Richard James Autumn/Winter 2017 collection - Camofleur

Richard James Autumn/Winter 2017 Camofleur collection starts its surreptitious journey just a short step from Savile Row in a covert corner of the neighbouring Royal Academy of Arts, where it squints, scratches its head and stands in awe before the astonishing, jarringly geometric work of camofleur Norman Wilkinson’s top-secret Dazzle Section.

Richard James Autumn/Winter 2017 collection - Camofleur Richard James Autumn/Winter 2017 collection - Camofleur

Richard James Autumn/Winter 2017 collection - Camofleur Richard James Autumn/Winter 2017 collection - Camofleur

Winning wonk Wilkinson worked as an unassuming seascape artist and illustrator before he was struck by razzle dazzle, his bold, acutely conspicuous form of anti-camouflage, the cunning if chancy concept of which was to confuse and confound more than conceal.

Richard James Autumn/Winter 2017 collection - Camofleur Richard James Autumn/Winter 2017 collection - Camofleur

Richard James Autumn/Winter 2017 collection - Camofleur Richard James Autumn/Winter 2017 collection - Camofleur

His radical ruse was used to protect Allied shipping and went on to influence a raft of artists, not least those of the intriguingly illusionary Op Art movement of the Sixties and early Seventies, who found a welcome home for their work hard by Wilkinson’s erstwhile workstation at the Royal Academy in the galleries of Cork Street.

Richard James Autumn/Winter 2017 collection - Camofleur Richard James Autumn/Winter 2017 collection - Camofleur

Richard James Autumn/Winter 2017 collection - Camofleur Richard James Autumn/Winter 2017 collection - Camofleur

This is a sharp, standout collection that celebrates an original, buoyantly befuddling British innovation and the extraordinary art it impacted on.

Richard James Autumn/Winter 2017 collection - Camofleur Richard James Autumn/Winter 2017 collection - Camofleur

Richard James Autumn/Winter 2017 collection - Camofleur Richard James Autumn/Winter 2017 collection - Camofleur

Base colours of soft grey, charcoal, taupe, caramel, chocolate and mushroom, pointedly punctured by accents of ochre, orange, burgundy and lucid blues, sweep through tailoring and knitwear like surely shrouded ships on a quiescent sea.

Richard James Autumn/Winter 2017 collection - Camofleur Richard James Autumn/Winter 2017 collection - Camofleur

Richard James Autumn/Winter 2017 collection - Camofleur Richard James Autumn/Winter 2017 collection - Camofleur

Graphic, zigzagging Op Art prints give a pressing presence to big ribbed and hand intarsia cashmere knits, silk and cashmere scarves and silk pocket squares.

Richard James Autumn/Winter 2017 collection - Camofleur Richard James Autumn/Winter 2017 collection - Camofleur

Lightweight soft flannel lends warmth to relaxed, double-breasted tailoring and casualwear with velvet and corduroy adding depth and texture. Oversize herringbone overcoats clearly echo the strong lines of razzle dazzle design.

Richard James Autumn/Winter 2017 collection - Camofleur Richard James Autumn/Winter 2017 collection - Camofleur

Photos and information: richardjames.co.uk


Hits: 3122 | Leave a comment

Tags:Richard James, collection, fall, winter, 2017, 2018, grey, suit, oversize, overcoat, tailoring, double breasted, caramel, taupe, knitwear, cashmere, silk

About the Author

Boyana Ivanova

Boyana is following men`s trade fairs and exhibitions. She is also covering fashion industry news, best dressed section, lifestyle and trends.


Vote for Most Stylish Men 2017






How to Order Matching Designs of Clothing and Accessories with Print on Demand Is it Trending to Put Your Cat's Face on a Dress or Shirt? How to Use the Pantone Color of the Year 2024