Introducing... Exemplaire: The best jumper a man can have

This week I stopped by the PR Consulting press day to have a closer looks at what some of my favourite brands have in store for SS14. One these favourites of mine is Exemplaire, a French label which prides itself in its subtle designs and excellent quality – what we now call 'everyday luxury'. They first launched witch a cashmere collection produced in a limited number, which added to the luxurious feel. They have since introduced fine leather goods – jackets and small accessories produced in the softest, lightest leather.
I fell in love with the brand, its philosophy and their super products from the moment I first laid hands on one of their jumpers. Their latest offering for the new season consists of slightly lighter knits best worn over tees but equally as practical for the colder seasons.
The seemingly ordinary pieces also have a perfect fit. Getting away from some of the boxy, baggy even, fits of classic jumpers offered by many other luxury brands, Exemplaire is all about a fitted silhouette, which is much more contemporary.

I hear the brand is soon to expand into ready-to-wear territory – it will be excellent, no doubt – and will also soon be opening a stand-alone store in Paris.
In the meantime, you can shop Exemplaire at Dover Street Market in London and on Mr Porter.

My two favourites above: The grey crew neck cashmere jumper, and

The cable knit rollneck cashmere jumper.

Fashion, Frankly

Burberry Prorsum SS14: 'Writers and Painters'

I would like if I said I wasn't terribly excited as I walked down the path leading to the grassed field where Burberry had set up their open air tent at Perk's Field. I was hoping for a huge show with live music and unexpected effects (it rained once before, after all) but I was happily surprised by a cool and understated catwalk show instead. Thinking about it afterwards, it made sense for menswear to be more sober. Needless to say, the guest list was packed with familiar faces and the music, as usual, spot-on.
'Writers and Painters' was the title that Christopher Bailey had given to a SS14 collection inspired by David Hockney and Alan Bennett. The artistic and intellectual spirit was made evident by the relaxed silhouettes – low shoulder lines and unstructured on the outerwear, which contrasted with the brand's usual sharp tailoring. It was perhaps one of Burberry's most wearable collections of the last few years, anyone could easily wear any of the pieces off the runway.
Two of the big focuses were the lightweight materials such as silks and linens and the use of knitwear and shirts as outerwear.  I particularly loved the chunky ultra soft knits in baby blue and red and the work jackets, which were perfect for a chic bohemian look. Blues and greys appeared everywhere but also camel, olive, terracotta and white. My personal favourites were the dusty greens, yellows and pinks, perfect for any season. Bailey has devised all the elements that make his collection in a way that makes them versatile so you can wear them at the end of the winter when the collection hits stores and all through the (British) summer.
The coloured suede and deck shoes, striped ties, patterned sunglasses and soft leather bags were some of the accessory highlights. All statement pieces and classics at once – something any man should always be looking for to stock up his wardrobe.
As it's become the norm, Burberry is offering fans around the world the option to pre-order most of the outwear and accessories now through their website and at Burberry stores, where buyers can personalise the items where their initials. Making every piece even more special.
Have a look below at my selection of looks and at the closer look I got of the collection at the showroom. Get cracking putting your wish lists together, the commercial collection is going to be a hit!

Courtesy of Burberry