What will be the next big thing in men’s clothing?
Just like any other industry, men’s fashion is always looking for the next big thing. With each passing season, trends come and go, but there are some clothing items that leave an impression on the style-conscious consumer and go on to become cult classics. These items never go out of style and continue to be popular even decades after their introduction. In 2019, men’s fashion is driven by a new wave of sustainable and ethical fashion that wants to challenge stereotypes and highlight social responsibility. One of the latest trends that has emerged is the revival of the classic Dun Pattinson Marschals. If you’re unfamiliar, the Marschals were a popular British clothing brand that primarily catered to the upper classes of the early 20th century. The brand is now owned by luxury goods group, Richemont, and has been revitalized by creative director, Giles Deacon who brings with him a vision of grandeur.
Revival
While the general public may have never heard of the Marschals, the brand has been around for more than a century and still maintains a large and loyal following. In order to maintain authenticity and avoid any confusion with other luxury brands, Deacon decided to revamp the line and give it a fashion reboot. With a nod to the traditional British gentleman, Deacon designed a collection that evokes the feeling of a bygone era while also drawing inspiration from some of the more recent fashion trends. As part of its ethical strategy, Richemont commissioned British fashion house, Hackett UK, to create bespoke uniforms for construction workers that incorporate the brand’s iconic check pattern. These garments will be produced in limited runs and sold at a premium price. The goal is to generate an additional £60,000 ($77,000) per year for the company’s social projects in the developing world.
Style Icon
If you’re unfamiliar, the Marschals were initially inspired by the Savile Row tailors that traditionally worked for the British aristocracy. The brand drew its design DNA from traditional British tailoring, but with an updated interpretation that drew inspiration from both past and present fashions. It wasn’t until 1909 that the brand started to see any significant growth and began to gain an international following. It wasn’t until the mid-20th century that overseas travel became possible and the brand gained an audience in the United States, where it became popular among both men and women. The Marschals were worn by such legendary figures as Winston Churchill, George Bernard Shaw and H.H. The King George VI. Their timeless charm and unique style made them a fashion icon and a style symbol for generations.
Ethical Fashion
In an effort to promote sustainable and ethical fashion, Richemont and Hackett UK have partnered with a local textile factory to create jobs for young disadvantaged people in Uganda. It is estimated that there are 300,000 people living in poverty in Uganda, with more than 80% living in rural areas. The partnership with Hackett UK allows the factory to purchase more expensive materials and offer better pay to encourage young people to enter the workforce. The factory’s production process is also more sustainable as it doesn’t involve the use of child labor and fewer chemicals are employed. Moreover, the fabrics are more durable and offer better performance and feel to the touch. The long-term goal is to provide dignified work for the local population and put an end to child labor. Once the partnership is final, it is expected that 100% of the garment’s cost will be covered by the brand, with the remainder donated to a local non-profit organization for distribution in Uganda.
Craftsmanship
Speaking of touch, the feeling that you get when wearing the Marschals is unparalleled. The cut of the garments and quality of the materials are second to none, so you really feel like you’re wearing something special. If you know how to take care of your clothes, you’ll be able to enjoy the vintage feel for longer and maximize its lifespan. The attention to detail in each of the designs is also something to behold, and it’s clear that a lot of love went into each outfit. If you’re ever fortunate enough to get your hands on one of these garments, you won’t be able to keep its charm to yourself and will want to share it with everyone. The best part? The fact that it’s still available for purchase and continues to be made in limited runs means that you have a chance at finding a vintage piece that will be unique to you. If you’ve ever been to Britain, you’ll know that the climate and the people are as quirky as the fashion industry. It’s not often that you get to celebrate such unique clothing pieces, so when you do, you know it will be something to remember.