The Friday Edition September 29 2017 Home Advantage
PROPERTYINSIDE: 34-PAGESPECIAL HOME ADVANTAGE THE FRIDAY EDITION SEPTEMBER 29 2017 FE80_Cover_PRESS.indd 1 11/09/2017 16:53 THE SHARPENER alpaca punch Strong yet soft, smart yet relaxed – it’s no wonder alpaca is leading the pack this season, says Tom Stubbs fabric that’s extra light, versatile, strong yet utterly luxurious: it sounds like a menswear designer’s fantasy. But alpaca has, of course, been around for ages – it’s just that its superlative qualities have not beenA fully appreciated until this season. The springy, ultra-soft fibres from the underbellies and necks of a species of camelid living in the Andes make for some very special fabrics. When woven, alpaca takes on various textures, from soft and voluminous to coarse and cropped. And as lightweight fabrications and distinctive textures become defining characteristics of contemporary men’s style, it’s not surprising that alpaca is now being shepherded into a lead role. Brunello Cucinelli, who built his empire on cashmere, has also put alpaca to work beautifully in his signature unstructured tailored outerwear, such as a glen-check short coat (£3,760) and roomy one-and-a-half breasted camel- (£1,390) and bomber jackets (£1,060, colour coat (£3,890). Likewise at Canali, pictured below) in wool/alpaca/mohair/ where deconstructed drapey overcoats silk bouclé take inspiration from 1960s silhouettes, as does a single-breasted overcoat (£1,470) in a wool/alpaca blend. They pass muster at smart occasions, yet their subtle texture and soft construction mean they also work as weekend throw- ons. The highlight at Chester Barrie is a Change coat (£2,950, pictured below right), its navy cashmere contrasting Alpaca is ideal cable-knit turtleneck (£395) have with a lush black alpaca lapel (made by for upgrading a 1940s quality about them.
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