Working model: Playing the New Gent in Milan

Milan – Turkish designer Umit Benan’s impressive autumn/winter 2011 collection takes its cue from 80s Wall Street.

It is all in the detail for the designer. In Milan this week he presented camel overcoats, heavy knitwear and striped shirts with classic jacket shapes that could be rebuttoned as double- or single-breasted. Tweed and houndstooth patterns were printed onto full suits, resulting in a realistic illusion of a fine wool weave.

The overall palette was playful but relatively low-key, in keeping with classic work attire. Greys and camels were accessorised with instant colour flashes in the socks, ties, shirt collars and cuffs. And in Benan’s own interpretation of the yuppie male, facial hair was kept fully intact, a nod towards his own ‘Istancool’ aesthetic.

This witty take on traditional style signals another move towards the New Gent trend, as highlighted by LSN: Global.