Thanks to my-wardrobe.com for this interview with Stuart Graham from Lyle & Scott, a well respected brand known for their vintage, casual sportswear.
1. Describe the inspiration behind your Spring/Summer 09 collections?
The Spring/Summer 09 Vintage range has carefully chosen reference points from our 80’s sportswear heritage with an Americana twist. The vibrant colours were influenced by primary Pop Art Brights.
2. Who is the Lyle & Scott man?
That’s a difficult question. We have three separate brand categories under the Lyle & Scott business umbrella. Vintage, Heritage and Club. Different looks for different consumers. Heritage is geared for the man who requires a considered, preppy, but classic look. Club Range is ideal for a fashion-conscious Golfer. my-wardrobe stocks the Vintage Collection, which offers its consumers a bold, confident, edgy and independent look. This collection has been instrumental to the resurgence of the Lyle & Scott brand, offering us the chance to expand our product offering and quality.
3. Do you feel men are becoming more fashion conscious and open to experiment with their style?
Yes definitely, men have developed better trend awareness and are also given extensive choices. In the high street there are affordable options, which are created from the catwalk at an accelerated time frame. The average man is being pressurised by the media & his partner to keep with developing trends, which has helped them develop greater confidence in their image. This is mainly due to the historical stereotype of masculine references being broken-down.
In my opinion there hasn’t really been a prominent subculture since House music, circa mid/late 80’s. Blended subcultures have diluted men’s fashion creating more awareness on style.
4. What three style tips would you give to men to ensure they're always looking their best?
- Grooming, (keep it simple..rough & ready or neat & trim)
- Always have classic basics in your wardrobe. E.g. wool v-neck, classic polos, Harrington, Chino, vintage denim, peacoat, white t-shirt, pumps and brogues. You can experiment and build an outfit around these staple garments.
- Don’t own a mirror, confidence is the key.
5. What do you attribute to Lyle & Scott's success?
Not every company can boast a rich 134 year history and draw inspiration from an extensive brand heritage or vast reference points. The brands heritage includes one of the original collaborations with Christian Dior on ladies wear in the 50’s. The Yellow Eagle, which is an instantly recognisable logo, driving trends on golf courses for five decades. It’s been a staple piece in the sub-culture of the terrace casuals in the 70’s & 80’s. In the past fifty years we’ve had amazing array of celebrity endorsement. The most impressive is the Duke of Edinburgh, which handed Lyle & Scott the Royal Warrant. All of this, in addition to considered retail positioning, has considerably helped in raising the brand profile. This has enabled Lyle & Scott to develop a unique brand identity which has bridged generations of consumers.
6. Name five items in your wardrobe that you couldn't live without?
- Lyle & Scott Cashmere Cable Knit.
- Filson Backpack
- RRL Shirts
- Vintage Real McCoy Indigo denims
- Tan Santoni Italian Brogues
You can get the retro sportswear look at my-wardrobe.com this season; the Lyle & Scott collection is proving to be a real hit. Luisa de Paula, buying & Merchandising director for my-wardrobe says "The resurgence of vintage sportswear brands is fuelling a renewed energy in menswear sales". I say, don't be left behind, get shopping.
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