Smith-Wykes 2014 Spring/Summer Lookbook

Building upon its upcoming Fall/Winter 2013 collection and furthering its commitment to a range of designs that “complement, rather than overshadow” one another, London/Paris-based Smith-Wykes presents its lookbook for Spring/Summer 2014. This time around, 1960s Japanese architecture – particularly Taniguchi Yoshio’s Hotel Okura – serves as the major inspiration as the label looks to reinterpret the outsiders’ perspectives on Japanese design that dominated the films of the mid-20th century. Texture is a major focal point as linens, cottons, slub yarns and marl effects are all utilized in conjunction with fresh, reworked takes on classic elements: dropped shoulders appear on jackets while subtly pleated shorts incorporate a wider leg, and kimono- and woodblock-inspired motifs adorn button-downs and tees. Japanese ideals of minimalism are further present with a simple overlapping floral design and a utilitarian color palette of steely neutrals and inky hues of black and blue.