Cover Story
The Makings of Wynn Hamlyn for Man
Expertly-crafted knitwear. Precision tailoring. New-age shapes.
3 Minute Read
Wynn Hamlyn is a label claiming celebrity status worldwide with its premium (but punchy) staples. Now, after nailing the intricacy, playfulness and elegance of the label’s female lexicon, Founder Wynn Crawshaw has channelled his signature style into an iconic category for men.
It only takes a quick catch-up with the humble mastermind to discern just how functional and versatile the new drop is, with Wynn rejoicing at spotting “pieces worn by corporate lawyers and skaters on the same day.”
Here, we extricate the beginnings of Wynn Hamlyn: Man. As Harrolds welcomes the cool-casual collection into its halls, we’re retracing the design-thinking behind Wynn’s cult keyhole cut-outs, stellar fabrication and innovative elements of gender fluidity.
Cult keyhole cut-outs, stellar fabrication and innovative elements of gender fluidity
WYNN HAMLYN, Miranda Floral Pattern Shirt
When did the idea to create a line for men arise?
It arose purely just from wanting new clothes for myself. Lots of the pieces we were making for women were close to what I wanted to wear, and what lots of guys wanted – but just not quite. So, we decided to just go for it and create the collection.
Was it daunting to introduce a whole new category for Wynn Hamlyn?
We already had a large base of men wanting to wear the range and they were all excited. It was a bit daunting working with a completely new size breakdown and some other intricacies – but mostly just exciting and refreshing.
What similarities does Wynn Man have with Wynn Woman?
The same ethos of the design flows into both collections. Focusing on craft and workmanship above all else.
And how do they differ?
I guess the Men’s collection has this extra element to it – which is about me wanting to wear the clothes – so maybe it gives a different flavour that is me personally rather than me as the designer. Men’s seems to edge a little more towards the streetwear side than women’s..
WYNN HAMLYN, Quilted Zip-Up Jacket
WYNN HAMLYN, SS21 Logo T-Shirt
WYNN HAMLYN, Quilted Zip-Up Jacket
WYNN HAMLYN, SS21 Logo T-Shirt
Quality and craftsmanship are cornerstones of the WH offering
Who is the Wynn Hamlyn man?
The WH Man, like the WH woman, isn’t any particular age or type. Some are into fashion, and lots are not. They are all men that are interested in what they wear. They are drawn in by the quality and innovation that they see in the pieces.
If you could dress anyone in Wynn Man right now, who would it be? What pieces would you style them in?
Since we started, it has always Steve Lacey. He puts outfits together amazingly and always looks so good.
There are a lot of keyhole cut-outs featuring in your recent releases (both man and woman). Where did the preoccupation come from?
Cut-outs have this great way of creating negative space in a garment and on the body, and I guess it’s relatively unique to menswear. It was a story that translated over from our women range. That’s another cool thing about the Men’s collection: these beautiful, feminine elements appear that might not usually crop up on men’s garments.
WYNN HAMLYN, Welt Pocket Single-Breasted Blazer
What are some standout elements of craftsmanship, sustainability, or fabrication in the Wynn Hamlyn Man debut?
This season establishes our Menswear range from the same roots that our women’s collection has grown from. This season, expertly-crafted knitwear and precision tailoring are the standouts. As it’s our first Men’s range, the collection is built on staples, so these are pieces that can be worn for years to come.
At Wynn Hamlyn, we make conscious and informed decisions to source high-quality fabrics as well as work with transparent and ethically aligned makers. Quality and craftsmanship are cornerstones of the WH offering. It’s a privilege to work with makers in NZ and offshore who focus on quality above all else. In New Zealand, Wynn Hamlyn operates our local manufacturing within the mindful fashion framework.
Your go-to casual outfit for autumn/winter from this drop?
The Key Hole Polo paired with our Men’s Partner Trouser and some sneakers. For going out, I would just add our Welt Pocket Blazer. Recently, @OneRuel wore our Welt Pocket Blazer with New Bottega Denim and it was a vibe! You can have a look here.
Make swift acquaintance with Wynn Hamlyn for Man at Harrolds online or in-store.
