Latest news with #Sunspel
Telegraph
06-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Telegraph
How moto swagger style took pole position
It was a weekend spent driving around the bucolic Cotswolds in a vintage Morgan – perilously devoid of modern safety features, absolutely delicious to sweep around in – that alighted me to the joys of that golden era of gentleman drivers. It's a phenomenon celebrated to grand effect at Goodwood Revival, where one finds oneself in the kind of vignettes you'd expect in a Julian Fellowes period piece or amongst the well-heeled of West Egg. The world of F1 is a world apart from this more mannered approach, but seductive nevertheless in terms of its men's style influence. Motor racing has a curious relationship with fashion; anything too posed and considered doesn't fit well, but the icons of F1 have long presented themselves in a certain way to build their image. There is a rock star sense of swagger to moto style that's in keeping with the dynamic, pulsing adrenalin of the race (a world away from yours truly pootling down country lanes in silk scarves etc). Perhaps there's something in the roaring machismo of the whole affair, and its air of danger, that parlays into the style of some of Formula 1's most legendary figures. It's particularly pertinent at the moment, as rounds of Grand Prix get underway and as Brad Pitt's new F1 film gets set to debut, the actor appearing at a recent Hungarian Grand Prix in sharp aviators and a sage green Sunspel jersey top. There are also a raft of motoring collaborations afoot, as the season revs into action. Let's start with that bellwether of hifalutin machismo, Steve McQueen in the 1971 adrenalin-fuelled classic Le Mans. Yes, we're talking about an actor playing a character rather than the real deal – more on those guys later – but it's something that's cemented in the public imagination of what F1 style means and McQueen himself was a keen racer, depicting the Le Mans racing supremo Michael Delaney with all the brooding brio you'd expect. Brands flocked to be included during filming; Tag Heuer supplied four iterations of the striking Monaco watch that the actor wears throughout, inspired as he was by his stunt double Jo Stiffert and the fact that Stiffert's overalls were emblazoned with the watch brand's logo. His Persol sunglasses became ocular icons in their own right; a pair of 714s that are still bestsellers today. Of course, it helps that Steve McQueen looks, well, like Steve McQueen – that sweep of ashy blond hair and ability to wear sleek leathers and look action ready and masculine as opposed to Middle Aged Dad Does Top Gear. There's a showmanship to F1 that's long suited the world of style; the pit walk doubling as catwalk, particularly now. Stirling Moss back in the 1950s was one of the first to consider his look and create an ensemble as part of his 'brand'; tailored suiting and a penchant for excellent knitwear both on and off the track. The knits are a case in point; all too often it's an item at the more 'sedate' end of the menswear spectrum – chunky cable-knit cardigans that could look fogeyish in the wrong hands – were it not for the fact that Moss wore his while steering a path to racing glory. It was a very British approach, substantial but not as cumbersome as a creaking leather jacket. Then in the 1970s, just as McQueen was lending his Americanised glamour to the sport, our Caledonian firecracker Jackie Stewart – the 'Flying Scot' – was taking pole position with his very British sense of style, charmingly off the era and a hark back to that era of gentleman racers of the 1920s and 1930s; tweed flat caps, Harrington jackets and certain elements that were also pure Seventies; starry aviator shades and paisley patterned shirts. Add a sweep of Beatles-esque hair down to here and he was a pop star of the circuit. Gilles Villeneuve followed Stewart in terms of track-side presence; the Canadian would wear sleek, thin-gauge polo necks alongside his sponsorship jackets, while at the other end of the scale James Hunt would swagger on to the circuit in distressed denims and vest tops, Californian surfer-esque hair tousled just so. And now? Whatever of you think of his career pivots and occasional wrong turns, you've got to hand it to Lewis Hamilton, who coincidentally was the recent co-chair of the Met Gala, anointed by Anna Wintour thanks to his outré style (the theme was a celebration of black dandyism). Hamilton's style is bold, singular, striking and a world apart from the traditionally 'masculine' attire of his peers and forbearers; streetwear, electric colours, kilts on occasion and a dusting of jewellery. He enjoys dress-up and peacockery; last year while launching a collaboration with Dior Men he told me, 'When I first started out in F1 I felt a lot of pressure to conform but, over the years, I began to feel more comfortable in how I style myself. In my early 20s I had the opportunity to go to a fashion show in Paris for the first time and I was blown away. It really inspired me to start expressing myself fully through fashion.' That he does, and that he does it during the pageantry of F, is laudable; he's as bold during his pit walks as he is during his front-row appearances. His rather more tame counterpart more recently has been Charles Leclerc, the