Smith-Wykes AW12 and SS13

One of the less favourable things about Pitti Uomo is that, falling at the beginning of the menswear season, great designers such as Smith-Wykes can get lost in the following Milan and Paris shows. Though one of the great things about Pitti Uomo is that designers, such as Rory Wykes, approach you and make you aware of such gems in menswear. Rory approached me at an evening event by chance, hearing my name from close-by and decided to introduce himself over some delicious Italian nibbles and Prosecco. 

Smith-Wykes is formed of Mr Smith and Mr Wykes. Rory has a menswear background having worked for the likes of iconic outwear brand Baracuta and smart tailoring label Carven. Whilst Michaell, originally from New York now living in Paris, brings a business edge as well as keeping his eye on the creative arts.

There is a great amount of passion and attention to detail that has gone into this SS13 collection, as has in this seasons (well, AW12 - it is quite wintery outside) above in the great short video. With a focus on the the sports-luxe, a key trend for 2013, driven from the urban city gent and grass-roots inspiration from this summers sporting events, it ticks all the boxes. The soft cotton shirting in washed vibrant shades paired with techy fabric shorts or a large-stitched knits, every piece has its own relevance and purpose in a storming collection that is a visual delight. 

This was no doubt one of the highlights from the enormous Pitti Uomo show, as well as Capsule in Paris, so I will leave you with their statement...

DRIVEN BY SHARED VALUES OF CREATIVE INDEPENDENCE AND GENEROSITY

OF SPIRIT, WE CREATED SMITH-WYKES AS A CELEBRATION OF CHARACTER.

WE ARE ROOTED IN THE BELIEF THAT MEN’S CLOTHING SHOULD WORK

TO COMPLEMENT, RATHER THAN OVERSHADOW, THE INDIVIDUAL.

BASED IN LONDON AND PARIS, WE APPROACH EACH COLLECTION WITH OUR

SHARED APPRECIATION OF WIT, MUSIC AND CHARACTER.

WE STRIVE TO TRANSLATE THIS INTO AN AESTHETIC THAT IS MODERN,

MASCULINE, REFINED AND DETAIL-FOCUSED.