Paul Smith Men Spring/Summer 15

Dubai - 4 January 2015: Knowing sartorial rules but breaking them well, inspiration starts with the opening day of the Venice Biennale, when artists and gallerists descend on the Giardini interpreting traditional dress codes with creative confidence. A functional flamboyance predominates as tuxedo lapels are worn with T-shirts, suit sleeves are buttonless and rolled-up and trainers are consistently snazzy.

Longer length in suit jackets lends a hint of nostalgia and they are teamed with wide-leg trousers, sometimes piped with colourful stripes and often zipped at the ankle. Opulence with a feeling of practicality prevails; a dusty pink T-shirt in soft leather is completed with side zips, silk shorts are voluminous and couture weight satins are panelled alongside raw linens. This is extravagance that’s made for a man on the move.

Deep hues of teal, navy and dark grey are offset by bursts of peach and leafy greens, with the colours occasionally gradating down shirting to create a tiedye effect. Bright botanical illustrations and rainbow stripes take us back to nature. Paisley in pop colours are also prime and a typographical print shouts ‘YEAH’ with the colourful optimism that runs deep in the Paul Smith DNA.

Print and palette carries through from clothing to shoes and accessories. Finger-printed totes and versatile satin and leather holdalls deliver more of the practical extravagance that’s prominent in the ready-to-wear. Whilst colourful silk scarves, fringed in leather have a luxurious louche appeal. Shoes are sneaker-style, playful and sometimes hand-stitched with ladybirds and vibrant sunglasses gaze towards a bright spring/summer 15.