Monégquase champion who recently collaborated with the Ferrari Style branch of clothing, parlaying his south of France-inflected style – white jeans, crisp denim shirts, white T-shirts, downplayed sweatshirts – into the range. There are natural ways to lend moto style to your own wardrobe without looking overly Top Gear and try-hard. The Belstaff Trialmaster, for example, may be a little 'Soho Farmhouse' with the price tag to match, but it is the genuine article and built to last; it began life in 1948 as kit for the Scottish Six Day Trial motorcycle race. Ferrari too have ventured into the sartorial qualifiers with its 'Ferrari Style' collection of clothing; it's designed to be less overtly branded than you'd think. Skiwear brand Perfect Moment has recently joined forces with the BWT Alpine Formula One team to create a capsule wardrobe of black run-worthy ski ensembles. It's easy to slap on some logomania, but it's more artful and stylish to evoke the kind of dynamism and machismo of moto-style in sleek leathers and neat, precise denim than brand yourself like car-mad cattle. Perhaps with a sleek polo neck tucked underneath, or the Steve McQueen Persols that call to mind the man himself without looking like costumery. The guys that did it best perfected a formula (1) of their own. Get the moto look
Times
12-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Times
The best men's designer sunglasses to shop in 2025
Summer is sunglasses time, of course. And while we are great fans of the classics — and who doesn't look good in a pair of Ray-Ban Wayfarers (as sported by Tom Cruise in Risky Business), American Optical Original Pilot aviators (as issued to the crew of Apollo 11 in their survival kits), Persol 714s (see Steve McQueen in The Thomas Crown Affair) or Vuarnet Legend 06s (thank you, 007, in No Time to Die) — there are new styles that are worth exploring. Some of the best models come care of collaborations, creating characterful mash-ups. The first that caught our eye, so to speak, is the Ray-Ban x Lenny Kravitz partnership, which has produced a 'reverse' version of the US brand's famous aviators. This style was designed in 1937 for American pilots and has become a classic. Last year Ray-Ban decided to play with it and introduced a concave lens in place of the usual convex one. Kravitz clearly enjoys the idea of reimagining the aviator: 'It's about breaking boundaries, embracing individuality and seeing the world from a new perspective through those innovative lenses.' The models come in black, chrome and a limited-edition gold version, and etched discreetly on the top of the left lens you'll see the musician's signature. • This article contains affiliate links that can earn us revenue But if lens bending strikes you as a little out there, why not try a pair of Sunspel x Cutler and Gross shades? A British maker of elegant luxury casualwear for men, Sunspel was founded in 1860 and to this day manufactures T-shirts in its factory in Long Eaton, Derbyshire. The brand is all about quality, simplicity and a certain type of no-nonsense Britishness. It has, for example, made a couple of collections with Paul Weller, which were a modern take on sporty mod knits. Sunspel x Cutler and Gross Dark Turtle sunglasses, £395, Enter the Sunspel x Cutler and Gross sunglasses collaboration, a marriage made in British minimalist design heaven. Cutler and Gross is about a century younger than Sunspel, founded in 1969 by Graham Cutler and Tony Gross, who met while studying to become opticians, and its sunglasses are now handmade in Italy. The brand has developed a model for Sunspel with an acetate frame in dark brown, black or pewter with matching tonal lenses, a tapered temple with diamond-shaped rivets and a heavy brow line that gives it an air of old-school cool. At the other end of the British sartorial spectrum sits Huntsman of Savile Row, established in 1849. A dive into this tailor's ledgers reveals a host of stylish customers: Clark Gable, Paul Newman, Lawrence Olivier, Gregory Peck and Dirk Bogarde — and more recently the film director Matthew Vaughn, the creator of the Kingsman franchise for which Huntsman served as inspiration and location. (Incidentally, Cutler and Gross has an eyewear collaboration with Kingsman too.) Huntsman x EB Meyrowitz Grosvenor sunglasses, £1,350, Now the Savile Row tailor comes together with EB Meyrowitz, an optician that was founded in 1875 and has its roots in making eyewear for early motorists, mountaineers and aviators. Today EB Meyrowitz is based in the Royal Arcade off Bond Street and handmakes its frames. For Huntsman it has imagined some archetypical designs in acetate: an aviator, a teardrop shape, a rectangular style and a round one. It's a good selection designed to suit different face shapes, and each model oozes quality (witness the three gold pins on the temples of the Savoy and Grosvenor models). The tinted Zeiss lenses protect against UV and there is added back-coating to counteract the sun reflecting from the reverse of the lens into the eye. By Rosie Davenport Inspired by the silhouette of the iconic cat eye sunglasses worn by Bob Dylan on tour throughout the mid-1960s, this sleek black frame from Jacques Marie Mage features polarised lenses. The Los Angeles-based brand is also behind a collection