The Working Style – Style Update
Summer is only a few months away and it is time to look at updating our warm-weather wardrobe. We had a chat with Working Style’s Creative Director, Karl Clausen about their new Spring / Summer ‘17 collection and what trends we should be keeping an eye on as Summer arrives.
How long do you spend on each collection?
We are spending a number of months on each collection, formulating our collection story, the colours and cloths that will bring the collection together. We will style each piece, giving it a particular handwriting. Once we have the core of our collection crafted, we will then complete it with the accessories and touches that create that added interest.
What are some of your influences for this collection?
I’m very much captivated by the handwriting of the tailors of southern Italy, namely the softer, more relaxed, shoulder and a softer tailored silhouette. This is coupled with a more masculine proportion of the lapels on the coats. This is a handwriting that our clients are embracing and, importantly, is easy to wear.
What are some of the trends we should be on this season?
Significantly for Working Style, we have tweaked our handwriting around our tailoring: the softer shoulder, wider notch and peak lapels of our coats. These are truly an exciting development and refreshing too. We continue to embrace the de-formalisation of our tailoring and wearing coats and suits in a more relaxed manner and not only the traditional nature of a shirt and tie. We are well aware of the changing needs of a man’s wardrobe and have fully embraced this.
Vinnie Woolston – what is he like to work with?
Vinnie is a great guy, and I really enjoyed working with him again in our second campaign, and our shared and unwavering support of The Warriors ensured we had plenty to chat about between shoots. He has a laid back nature and a good sense of humour, which puts everyone at ease, however, he clicks into professional mode when the camera is trained on him and as a result, we achieved some fantastic shots for the campaign.
How do you feel when it is time to share your collection with the public?
I experience a mixed set of emotions, like any creative; first and foremost you want it to be well received by your clients and ensure it’s a commercial success. Secondly, you also want to be able to offer progression and interest in your collections. I’m in an industry where a poor collection is not an option. I’ve aged a little quicker this past 12 months!
What is your favourite piece from the new collection?
Without singling out a specific piece, I really love our unlined jersey jackets. They are a combination of wearing a sports coat and a piece of knitwear. I think they offer so much versatility and bridge that gap in a man’s wardrobe by being able to dress it up and dress it down.
Who is the Working Style man?
He’s a confident and contemporary guy who appreciates great design and quality.