The AW11 menswear collection puts distinct YMC signature design twists on traditional winter pieces and fabrics, presenting modern silhouettes and textures combined with influences from the uniforms of 1960’s US servicemen, and the UK air force of World War II.
YMC reinvents classic outerwear styles with a contemporary design twist; the Quilt Jacket moves on for Winter 11 appearing in an enzyme sand wash, the Zip Jacket is a modern reinvention of a vintage American jacket with heavy stone wash and indigo printed floral lining, while the Duck Coat is an amazing goose down and feather coat that looks great teamed with the Butt Pocket trousers, featuring an interesting rear pocket detail.
Long known for its quality knitwear, this season’s offering is no exception, showcasing a wide range of woolens from pop colour cashmere jumpers and preppy collegiate cardigans, to chunky knit roll necks and a covetable jumper inspired by a genuine traditional Norwegian style knit pattern. In addition to the usual crew and V-neck jumper shapes, Winter 11 introduces a square neck option – an unusual neck shape rediscovered from the 1920’s. Other key styles include a traditional British Hunting style in wool and linen blend yarn; a jersey version of a classic American Baseball shirt; and a Mountain Fleece inspired by a vintage climbing top.
Team statement pieces with superior Basics including an undergarment-inspired long sleeve Henley perfect for mild summer days, and the signature YMC Work jacket – a new season jersey version of the classic Chore jacket. A long sleeve Raglan T is a timeless Americana style offered in melange slub cotton jersey, and a pocket crew tee is offered in a 50′s vintage fabric print bleached and garment washed.
The stand-out story in this season’s collection is the capsule of Hunting and Fishing Camouflage print items. YMC turn the ethos of camouflage on its head ensuring this is one print guaranteed to make you stand out from the crowd rather than blend in to the background – wear separates together as a complete outfit or choose one accent piece from a shirt or jacket or mac, to trousers or lace up shoes.
Footwear focuses on suede lace up shoes and ankle boots in olive, navy, and tan, as well as the ubiquitous leather Winter boot for a tougher look.
AW11 Ladieswear proudly marks the debut collection for YMC from long established and widely respected womenswear designer Sofia Prantera, formerly of cult London label Silas and Maria.
Sofia paid extreme attention to detail to stay true to the YMC aesthetic, and worked with menswear fabrics where she could to maintain the slightly rigid menswear feel that is very characteristic of YMC. She mixed this with more fabrics such as silk, taffeta and velvet to soften and balance the collection and the result is a collection of covetable pieces that are casual in a perfectly modern way, with influences running from 80’s preppy to old fashioned Victorian seaside.
Key silhouettes for the season are fitted at the waist, complimented by whimsical loose flowing feminine fabrics and tough chunky knitwear. Inspired by clowns and pierrots from old circus picture books, white silk blouses with black trims are key, as are cream and navy silk vintage style shirt dresses. Velvet dresses and bibbed sailorette tops add an indulgent tactile feel to day wear and a reversible zip up velvet jacket transforms a casual Autumn day jacket in to effortlessly understated chic evening wear. Long sleeve day dresses are a must – highlights being the silk squirrel print long sleeve dress or brown fine cord front pocket dress with high neck tie.
Knitwear is chunky and cosy. Choose from nude and navy bobble detail jumpers and cardigans or a plum and navy waffle knit sweater, through to block pop colour cashmere or bold orange and khaki stripe brushed wool crew neck jumpers. For colder days layer up with an oversize classic Parka, and for a dressier look a beautiful fur lined navy Princess coat will keep you warm whatever the weather.
The khaki front pleat woolen tapered trouser is an essential Winter wardrobe staple, as are the new high waisted jeans and slimline chino. Bright basic sweats and tees instantly give trousers a lift, and a fresh modern feel layered under a classic cotton pinafore dress.
For extra warmth wrap yourself up in a shawl style Norwegian fairisle print wool scarf, available in brown, purple or green. Footwear is Victoriana-inspired with button detail high top elfin suede shoes or ankle boots in olive, navy, or tan. A faux fur lined leather lace up boot toughens up silk dresses while boyfriend lace-up brogues are the perfect anytime shoe.
