Harry Stedman 2013 Collection
Founded in 2011, Harry Stedman is named after and inspired by the father of the brand’s managing director, Philip Stedman. The look of the brand is rooted in the experiences of Harry Stedman’s life: British working class roots, military service, extensive travel and exposure to classic American styles of the 1950s and 1960s all play a part in the collection. American workwear is an omnipresent influence, and the spectre of James Dean lies behind many of the looks. Blouson jackets and heavy chinos are paired with checked shirts and t-shirts that ooze uncomplicated cool. This blue collar look is complemented by heavy jumpers and knitted accessories that add an element of British heritage to the collection. The vintage styling is completely embraced – t-shirts are tucked in under heavy belts and white knitted socks are used to add an antiquated twist to several of the outfits, illustrating the effect that wearing a piece in a different way can have and attesting to the range of options provided by quality basics. Classic American Ivy League style is another big influencer, with a smarter edge introduced through button-down shirts and loafers – a nice contrast to the rugged workwear. Both a baseball jacket and a knotted jumper are also used to give a 1950s varsity twist to a simple shirt, tie and trousers combination. With a relatively small selection of pieces available, Harry Stedman is still a young brand but an interesting premise – timeless styling and a commitment to quality ensure that it is worth keeping an eye on.