TFW S/S13 – Klaxon Howl
SUITING IS BROUGHT INTO THE LINE’S VINTAGE-INSPIRED MIX
Story by Odessa Paloma Parker
Photos by Mark Binks
It could be said (based on much of the fashion industry’s penchant for the avant-garde) that guys who don’t want to wear drop crotch trousers, heavy florals and obscure knits have nothing much to wear.
Designer Matt Robinson’s label, Klaxon Howl, has come to the rescue for yet another season with a collection of strong wardrobe basics inspired by the retro style of Hollywood icons like Humphrey Bogart and Gary Cooper.
Robinson opened his show with suiting, a slim-cut look in olive green exuding unfussy cool paired with a plaid shirt (it would work just as well with a more formal pinstripe and topped with a tie). A grey short suit proved to be a great alternative for spring, when the last thing many guys want to do is wear a heavy suit to meetings.
The label’s strength lies in presenting strong, well-made separates that combine a timeless sense of style with vintage charm. Robinson notes that while the “look” is mid-20th century, he strives to contemporize the vibe for today’s man. When asked why he’s drawn to that time period as an influence, Robinson says, “It seemed like everybody had style. Even your working class, blue collar kind of guy still looked really good…. It seemed so effortless.”
Varying camo prints, washed out denim rinses and khaki hit all the right notes for the season, giving the guys option to stand out – but subtly. For the more adventurous, accents like a leopard print cap took the look from casual to chic.
