THE JOURNAL

Unfortunately for those of us who stumble around in the morning struggling to find matching socks – let alone matching clothing – being well-dressed doesn’t come with a guidebook. If it did, though, we’re pretty sure one of the rules would be: wear Lemaire. The French brand, which has been around for almost 30 years in various iterations, has carved a niche in the market for realistically stylish clothes. That is, pragmatic, no-nonsense fashion that looks effortlessly good in almost any situation.
Helmed by Mr Christophe Lemaire and Ms Sarah Linh-Tran, an offensively gorgeous couple who work as co-designers, Lemaire hits the mark of fashion that is somehow incredibly tasteful yet never dull; quietly powerful clothes that exude taste and intelligence from every finely constructed fibre. Super-clean suit jackets in muted colours sit next to fuss-free trousers in tactile cotton, and nearly everything is timeless. Here are just a few of our favourites from the brand’s latest collection.
01.
The blazer
This isn’t just tailoring; this is Lemaire tailoring. Which means that each line is perfect, the fabric is wondrous, and the colour is understated in a way that somehow also makes a statement. This jacket’s shade is mushroom, an unusual colour that will nonetheless go perfectly well with a pair of minimal black trousers.
02.
The camp-collar shirt
Prints aren’t found too often in Lemaire’s collections – the brand generally prefers to keep things clean – but recently, it has introduced more and more of them, and clearly has a knack for it. Cut slightly loosely, this camp-collar shirt with a geometric print is what they call a “summer staple”.
03.
The knitted polo shirt
Rare is the item of clothing that feels as though it could have been just as fashionable 50 years ago as it is today. The greyish-green jacquard polo knit is just that, though, and speaks to Lemaire’s knack for timeless design.
04.
The pleated trousers
With a tapered fit, and in a dark charcoal colour that is softer than black, these pleated cotton trousers are an easy thing to slot into any man’s wardrobe to give his outfits a pared-back update.
05.
The leather jacket
Want a leather jacket for life? Look no further. This classic blouson style in dark brown leather will age well in fabrication as well as aesthetic. Wear it with a sleek pair of tailored trousers and some polished Derby shoes.