As the chill of winter approaches, the waning days of autumn present the perfect opportunity to invest in stylish and practical outerwear. This is not merely a matter of weatherproofing, but also a chance to get ahead of the competition in securing the season's most coveted pieces. London-based designer Oliver Spencer has risen to the occasion with his latest collection, "Postcards from Lech-Zürs," which draws inspiration from the golden age of Alpine fashion.Embracing the Allure of Alpine Elegance
Rediscovering the Charm of Vintage Ski Resort Style
The "Postcards from Lech-Zürs" collection is a captivating exploration of the designer's soft, unstructured approach to tailoring, capturing the rich eclecticism that often characterizes Spencer's work. The collection's title pays homage to the Austrian ski resort of Lech-Zürs, which enjoyed a heyday in the 1960s and 1970s, and is widely regarded as the "cradle of Alpine skiing." This nostalgic nod to the past serves as a springboard for a contemporary reinterpretation of classic British menswear, infusing it with the allure of vintage ski resort style.
Outerwear as the Centerpiece of the Collection
Outerwear takes center stage in this collection, embodying the collection's overall mood of relaxed sophistication. The "Big Coat," a double-breasted overcoat in hardy, midweight wool, is a standout piece, available in a range of hues from beige houndstooth to flecked charcoal and deep navy. This oversized silhouette exudes a 1970s-inspired aesthetic, while the single-breasted "Grandad Coat" offers a slightly narrower take, with an attached belt that loops smartly around the waist. Crafted in materials such as chocolate brown wide-wale cotton corduroy, navy wool, and brown herringbone, these coats are designed to be the consummate winter layer.
Tailored Jackets and Versatile Bombers
The collection also features tailored jackets that are thick enough to double as an outer layer, particularly when paired with the season's knitwear. These include pieces in weighty cord and the workwear-inspired "Solms Jacket." Shorter styles, such as the "Arlington" bomber, draw inspiration from both vintage flight jackets and Ivy League varsity uniforms, blending classic influences to create a versatile and stylish outerwear option.
Encouraging Individual Expression
Throughout the collection, Spencer encourages individual sartorial experimentation, stating that the pieces can be "buttoned-up or left undone, [an] invitation for each wearer to be their own main character." Whether worn in a more formal or casual manner, the collection aims to empower the wearer to embrace their personal style, with the designer noting that the pieces are "Occasionally off-piste, always on-point, always your way."
Sustainability at the Forefront
Sustainability has long been a founding principle of the Oliver Spencer label, and this collection marks further steps in the brand's commitment to responsible practices. Much of the production has been localized, not only reducing the brand's carbon footprint but also ensuring the future of the British textile industry, which relies on time-honed techniques. As Spencer himself has stated, "Our industry makes a massive footprint. We need to get a lot better at what we are doing. We're responsible for the garments we make."The Oliver Spencer winter collection is now available through the brand's website and international stores, including Harvey Nichols, inviting fashion enthusiasts to embrace the allure of Alpine-inspired style and the brand's dedication to sustainable practices.
