The Primark AW15 Press Day

That Dapper Chap tell us all about the Primark Press day and introduces pieces from their AW15 range.

Admiring a pure wool suit jacket for AW15

Arriving at the Elms Lesters Painting Rooms on a warm London afternoon, I was greeted by warmer smiles and a much needed cool drink. I was here for the Primark AW15 press day and was excited to see what they had in store for the coming season.

It was only a few short years ago that Primark had a less than desirable reputation, stuck zippers, tatty hems and fabrics that shrunk with the first wash. Primark has changed and I am pleased to say that quality is now high on their list of priorities and their clothing now rivals all of the other high street brands, not only in quality but in style too. 

The AW15 Primark menswear range

Quality and design are paramount this AW15 for menswear. with form, fabric and finish dictating and defining the season ahead.

Streetwear is still supreme but references the Hip-Hop reign of the 90's for a fresher vision and renewed street-cred in 'Outta Compton'. Oversized, boxy silhouettes, as well as chunky boots and brushed check echo the uniforms of urban mavens.

A beautiful wool coat for AW15

A closer look at the fabric on the coat

Oversized, voluminous shapes push through to 'Polar Luxe' a staple autumnal trend elevated by simple styling and clever fabrics. Layering of textures lends warmth whilst a tonal palette keeps the look Nordoc-smart.

'Art Hounds' alludes to the 1960's Bauhaus student. Quality fabrication allows tapered cuts, neat lines, and a overwhelming cleanliness to make this look stand out. Turtlenecks, drainpipe trousers and soft but slick suiting are essential to the Beatnik look.

Baggy chinos come our way in AW15

A wall of menswear at the Primark AW15 press day

This season suiting steps up a notch with two beautiful collections; 'British Wool' and 'Irish Molloy & Sons Donegal Tweed'. Using established, local mills both in Yorkshire, England and in Donegal, Ireland, Primark have created two capsule collections that use locally sourced, pure wool. Quality linings and considered finishes contribute to creating two unique, wonderfully handsome tailoring ranges.

One range that I'm really excited about is the Farell range of quality heritage inspired items. The brand is named after Jack Farrel, AKA Jack The Giant Killer. Jack was a notable dresser, a Stoke-on-Trent native who lived a hard life but lived it well.

One of the Farrell suits available this AW15 from Primark

The Farell brand available at Primark

A stunning herringbone wool suit

A close up to the fabric

Guests enjoying the new collection at the AW15 press day

Myself and Marcus the Menswear designer

Bringing the style next season

More of the AW15 collection

Refreshments at the Primark AW15 press day

Evening wear also features n the new collection

Ready for winter with heavy sweaters and coats

guests at the AW15 press day

I'm in love with this Nordic style heavy sweater

So, when you buy your AW15 pieces, which will appear in stores over the next couple of months make sure you take a picture and post it to Instagram tagging @primark.MAN and maybe you'll get featured! You can also upload your Primark looks to their Primania page, you may even see a few pictures of me there too ;)

THANKS FOR READING

KorβátaTies

That Dapper Chap introduces us to a range of colourful ties handmade in Guatemala and offers readers a special discount.

A short time ago I commented on a fellow Instagrammers picture in which he wore a bright orange tie which grabbed my attention. After I left the comment I received a lovely email from the company that made the tie: Korβáta. A couple of weeks later and I have my own orange tie!

The instagram image that grabbed my attention
Image property of TheDressedChest

About Korβáta

In Korβáta a tie is not merely an accent piece or an afterthought. Their hand-woven ties tell a story. When the thread is woven, the rich history and heritage of the Mayan people are woven along with it. That is because each thread has been put in place by the hands of a Mayan woman whose efforts preserve Guatemala’s textile traditions. All of their collections are limited edition. Crafted from 100% cotton, each hand woven pattern is unique, never to be duplicated. Korβáta’s ties and bow ties are for the man who knows quality when he sees it, loves old world tradition but isn't afraid to dress for the 21st century.

The 'Laguna De Ipala' bow tie $35.00

Korβáta’s story begins by the serendipitous meeting of two entrepreneurs. Both of Guatemalan descent, they found a shared love for their country, the beauty of its land, the Mayan culture and Guatemalan art. Combining their talents and efforts, they started a small artisan project and named the company Korβáta. Our work has been most gratifying because we have not only brought our dream to fruition but are helping to sustain Guatemala’s rich weaving history and providing work for those in rural areas of Guatemala.

I'm an instant fan of their individuality. They are like nothing I've seen before and that really appeals to me. Do they appeal to you too? If so read on for a discount!

My Laguna LagoYolnabaj bow tie modelled by Dave the mannequin 

The 'Laguna De Chicabal' bow tie $35.00

My new Laguna De Peten Itza tie styled up 

The 'Laguna De Amatitlan' tie $40.00

The 'Lago De Izabal' tie $40.00

The guys at Korβáta are offering That Dapper Chap readers an exclusive 10% discount. All you have to do is click HERE to go to the Korbata page at Amazon and use code DAPPER10 at checkout

THANKS FOR READING!

Fathers Day - Mini Me

That Dapper Chap shows us his 'Father & Son' styling for Fathers Day with clothing provided by Next Menswear

When my Son was born we dressed him as we wanted to dress him, usually in cute dungarees and hand knitted sweaters . A few years later and he had his own ideas (not always good) and as he got older our styles differed incredibly. As I donned my tweed blazer and bow tie he was reaching for super skinny black jeans and scruffy oversized sweaters. 

