambray shirts also tap into the preppy influences, while transitional layers include a jacket-overshirt hybrid, rendered in sage-green checked cotton.
Knitwear, too, is key for the in-between months, and Mr P. suggests throwing caution to the wind with a transitional, multi-purpose offering that encourages layering and various styling combinations. Why not layer two knits, for instance? Or, better yet, try wearing an open-stitch cardigan over a knitted polo.
A subtle play of textures can make an outfit feel instantly more thought-out, as does a good choice of accessories. The spring/summer collection features the ongoing collaboration with London-based sunglasses brand Cubitts, offering up a series of can’t-go-wrong styles that eliminate all the guesswork when trying to find the right finishing touches on sunnier days (or when manifesting them, at least).
Now for the main event. Wedding season will be here before you know it, so Mr P. made sure to include a few reliable, fail-safe options to help you be the most stylish guest – or groom, for that matter – at any function. It’s no surprise that this chocolate-brown suit is part of the brand’s Permanent collection – a series of classic pieces that are designed to form the foundation of any man’s wardrobe, and are available on MR PORTER year ’round.
It’s cut from super 100s certified wool, which has a soft and fine handle, and designed to be adaptable. You can style it over a shirt or a cashmere crew neck, like we did, and choose whether you want to wear the trousers with the drawcord out, or discreetly pushed in for a more streamlined look. How’s that for versatility?