Summer, 1986, brings ‘Miami’ look for men

Press, 14 October 1986, Page 20

Summer, 1986, brings ‘Miami’ look for men

Summer, 1986, is bringing with it the inevitable “Miami” look that dictates the dressy-casual look, usually emphasised by a light jacket. Cambridge suits will continue the international trend of classic styling and tradition in quality fabrics. The emphasis is on the grey and blue tonings in stripe or plain fabrications. Colour will appear more obvious within these fashion

shades, with a tendency to become lighter. The current trend in New Zealand to summer light-weight suits is epitomised in the tropical weave suit offering a cool, resilient, comfortable and elegant garment, says Cambridge. The fashion trends for the young executive will give him the option of a doublebreasted coat with plain black pleated trousers with, or without, cuffs.

The introdqction of the more casual element j is shown in the fasion Escena suit range. This is created by the unconstructed wider shoulder look with fuller fit. Fabrics have an emphasis on texture, lively colour and different yarn effects. Ambler sees men’s leisure shirts showing a fuller silhouette with straight side-seams and pleats at the back. Some short-sleeved styles will be designed especially so the sleeves can be rolled up. There will be a wide variety of colour groupings for summer, 1986, yet not forgetting the naturals and beiges. The emphasis

will mostly be on the vibrant colours with an Italian influence. Lemons, tangerines and cool mint colours will feature strongly, with all these shades coming together in beautiful prints. Business shirts remain quiet and elegant in many soft pastel shades. Patterned detail will be understated in jacquard designs or with very finestripe effects. Collars are becoming longer in the point and close together in the spread, says Ambler. For Lichfield, shirts in the fashion area will show a swing towards plain cloths in bright colours. Shades to look for will be jade, cobalt, lemon, red, orange and mauve.

Checks are more important than stripes, says Lichfield, and there could be a boom in prints. However plains are the strongest look, with pocket details, oversize fit and shirt tails out. Weaves could be the most important for top fashion buyers, but semifashion and conservative shoppers will have a 50 per cent choice between weaves and knits. Knits will be predominantly 65 per cent polyester and 35 per cent cotton mesh, or a French terry look. Manhattan Australasia underlines the Golden Needle and John Henry branded lines. The first is a regular-fit shirt featuring cottonshirt cloth — 70

per cent cotton and 30 per’ cent polyester — avail l -, able in white, blue cream} and grey. Two-piece col> lars, fused front placquete and rounded cuffs feature in this range. > The John Henry shirty says Manhattan, is a, reward to the man who keeps in shape. Making a} positive statement in fine quality fabrics, this shirt features more aggressive; colour and pattern. Added balance to the range has} been created through the; introduction of a plain French poplin fabric. Col? lar styles vary and those in the current range in l elude a conventional Baker collar, the popular Stuart button-down, a pin? through, and a wing cob lar.