Harry, suited and booted in classic navy

A champagne celebration

As he got older he became more interested in classic styling. While he still wears his skinny jeans he does like to dress up too and will now often borrow my bow ties when he goes to work in our local Topman. 

In a classic navy blazer and printed trousers

Boats bobbing on the historical marina

Classic tailoring from Next.co.uk

So for this Fathers Day, a table was booked at our favorite local seafood restaurant and wanting to look the part we styled ourselves using clothing from Next for a 'mini me' shoot.

Watching the world go by and enjoying the sunshine

Harry was adamant that he wanted a three piece suit. Sticking with classic navy he chose a skinny fit suit available in a full suit or to buy as separates. With the suit we wears an aqua slim fit shirt with floral tie and pocket square and a classic tan coloured leather brogue shoe.

A close up of Harry's floral print tie and pocket square

Harry in his three piece navy suit

The classic tan leather brogues

For my look I wanted separates that could look good as a single outfit but that can also be worn other ways for more formal or more casual looks. Next have some great printed blazers and trousers in stock for summer and I've been wanting to get my hands on some printed trousers for a while now. 

Chilling out at the historical marina

A look at the pattern on these printed trousers

The skinny fit printed trousers are really versatile as they can be dressed up for a smarter look as I have done today or dressed very simply with white pumps and white T-Shirt. I initially chose some navy brogues to wear with this look but switched at the last minute and went for a simple black leather saddle loafer. I think I made the right choice as I think the brogues may have looked a bit bulky.

A close up of the black leather saddle loafers

Father and Son share some quality time

The patterned trousers add individuality to this look

While our sunglasses are not from Next, the brown holdall is. The perfect size for a weekend away, they have a very good range of bags and holdalls available covering a wide range of styles and prices. My navy knitted tie is also from Next and is a great staple item at just £10.

The roomy brown holdall

A versatile look for work or for play

My blazer is again classic navy and has a two button fastening with elbow patches, in a slim fit it is well cut and I know it's going to be a 'go to' item time and time again. The watch, from Harding watches continues the navy colour scheme.

The blue Jetstream watch from Harding

Like Father, like son in navy tailoring

Harry's aqua coloured shirt lifts his look and adds colour

Boats on the marina

Time for dinner at our favorite restaurant

A great Fathers Day, thanks for my Son Harry

So, thank you to Harry for a great Fathers Day, I'm now going to put my feet up and let him make me a nice cup of tea while I watch my favourite movie. I hope all you Dads out there have had a great day and that you are just as proud of your Sons and Daughters as I am of mine, whatever their personal style.

FIND NEXT

      

THANKS FOR READING

Marks & Spencer Launch the David Gandy Swimwear Range

That Dapper Chap shows us the new range of swimwear from Marks & Spencer designed by British super model David Gandy

Marks & Spencer announces the next stage in its exclusive men’s David Gandy for Autograph collection - Swimwear. Following the global success of the David Gandy for Autograph underwear debut last year, the eight piece swimwear collection, designed and modelled by the world’s only male supermodel David Gandy, is set to launch online and in over 100 stores across the UK and internationally this summer at the beginning of June 2015

The plain red swim shorts £25

  

Designed by David Gandy

David Gandy says: “The underwear collection has been really well received so launching swimwear this summer seemed like the next natural step. The shorter short and lower rise shape that we introduced for underwear has become very popular so I’ve introduced this for swimwear too and have created a collection that can be worn in the pool or as casual wear throughout summer. 

I was inspired by images of Hollywood stars wearing beautifully made swimwear in the 60s, and by my love of tailoring which I’ve incorporated in the detail by including the use of side adjusters, contrasting buttons and also the hounds-tooth print which has become a signature of the range. 

I’ve enjoyed putting the collection together and I’m excited to be able to offer a more premium range of swimwear at high street prices." Scott Fyfe, Director of Menswear, Marks & Spencer, says: “After the success of the David Gandy for Autograph underwear and loungewear collection, it made sense to expand the collection into swimwear. David is extremely knowledgeable about style, and working with our swimwear experts he has created our most premium swimwear collection yet. 

He’s designed an exclusive new fit that’s more tailored than our current range, in a spectrum of eight colours, he’s incorporated extra design finishes and innovative fabrics creating a really stand out range that I think our customers will love”.

Tailored fit, quick dry dogtooth swim shorts £25.00

A closer look at the dogtooth swim shorts

David Gandy has worked closely with M&S swimwear experts to develop a collection of eight swim shorts in navy, light blue, cobalt blue, marine, orange, red, black and hounds-tooth, all in a new exclusive slim fit shape, with a lower rise and shorter short. Bright colour and pattern are particularly popular swimwear styles at M&S, so David was keen to include a new bold colour palette, as well as his signature houndstooth print. 

David has included his love of tailoring in details such as side adjusters, contrasting buttons and a discreet hounds-tooth print on the inside of the button fly. This is the first time M&S has launched a swimwear range by waist size offering sizes from 28” to 40’’ for a more accurate fit, usually only found on tailoring. The swim shorts are made with innovative Quick Dry technology to speed drying time, as well as being sold with a drawstring water resistant bag. David Gandy for Autograph swimwear offers the most premium swimwear styles to date at M&S menswear, and all at £25.

Tailored swim shorts in plain blue

All David Gandy for Autograph Swim Shorts are available for £25 and are now available in selected UK stores and online. The swimwear will be available online and in over 100 stores across the UK and Ireland. 

THANKS FOR READING!