It’s over. Summer, that is. Done for another year and before you can say “I’m so hot and sweaty I’m going kill you if you look at me” it’s autumn and all you want to do is crawl into bed and wrap yourself in the blankets until you resemble something like Sacha Baron Cohens’ Bruno strutting down the catwalk.
While there are precious few things more comfortable than bed sheets in winter, social rules don’t allow us to wear such attire out of the bedroom. The options for comfortable and ever-important acceptable winter wear for men are sparse. Tight, stiff jeans, even tighter, stiffer leather jackets. No thanks.
Enter stage left the latest collection from Nathan Smith’s eponymous label. Allow me to explain some secret fashion folk law. There is a trend in fashion that goes a little something like this: when a designer uses their name to headline a label, that label is generally autobiographical. With some it is their starting point; with others it is their aim and end-point, however, with Nathan Smith it is the whole lot. The man, the label and his life: there is no separation.
It’s this dedication to the cause that sets Nathan Smith apart His pieces seamlessly blur the boundaries of intention. Working either alone or in tandem, the significance of beautiful fabrics and cuts is never lost on the wearer. Whether it be the voile shirting or relaxed-fit wool pants, the simple, graceful style of the clothing allows the wearer a certain level of comfort and individual style seldom seen in menswear.
Offering both women’s and men’s collections, each piece adheres to Smith’s philosophy: there are no rules. Steal a piece from the other sex? It doesn’t matter. Rip the sleeves off? He’d probably admire your audacity. Even wear the tee dress with nothing at all underneath and he may just appreciate your smile.
So with that in mind, crawl out of bed, cast off your dirty sheets and get excited for a winter of comfort and style done the right way. Just be sure to thank Mr. Smith from time to time.
Nathan Smith is available at David Jones, The Corner Shop, Ksubi, FAT and other premium boutiques throughout Australia.