of quiet luxury shades worn by the character Kendall Roy in the TV show Succession, which are made in a limited series of about 50 per model and colour. £1,580, Jacques Marie Mage at Harrods With its leather bridge detailing and signature screws, Cartier's Santos de Cartier pilot sunglasses are a great twist on the classic aviator silhouette with touches of distinctive details taken from the brand's bestselling watch design. £1,035, Cartier at Harrods Made in Italy, Ferrari's aviator frames have an understated sporty aesthetic in homage to the brand's rich racing history and are crafted from lightweight acetate. £584, Ferrari at Harrods The peachy tinted lenses on these Brunello Cucinelli gives the pair a retro twist, as do the chunky frames and oversized silhouette. £605, Brunello Cucinelli at Mr Porter Mr Porter's collaboration with the British eyewear brand Cubitts includes this pair of everyday frames. The rounded shape, tortoiseshell and brown lenses makes them particularly perfect for the sunny summer months. £150, Mr Porter
Fashion Network
28-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Fashion Network
SS25 collabs ramp up as the sun shines
Collabs are coming thick and fast for the summer season as brands aim to maximise the sales potential of sunny weather. And as the UK and other countries enjoy a mini heatwave, those sales could be made earlier than usual this year. Menswear retailer Moss has linked up with Taylor Morris for an eyewear collab. It's introducing six 'timeless Taylor Morris frames to complement both suiting and casualwear'. Taylor Morris frames are named after London streets and include classic tortoiseshell to sleek black styles. The collab pieces are available online now and in 20 Moss store locations in the UK, including in its new flagship on Oxford Street that opens next month. Meanwhile, another menswear brand, upmarket Sunspel, has worked with The Shepherd Undercover to unveil their very first collab. It's available at Undercover stores and its webstore plus the online Sunspel store. It launched at the weekend although it won't be available in Japan until 7 May. The seasonless collection by designer Jun Takahashi is built around the theme 'simple, grown-up pieces I want to wear right now'. There's a relaxed fit T-shirt, a pyjama shirt inspired by archival Sunspel nightwear, and pyjama pants̶, each featuring dual branding. In womenswear, the end of this week sees Rixo collaborating with Dragon Diffusion and unveiling a limited edition seven-piece accessories collection. It celebrates the artistry of traditional weaving with Dragon Diffusion's handwoven leather bags drawing inspiration from centuries-old global techniques. There's an Amoria handbag described as 'the perfect travel companion'; a large Lucine basket bag; and a Roxella leather belt, inspired by a 1970s vintage piece. A pre-launch waiting list is open now with the items available for pre-order from 2 May and to purchase from 12 May. Next up is luxury retailer END. that kicks off the next chapter of its 20th anniversary via a debut collaboration with Lacoste, unveiling an eight-piece capsule collection 'inspired by the golden era of 90's arcade racing, the nostalgic charm of seaside amusements and the timeless style of the British seaside'. The 'unique' collab features bold graphics and an oversized navy-blue check that anchor the collection, nodding to classic racing flannel and arcade décor, drawing inspiration from cult classic racing games like Sega Rally and Need for Speed. 'Nostalgic motifs and considered design details reimagine the golden age of gaming and trackside style' across a full tracksuit, a statement Blouson Jacket, refined polo and jersey wardrobe staples. Completing the collection is the Umpire sneaker, reimagined in off-white hairy suede, finished with vintage-inspired metal Lacoste crocodile logos and exclusive appliqué club patches. Another big name, Lee, has announced a women's collab with artist Ruohan Wang featuring 'whimsical designs [that] bloom on denim in time for spring and festival season'. The Chinese-born artist based in Berlin is known for her vibrant use of colour and those whimsical creations. The Lee x Ruohan Wang collection combines classic Lee denim and 'season-right silhouettes with bold, graphic designs'. Included are the Lee Rider Jacket reimagined with Wang's signature floral patterns and exclusive illustrations created specifically for this collaboration. The colour palette goes from warm yellows to electric blues and 'reflects the collection's energetic and feminine spirit'. Also included are wide-leg jeans, a denim vest with a 'Car' graphic, a cropped jacket and skort, a coverall and graphic T-shirts. Finally, Sunday Swagger, the American performance golf and lifestyle apparel company has announced an unusual collab… with drinks brand Guinness. We're told the Guinness x Sunday Swagger collaboration 'will bring style and substance to the fairway, blending tradition with swagger for those who play hard and unwind even harder'. It combines premium golf apparel with the famous beverage brand 'in a way that feels both elevated and playful'. The visual elements and colour palette tap into the well-known look of Guinness for T-shirts and polo tops, as well as quarter zips, performance hoodies, and jackets.
