Cover Story
A Harrolds new arrivals forecast: Next-Gen dressing for MAN autumn-winter ‘22
The old, the new, and the futuristic talents of international design
3 Minute Read
From the resurgence of the iconic Rick Owen to the emergence of intrepid designers like Feng Chen Wang and Lost Daze, Harrolds is delighted to unveil its debut menswear brands for the season. Ahead of receiving our fresh garments and accessories for autumn-winter 2022, we take five with Buying Director Rob Ferris to rehash his meticulous buying decisions. Here, Rob explains the rationale behind Harrolds’ new-arriving menswear labels, as well as touching on beautiful concepts from returning brands. Welcome to a preview of what’s to come, for all of your cool-weather but fashion-forward dressing needs.
I’ll be adding Margiela Knitwear and tailoring to my wardrobe
Walk me through some of your personal favourite select pieces from our impending arrivals.
You could say I am more traditional in my approach to dressing, with vanguard designers/houses that are steeped in history still exciting me — Maison Margiela and Jil Sander fit this brief. Heading into winter, I’ll be adding Margiela Knitwear and tailoring to my wardrobe, yet another pair of Replica sneakers, and outwear and over-shirting from Jil. I’m really looking forward to the arrival of ‘Eternal’ Fear of God’s latest instalment later this year.
What newcomer brand are you most excited to see land at Harrolds? Why?
Matthieu Blazy’s first Bottega Veneta collection I really loved. It features a brand-new oversized sneaker and a beautifully worked Nylon Maxi Intrecciato gilet.
What does the return of Rick Owens signify, and who is he for those unacquainted? Why has this designer caught your eye and what do they bring to the Harrolds wardrobe?
Rick was always a stalwart when Harrolds first ventured into contemporary men’s fashion. The original partnership started over a decade ago. And while the last few seasons we have taken a break from the brand, now is the right to reintroduce a favourite among our clients. While there is a resurgence globally for Rick Owens, the designer remains true to his roots and the most iconic pieces remain in his collections. Expect to still see Pod and Basket swinger shorts and timeless jersey, knitwear and iconic tailoring pieces. Rick will be an anchor brand in our strongest contemporary department, sitting alongside Yohji Yamamoto, Ann Demeulemeester and Comme des Garcon Homme plus.
Phillip Plein is a polarising addition to the buy, can you explain why?
It’s no secret logo-driven explosive graphics are still very popular, Plein just makes sense for Harrolds and will have many supporters from our current client base.
A new name to note is Lost Daze, only founded two years ago. Who is this designer and how did they get on your radar?
The designers would prefer to be incognito. In the wake of established LA based brands like Amiri, Fear of God and Galley Department, Lost Daze is the upcomer and future rival to the for mentioned heavy-hitters. The west coast influence is obvious, and luxury streetwear is what they do, but expect this ‘Socal’ aesthetic to feature psychedelic, funky motifs and references. Although we are launching small capsule, we expect big things from the brand in future seasons.
Feng Chen Wang is a new arrival label across both womenswear and menswear. How important is considering gender fluidity and diversity in your buying process?
Feng’s approach is self-proclaimed ‘future-modern, authentic and multidimensional’. Her pieces are not solely defined by gender, and approach to design has a functional element. There is no process, we are guided by our brands simply moving with society and how people feel comfortable with dressing.
From our returning brand Thom Browne, what can we expect to see in terms of outerwear?
Thom has revisited a lobster print for this season, so look out for a super cute varsity jacket with an embroided lobster print. There is also his signature four bar gilet and puffer jackets that are such solid winter staples.
