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Hunting For Winter Fashions
By Nicholas Newman - June 2007
SUMMER had barely started and we ‘hacks’ were in our summer linen suits, but
inside Jaeger London’s Brompton Road store, it was already winter.
I had been fortunate enough to be invited to a fashion show of men’s and
women’s fashions, put on by Jaeger. Champagne was on offer, but water was to be
the most popular tipple amongst us. After all, this was work; we had to keep a
clear head.
As for those journalists who tried to attend, attired in dated shabby chic, were
soon rebuffed. Those who came in smart summer suits and dresses were allowed
into the almost roman like rotunda room where the fashion show took place.
Three questions came to mind about the collection. Would I wear Jaeger? Would it
keep me warm? Have they got it in my size? The answer was in the affirmative to
all three.
Being a large size I invariably find it so difficult to find any suitable ready
to wear suits. However Jaeger sizes and range of materials from pin stripe to
fine tweed designs, posed an interesting quandary. Instead of having just one
suit to decide on, I had the unusual challenge of deciding on the large choice
of colours, patterns and cuts. The choice available for men ranged from smart
city type suits to attire more suitable for a day out in the countryside.
It struck me the BBC TV series ‘The Apprentice’ contestants’ wardrobe problems
would have been solved if they had gone to Jaeger. What makes Jaeger different
from other premier brands and stores was that it offers good design and value
for money. Its collections are aimed at those with ambition and money, young
politicians and stockbrokers who do not feel the need to show off, but who
appreciate fine design and value for money.
In fact, the Jaeger press team, led by Iona Hames were most useful in guiding me
though the collection. Certainly, I found Iona helpful and clear in her expert
explanations, as she guided me through the mysteries of the women’s collection.
Given my lack of female knowledge of fashion, her briefings about the collection
were fascinating. I would not have known about new developments in laser cutting
or the influence that Mary Quant and Marianne Faithful had on these designs. All
I can say from a man’s perspective the evening dresses would have made any man
proud of his wife or girl friend wearing such garments at a dinner party.
What particularly attracted my eye was the stylish dark pin stripe wool suit
(style no 280006e810) with wool coat (style 250008e25). Ideal, I thought at the
time for both the board room and commuting back to Oxford. As for the ladies,
the female journalists, talked excitedly about the double face pea jacket (style
no 590042e53). It certainly looked elegant and ideal for keeping out the winter
chills.
Oddly, what I did find slightly disappointing were the fashion pictures and
models shown in the catalogue. It looked like another case of form over
function, for although the pictures used were, I suppose great fashion pictures,
the pictures of ultra slim models, mostly in deep shadow, made it very difficult
to distinguish one design from another, and difficult to identify any details.
Still as photographic art, they would appeal to the cognoscenti?
Overall, the impression I got was that again Jaeger has made the right decisions
in delivering what its customers want – that is giving its customers the ability
to demonstrate their individuality through good quality and elegant design.
At the end of the show I was curious to see what Jaeger London had in its store
next door. Though I had no intension of buying anything, this summers current
collection attracted my interest and with the helpful advice of two
knowledgeable retail staff. I bought two shirts, (style no 383007d) that were
the right colour and size I wanted to fit my eighteen and half inch neck.
As to what I thought of next winter’s collection, I thought the suit I mentioned
would be at the top of my Christmas shopping list, when it becomes available for
next winter.
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