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Smith-Wykes Menswear: AW14 Collection

Smith-Wykes Unveils WWI-Inspired Lookbook

Taking cues from camouflage, London- and Paris-based menswear label Smith-Wykes has released the lookbook for its autumn/winter 2014 collection. Titled ‘stealth’, the tightly edited collection features elements of the dazzle camouflage scheme developed by artist Norman Wilkinson during World War I. Instead of seeking to conceal a target by making it blend in, dazzle patterning utilises complex intersecting geometric shapes to mislead and confuse the enemy. Shot by Dan Wilton and modelled by Emmanuel O’Brien, the lookbook features tailored coats, suits and shorts in tweeded cashmere or lightly washed wool flannel. Luxury roll neck sweaters and shirts in pure white cotton or micro jacquard also make an appearance. Workwear pieces include mechanic jackets and flat-front trousers in rough-hewn cotton twill. A muted palette of khakis, air force blues and black work to anchor the bold interspersed patterns and oversized silhouettes. Research into the effectiveness of the dazzle camouflage scheme was inconclusive, but as Smith-Wykes points out: “The crews of the painted ships demonstrated such marked increases in confidence and morale that the camouflage program was continued for many years to follow – a welcome reminder of the psychological over the merely practical”. Smith-Wykes showed its Stealth collection as part of N°10 Showroom in London earlier this month. The range will be available from August at selected stockists including London stores Hub and Wolf & Badger, and online at Then and Now.

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Smith-Wykes Unveils WWI Inspired Lookbook

Images Courtesy of Marlo Saalmink:

Tom Stevens