Haxby’s London Man

ABOVE: ALL PHOTOS COURTESY OF TINA TYRELL.

Haxby, the recently launched UK-based menswear brand, has its eye keenly focused on filling a void in the marketplace by modernizing traditional sportswear. Rooted in smart, uncomplicated design, Haxby is the perfect addendum to the contemporary working man’s urban uniform.
 
“We’re making the kinds of clothes men want to wear in real life,” a representative for the label explains. “The Haxby man may have purchased high-end luxury goods in the past,” the brand’s rep continues, “but he’s at a different place in his life now. He might not want to spend $4, 000 on a suit anymore, but he also isn’t willing to sacrifice quality.”

Designed between London and New York City, and produced in Italy, Haxby offerings include wardrobe staples with just enough flair to make them relevant. “Everyone’s in a quiet mode,” the rep tells us, “that’s what happening with the way people dress and shop.” Suits and separates are classically British in their sleekness and precision and come in complimentary shades of charcoal, navy, and New York black. At times, the clothes are almost mod-tinged, as evidenced by the early Beatles-style abbreviated silhouettes. “This isn’t a fashion-forward Paris runway collection…our clothes don’t shout, and our sweaters don’t have three arms!”

On the contrary, Haxby made a quiet, yet impactful debut at Pitti Uomo, and is committed to tapping into the subtle aspirations of today’s multitasking man. Perhaps as a rebuttal to the economic crisis—which resulted in both a surge in highly disposable fast-fashion, and overtly trendy (and exorbitantly priced) “editorial” merchandise—Haxby offers accessible luxury that is neither wild nor stuffy.

The brand’s expansive knit program consists of wool-cashmere blend cardigans and roll-neck sweaters, and classic crew and v-necks, some in wool mohair blends, in windowpane or argyle patterns. Standouts include a sumptuous challah-braided jumper in navy and a double-faced, speckled mélange topcoat with oversized patch pockets and horn buttons.  

A classic suit jacket has its canvas upgraded in a faint charcoal-colored Cunningham tartan pattern, while its sleeves remain unadorned in plain black wool. Not to be outdone on the officewear-cum-street-style front, there are also updated variations on the bomber jacket: one in color-blocked Loro Piana wool or rubberized leather, and another in high-density cotton nylon twill with leather-ribbed cuffs and hem.

For the man that has a tendency to purchase his most treasured wardrobe finds tenfold, Haxby plans to recycle signature pieces in each collection. No more, “Oh, sorry, that was last season.”

FOR MORE ON HAXBY LONDON, VISIT THE LABEL’S WEBSITE.