Shanghai Tang men’s wear offers an alternative elegance that is grounded in tradition, and inspired by Oriental culture as a complement to Western style. From China with Love, the new Autumn/Winter 2011 collection, is an elegant expression of all that is beautiful and exciting about modern China, a country on the rise.


TREASURE CHEST
The new season begins with an opulent palette inspired by the rich colours of ethnic China -- autumnal brights with muted greys and navy blues. Trousers come in bright hues that can be paired with navy blazers, a subtle way to re-Orient a preppy classic. Blazers have been created in a variety of styles with Mandarin collars and bespoke details from the collar to the stitching. The look is also reversed; an orange washed cord blazer may be worn over deep indigo jeans made with a special wash effect. Additional details, such as elbow patches, add warmth and new interest to an old-school look that is back on the rise. The “Checker” cashmere knitted scarf adds dynamism, in blocks of orange and fuchsia with heather grey, brown, bright blue and black, a modern reference to Qiang traditional costumes. The “Stars” Liberty print scarf re-imagines the much-loved star motif in an evocative multitude of stars in different colours. Equipping men for the cooler temperatures ahead, the collection further provides a large selection of ethnic print scarves and warm cashmere sweaters.


URBAN WARRIORS
Shanghai Tang presents countless ways for city-dwellers to embrace the Mandarin collar and discover an alternative, individual elegance. The “Banker Stripes” wool blazer epitomizes this new approach and attitude, especially when worn with “Double Happiness” gloves. Adapted for modern lifestyles, many gloves in the collection are fingerless to facilitate use of iPads and other portable technology. Zippered pockets and carefully-placed button holes also take iPods and earphones into account for Urban Warriors on the go. Layering is key in winter. Shanghai Tang’s chic solutions include luxurious vests – a continuing trend for Autumn/Winter – which may be worn over jackets. A pale grey brushed padded flannel vest blends beautifully with a suit; while a cashmere/wool coat features a matte nylon padded front. The overall effect is modern and practically elegant rather than sporty. The colour palette evolves as winter approaches, moving towards darker greys, blues, and plums.

Fine attention to detail can be seen from contrasted collars to velvet trims on coat pockets. Sweaters, such as the new reversible cashmere hoodies, add to the layered look and create a soft contrast to the toughness of fine leather jackets with stand-up collars.


EVENING
Going into the evening, Shanghai Tang introduces alternative elegance for the many year-end special occasions and festive celebrations through an increasingly muted palette. The velvet Mandarin collar tuxedo remains a Shanghai Tang trademark, and is presented for Autumn/Winter 2011 with a limited edition “Coin” silk lining which also decorates scarves that can be worn as cummerbunds. For an amusing twist, the velvet tuxedo blazer is also available in an abstract swirl of black, midnight blue, deep raspberry and plum tones mimicking a camouflage print, to be worn with simple satin tape tuxedo pants. Pleated, bib-front shirts are available in contemporary hues such as grey instead of traditional white, as Shanghai Tang continues to offer modern men’s wear that is rooted in rich sartorial traditions.

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