The years 2001-09 probably won’t go down as the decade of the ‘suit’, at least in business terms anyway. From December 2007, bankers, MPs and anyone who looked like they may have some form of responsibility were keen to shirk their haute-couture attire for a more camouflaged blue-collar affair. At European CEO we want to reclaim the value of the classic suit, a symbol of four-hundred years of success and prosperity. Showcasing a new but timeless array of perfectly-made ensembles, we take a look at what the top designers have to offer for the year ahead.
Gucci
Electric feel: Gucci clothing is straight off the catwalks of Milan and Florence and brings exclusive cuts and fabrics to their clients. As well as classic suits they specialise in couture lines for the more adventurous. Their shirts, ties and belts fit in with this look and their dress shoes are the last word in elegance.
Dior Homme
For those about to rock: Creative designer, Kris Van Assche has been putting his stamp on the brand since he took over from his predecessor in 2007. Adding a welcome dose of rock n’ roll to fashion their suit collection is aimed at the more audacious CEOs.
John Galliano
Bohemian like you: One of the more eccentric designers in our collection Galliano has worked with both Madonna, Charlize Theron and considers his role “to seduce” the client. Stating theatre and femininity as central themes and with his affiliation with boho-meets-hobo fashion, his attire is for brave executives only.
Yves Saint Laurent
Ready to go: One of the greatest figures of French fashion in the 20th century, YSL has been deemed: “The most consistently celebrated and influential designer of the past twenty-five years… both spurring the couture’s rise from its sixties ashes and with finally rendering ready-to-wear reputable”. Both stylish and elegant.
Calvin Klein
Sex on hire… Fashion brands don’t come much more endurable than Calvin Klein and their classic minimal-chic inventions have influenced stylists and designers for the last forty years. Their suits are some of the most recognisable in the world and a snip if found around the 300 euro mark.
Hugo Boss
Absolute craftwork: German fashion and lifestyle house Hugo Boss now has over 6,100 points of sale and their suits need no introduction. Their slim fabrics include plain stretch cloths in a series of shapes from slim to classic. A wide range of overcoats, raincoats, trousers, shirts and ties complete their collection.
Jil Sander
Thrilling in the name of… Despite Jil Sander terminating her allegiance with the company name in 2004 the brand has gone from strength to strength. Noted as one of the major labels who helped popularise the minimalist aesthetic of the nineties, Jil Sander stands for luxe purity. Their austere suits and coats collection predominantly utilises the colour white in their spring/summer 2010 collection.
Born in Belgium, Jean-Francois Carly was given his first camera at the age of five and his passion for photography has never waned. He relocated to London in the late 90s and quickly began to admire the work of Dominique Issermann, Disfarmer and Avedon after discovering the extraordinary potential of fashion photography during his days working in a photo archive. Describing the images he saw as “beautiful and challenging” he has gone on to equal his inspirators’ talent and has himself been described as “romantic and surreal – holding subtle elegance and vaporous darkness.” He has contributed to magazines such as Arena Homme Plus, Harpers and Vogue Homme International to name but a few and he is currently working on his next exhibition and a forthcoming book.
www.jfcarly.com