Anyone left wondering whether a camel coat will still prove a sound investment come next season will find their question answered by Hugo Boss.
The German super brand, which unveiled its BOSS collection for men and women yesterday on the final day of New York Fashion Week, opened its catwalk with the perfect crombie coat from which to hang the rest of your workwear wardrobe.
A series of equally covetable camel cover-ups, from floor-sweeping greatcoats to classic trenches and shearling capes, soon followed. Each one came paired with perfectly Pantone-matched separates in a showcase which proved to be a masterclass in how to turn tonal dressing into your boardroom ace card.
From top-to-toe winter white to all-navy looks, it was an offering that was at once beautifully simple and perfectly polished. It even propositioned full fuchsia attire as a viable option for those wishing to really stand out.
Unsurprisingly, the suit, which has long served as Boss’s bread and butter, was a signature. But the effect was far from buttoned up.
“I think the suit will always have a place in fashion, but the way you wear it is changing,” said chief brand officer Ingo Wilts, who assumed creative control last year following the departure of former creative director Jason Wu. “In the past, it was worn with a shirt and a tie but now it has loosened up.” As a result, quilted funnel neck sweaters were layered beneath blazers and tailored trousers came relaxed with a drawstring waist.
This casual mood also influenced the shift dress which featured a longer, softer silhouette with easy pleats and a fluid fit.
Was it office athleisure?
“It’s sporty, but in an elevated way,” suggested Wilts, who noted the smart nylon parka jackets in the collection while pointing out the absence of sneakers.
But as far as elevated style is concerned, the brand’s butter soft leather suit offered a lesson in how to boss it.
