My latest TV show addiction ‘Suits’ has brought a past interest of mine back into my life: menswear. ‘Suits’ is a story about a successful lawyer and his associate; a Harvard drop out with a brilliant mind. One of the reasons the show is called ‘Suits’ is because the top lawyers at the law firm wear extremely expensive designer suits. The actors look very dapper in their designer ensembles! I admire a man who knows how to dress well. I’ve always had a small obsession with menswear, not to wear, but to admire from a distance. I used to borrow the GQ magazine issues from my male friend to browse through their menswear fashion spreads. I would window shop at Mr. Porter.com, looking at items for (past) boyfriends and male family members, not because they asked me to, but because I needed a valid excuse to look at menswear fashion items. I think a lot of women love menswear and dream of being able to style the men in their life according to the latest fashion. For inspiration I look at menswear icons like male model David Gandy or male bloggers Adam Gallagher (I Am Galla) and Mariano Di Vaio. The posh gentleman look is my favorite style for men, although I can appreciate a perfectly styled casual look as well.
The Emperor 1688
Dubai based, Luxury menswear brand The Emperor 1688 was established in 2007. The men behind this brand are brothers Babak, Haman and Farhan Golkar. A real family business! The brothers have studied fashion, design and art in London before launching their brand The Emperor 1688. They have won the prestigious Esquire designer of the year award in 2011 and have been nominated the year after. They use the finest fibers and fabrics from European Mills for their brand, like fine, pure cottons from Italy, Switzerland and England.
The brand has an international clientele, including athletes and artists like Robin Thicke, who has recently worn The Emperor 1688 for his brand new music video ‘Feel Good’.
Collection: Brideshead Re-visted
In October 2013 The Emperor 1688 released their spring summer 2014 collection named ‘Brideshead Re-visited’ during Fashion Forward Dubai. The designers were inspired by the classic novel Brideshead Re-visited by English writer Evelyn Waugh. This collection includes both menswear and womenswear pieces. Inspired by 1930’s English aristocracy, this collection includes sharply tailored blazers, shirts and pants/shorts and jackets and dresses for the ladies. This collection is very classic, posh and slightly preppy (think Chuck Bass, Gossip Girl). The womenswear pieces have a touch of femininity and softness to them.
The high quality fabrics used for this collection include Italian silk, woven Italian shirting cottons and traditional English and Scottish spun wools for suits and blazers. The color palette is bright and includes colors of spring, from sunflower yellow to different shades of blue, bright whites and soft pastel tones for the womenswear pieces. I really love the suits in different shades of blue. Blue is an on-trend color for next spring-summer and the soft, light blues combined with darker shades creates a fresh and young look. I also admire the immaculate craftsmanship. The designs are of high quality and the designers have an eye for detail. Sharp lines, perfect tailoring and slim fitted garments. The womenswear items are very sophisticated. I adore this black jacket-dress piece with white lace/embroidery. The lace on this jacket gives it an oriental touch!
Check out the gallery for some of my favorite items from this collection.
The Emperor 1688: theemperor1688.com/
