Simply Abu Dhabi Magazine XXV

1 5 1 S I M P LY A B U DH A B I This was a collection with sartorially savvy men in mind. It combined abstract art with high fashion and left you wanting to keep watching, because the more attention you paid the more subtle new details emerged from each piece. The colours included in the collection are worthy of note because they simultaneously contrasted and clashed, depending on how they were layered: all-over graphic abstract prints in a variety of sizes and hues were contrasted with metallic bronze, papaya orange and cactus greens all balanced by steely greys and icy blues. It was a very clever palette that gave the collection cohesion and a distinctive and immediately recognisable focal point. This season the silk techniques integrated into the collection took centre stage. Silk highlighted every piece in the collection; from shantung to twill to boucle, it was either worn pure and with raw edges or blended with cotton and linen to create a thicker, more durable fabric whilst still adding a subtle yet eye-catching sheen to each look. Of course, as always, the tailoring was exquisite, with incredible attention to detail paid to every aspect of the suiting in particular. Standout pieces included the olive green silk trousers and oversized shirts decorated with burnt bronze geometric embellishment, and the oversized silk parka which was the most urban and contemporary piece in the collection. The cactus green oversized leather trench was designed to appeal to the typical Pal Zileri client, and could be styled in a variety of ways as both business or casual attire: this was certainly a piece designed to be worn with confidence. The accessories in the collection this season include original sling-back full brogues in soft leather, inspired by the 1940s pieces that were a part of the inspiration for the collection. For the younger, or younger at heart, more contemporary man, sneakers were also included with a signature strap in dull metallic worn alongside clean-cut modern multi-functional backpacks and totes. Each piece was designed to complement the loose and casual tailoring that formed the heart of the collection. This line was truly covetable, with so many complementary pieces that could immediately inject new season style to any modern man’s existing wardrobe. Pal Zileri’s creative director, Mauro Ravizza Krieger, has injected a contemporary streetwear edge to the brand, and whilst the commitment to classic and traditional men’s tailoring remains at its heart, this is now a brand that leaves the fashion industry excited. Pal Zileri has become a progressive design house that always challenges and pushes the boundaries of wearable menswear, and this line was certainly no exception. This collection from the Italian powerhouse was designed to ooze laid-back Italian style with a high art twist, and it succeeded at every juncture. For the well- travelled and confident man, there is no rival.