Bespoken Fall 2011: Seagoing Sophisticate
One of the most pleasant surprises of last spring’s collections was
The result is true luxury and tradition. All that good British providence, without a hint of pretension or a snub to present.
Their oxford shirts, with barreled, and short collars, carry a tag that is autographed by 16 different people, representing the 16 pairs of hands each shirt passes through at the Turnbull factory. Their pullover and 4-pocket flannel shirts, highlights of the collection, look like denim from a distance, but are actually made from fine cotton flannel—though to the touch you would swear there was cashmere in there. Fitting with the seagoing sophisticate theme, they are also perfectly located at an intersection of elegance and casual.
They’ve taken a cavalry topcoat and added a thick woolen knit to the collar; also, there is a gorgeous pinstripe jacket, with a traditional ticket pocket, and their taken on a classic two-button grey flannel, which comes completely unstructured in weathered wool (pre-crinkled, if you will). The unstructured jackets, with their whimsical lining, just call out to you. Finally, their grey pea is a wicked throwback, with big brass buttons and sumptuous quilting strengthening the interior.
Bespoken is taking sure-footed steps in exactly the right directions; they’re doing heritage their way and producing smart, sophisticated apparel that reveals the young brand’s maturity with every detail.
I’d set sail with Bespoken any day.