KIBITZ/HOMME

It wasn’t too long ago that French Connection was selling controversial fcuk-logo T-shirts to every self-proclaimed bad boy in America, but starting this fall the U.K.-based retailer is hoping to become known for a decidedly more mature garment: the suit. 

“Our British heritage speaks to a refined and sophisticated point of view,” says French Connection U.S. president Andrea Hyde of the company’s first suit line. “It was time to bring our men’s wear to that level.”
That company has been trading up since its fcuk days, injecting clean wovens, trousers and soft sport coats into the mix. But launching clothing marks a new level of refinement in the retailer’s assortment, and signals increasing interest among consumers for more gentlemanly clothing for both work and play.

French Connection is not alone. Retailers from J. Crew to Club Monaco are giving more space to dressier looks in response to their shoppers’ evolving tastes. “Gone are the days of business casual,” declares Lisa Axelson, Club Monaco’s senior vice-president of design. “Men today are interested in looking smarter, more dapper and more put together than ever before.”

Source: DNR

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DNR has reported that “Dolce & Gabbana will open its first men’s wear boutique on Sloane Street in London this August. The 2,238-square-foot store will occupy the former Tommy Hilfiger flagship space and neighbor Bottega Veneta and Shanghai Tang boutiques…Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana teamed with Ferruccio Laviani and Studio Piuarch to create a slick design for the store, which will feature glass, varnished walls, chandeliers – all in black – as well as canaletto walnut shelving and display cabinets. The boutique will be set over two floors – sportswear, denim and accessories will be on ground level, while suits, knitwear, underwear, beachwear and gym wear will be located in the basement.”

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