Fashion Network
28-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Fashion Network
SS25 collabs ramp up as the sun shines
Collabs are coming thick and fast for the summer season as brands aim to maximise the sales potential of sunny weather. And as the UK and other countries enjoy a mini heatwave, those sales could be made earlier than usual this year. Menswear retailer Moss has linked up with Taylor Morris for an eyewear collab. It's introducing six 'timeless Taylor Morris frames to complement both suiting and casualwear'. Taylor Morris frames are named after London streets and include classic tortoiseshell to sleek black styles. The collab pieces are available online now and in 20 Moss store locations in the UK, including in its new flagship on Oxford Street that opens next month. Meanwhile, another menswear brand, upmarket Sunspel, has worked with The Shepherd Undercover to unveil their very first collab. It's available at Undercover stores and its webstore plus the online Sunspel store. It launched at the weekend although it won't be available in Japan until 7 May. The seasonless collection by designer Jun Takahashi is built around the theme 'simple, grown-up pieces I want to wear right now'. There's a relaxed fit T-shirt, a pyjama shirt inspired by archival Sunspel nightwear, and pyjama pants̶, each featuring dual branding. In womenswear, the end of this week sees Rixo collaborating with Dragon Diffusion and unveiling a limited edition seven-piece accessories collection. It celebrates the artistry of traditional weaving with Dragon Diffusion's handwoven leather bags drawing inspiration from centuries-old global techniques. There's an Amoria handbag described as 'the perfect travel companion'; a large Lucine basket bag; and a Roxella leather belt, inspired by a 1970s vintage piece. A pre-launch waiting list is open now with the items available for pre-order from 2 May and to purchase from 12 May. Next up is luxury retailer END. that kicks off the next chapter of its 20th anniversary via a debut collaboration with Lacoste, unveiling an eight-piece capsule collection 'inspired by the golden era of 90's arcade racing, the nostalgic charm of seaside amusements and the timeless style of the British seaside'. The 'unique' collab features bold graphics and an oversized navy-blue check that anchor the collection, nodding to classic racing flannel and arcade décor, drawing inspiration from cult classic racing games like Sega Rally and Need for Speed. 'Nostalgic motifs and considered design details reimagine the golden age of gaming and trackside style' across a full tracksuit, a statement Blouson Jacket, refined polo and jersey wardrobe staples. Completing the collection is the Umpire sneaker, reimagined in off-white hairy suede, finished with vintage-inspired metal Lacoste crocodile logos and exclusive appliqué club patches. Another big name, Lee, has announced a women's collab with artist Ruohan Wang featuring 'whimsical designs [that] bloom on denim in time for spring and festival season'. The Chinese-born artist based in Berlin is known for her vibrant use of colour and those whimsical creations. The Lee x Ruohan Wang collection combines classic Lee denim and 'season-right silhouettes with bold, graphic designs'. Included are the Lee Rider Jacket reimagined with Wang's signature floral patterns and exclusive illustrations created specifically for this collaboration. The colour palette goes from warm yellows to electric blues and 'reflects the collection's energetic and feminine spirit'. Also included are wide-leg jeans, a denim vest with a 'Car' graphic, a cropped jacket and skort, a coverall and graphic T-shirts. Finally, Sunday Swagger, the American performance golf and lifestyle apparel company has announced an unusual collab… with drinks brand Guinness. We're told the Guinness x Sunday Swagger collaboration 'will bring style and substance to the fairway, blending tradition with swagger for those who play hard and unwind even harder'. It combines premium golf apparel with the famous beverage brand 'in a way that feels both elevated and playful'. The visual elements and colour palette tap into the well-known look of Guinness for T-shirts and polo tops, as well as quarter zips, performance hoodies, and jackets.
