With loads of new stock and a fresh re-merchandise, it's looking pretty sharp in The Basement this season. Rob, resident buyer, seller, manager and IC all things menswear, takes us on a tour of his favourite pieces from some of his favourite brands for Autumn/ Winter 19.
Let's start with the Haleck shirt. This is everyone's favourite overshirt. The perfect layering piece in a heavy wool, recalling all American lumberjack workwear in what Rob calls a 'squinty' plaid. Pair with the corduroy Newel pant: soft, cozy and comfortable. Key piece is the Prentis camo fleece. This is a super wearable camo (subtle from a distance and not too army) with full length zip and three pockets.
The whole collection is designed to be worn baggy. It needs to look like it's a size too big. This year is Saturday's 10th Anniversary so these pieces reference New York a decade ago. You're shopping in Soho on a Saturday morning here. Key pieces are the Boucle Wade Sweater in Saffron (you could also go Black), the Kawano Overcoat (we shot this for our 20th Birthday publication and very nice it looked), Curtis cord pant and Simon Reversed Fleece Sweatshirt. Don't forget the Beanies. Don't forget to keep it baggy. Absolutely New York.
The Lone Mountain Parka is THE clever coat for your money. This is a sub £300 (£270) waterproof parka, made from super hardwearing nylon canvas (51% recycled) with fully recycled lining, using 200g Thermogreen insulation (this is Patagonia's own polyester fill insulator, made from largely recycled material). The coat is windproof, waterproof and breathable, achieving Patagonia's benchmark measure H2NO status. Accessories are really good this season. Try the Ultralight Black Hole Pack, a back pack which packs down into a tiny bag and still looks cool.
French workwear by way of Japan. This is a collection of simple utility. Rob has a feeling for fleece this season and the Danton Fleece Jacket works for indoors and outdoors. Throw it over a tee, use as an intermediate layer under a coat as the weather gets cooler. Their Flannel Pant is this season's posh jogger. The perfect smarter trouser for wearing with sneakers. And baggy's bag, stealing from sportwear, we're enjoying looser fits.
The Kyoto pant is the best pairs of trousers Rob has ever owned (and he has owned some good trousers). The Classic Crew Sweatshirt in Ecru has a good vintagey calico feel, makes you think of a 1950s gymnasium. This works well with greys and navys and this season's warm tones. It's a contrast but not too bright.
The conversation piece is the Coop coat. Checks are back. Next Winter they're going to be everywhere. Get yours now. And the Eddie Bauer inspired padded Hyme jacket is really wearable: a great shape, vintage American styling, perfect for Rockie Mountain trecking.
Get the square cut Kyle Wool Overshirt. Made in tailoring quality wool in navy charcoal plaid, this is a shirt with an identity crisis because it's actually really a jacket. The Adam lambswool cardigan in yellow is the way to do colour this season. Burnt tones look great with charcoal and navy. And cardigans get a bad rap but this is good. It's better worn oversized. This season you're embracing a looser fit.
Everything Rob's talking about is online so you can do your own guided tour around the department here ►. If you need the man himself to be your guide, pay him a visit in store. You'll find him in The Basement folding shirts and talking about vintage vinyl and Liverpool FC.