Fashion Network
28-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Fashion Network
SS25 collabs ramp up as the sun shines
Collabs are coming thick and fast for the summer season as brands aim to maximise the sales potential of sunny weather. And as the UK and other countries enjoy a mini heatwave, those sales could be made earlier than usual this year. Menswear retailer Moss has linked up with Taylor Morris for an eyewear collab. It's introducing six 'timeless Taylor Morris frames to complement both suiting and casualwear'. Taylor Morris frames are named after London streets and include classic tortoiseshell to sleek black styles. The collab pieces are available online now and in 20 Moss store locations in the UK, including in its new flagship on Oxford Street that opens next month. Meanwhile, another menswear brand, upmarket Sunspel, has worked with The Shepherd Undercover to unveil their very first collab. It's available at Undercover stores and its webstore plus the online Sunspel store. It launched at the weekend although it won't be available in Japan until 7 May. The seasonless collection by designer Jun Takahashi is built around the theme 'simple, grown-up pieces I want to wear right now'. There's a relaxed fit T-shirt, a pyjama shirt inspired by archival Sunspel nightwear, and pyjama pants̶, each featuring dual branding. In womenswear, the end of this week sees Rixo collaborating with Dragon Diffusion and unveiling a limited edition seven-piece accessories collection. It celebrates the artistry of traditional weaving with Dragon Diffusion's handwoven leather bags drawing inspiration from centuries-old global techniques. There's an Amoria handbag described as 'the perfect travel companion'; a large Lucine basket bag; and a Roxella leather belt, inspired by a 1970s vintage piece. A pre-launch waiting list is open now with the items available for pre-order from 2 May and to purchase from 12 May. Next up is luxury retailer END. that kicks off the next chapter of its 20th anniversary via a debut collaboration with Lacoste, unveiling an eight-piece capsule collection 'inspired by the golden era of 90's arcade racing, the nostalgic charm of seaside amusements and the timeless style of the British seaside'. The 'unique' collab features bold graphics and an oversized navy-blue check that anchor the collection, nodding to classic racing flannel and arcade décor, drawing inspiration from cult classic racing games like Sega Rally and Need for Speed. 'Nostalgic motifs and considered design details reimagine the golden age of gaming and trackside style' across a full tracksuit, a statement Blouson Jacket, refined polo and jersey wardrobe staples. Completing the collection is the Umpire sneaker, reimagined in off-white hairy suede, finished with vintage-inspired metal Lacoste crocodile logos and exclusive appliqué club patches. Another big name, Lee, has announced a women's collab with artist Ruohan Wang featuring 'whimsical designs [that] bloom on denim in time for spring and festival season'. The Chinese-born artist based in Berlin is known for her vibrant use of colour and those whimsical creations. The Lee x Ruohan Wang collection combines classic Lee denim and 'season-right silhouettes with bold, graphic designs'. Included are the Lee Rider Jacket reimagined with Wang's signature floral patterns and exclusive illustrations created specifically for this collaboration. The colour palette goes from warm yellows to electric blues and 'reflects the collection's energetic and feminine spirit'. Also included are wide-leg jeans, a denim vest with a 'Car' graphic, a cropped jacket and skort, a coverall and graphic T-shirts. Finally, Sunday Swagger, the American performance golf and lifestyle apparel company has announced an unusual collab… with drinks brand Guinness. We're told the Guinness x Sunday Swagger collaboration 'will bring style and substance to the fairway, blending tradition with swagger for those who play hard and unwind even harder'. It combines premium golf apparel with the famous beverage brand 'in a way that feels both elevated and playful'. The visual elements and colour palette tap into the well-known look of Guinness for T-shirts and polo tops, as well as quarter zips, performance hoodies, and jackets.
