It’s tough to find a colour that conveys elegance, strength, confidence and authority in the way that navy can. If ever there was a shade seemingly impervious to passing fads or stupid trends, it’s this one. A sophisticated member of the colour spectrum, this inky blue hue is always standing to attention, with a trusted reliability that makes it an ideal component for menswear.
For Studio Nicholson, navy is a neutral. It’s the bedrock of the collection. The backbone of every season. In menswear, it’s the colour that brings texture, interest, a spark of the new. Unlike black (which starts bold but has a tendency to fade), navy ages gracefully, making it a more sustainable choice for men who favour the ‘less is more’ approach to dressing. An easy one to wear, there’s a nostalgia that resonates from memories of school uniforms, or the polished finish of military get-up. That smartness is undeniable, but most importantly, it facilitates effortless dressing. Pair it with a pop of white, a slice of brown, selvedge denim or crisp poplin stripes. Navy goes with everything. It is, quite literally, man’s best friend.
A forever friend, you can even take it tonally. Unsure about what to wear? You can’t argue with the power and strength of top to toe navy. It looks timeless and considered without being try-hard. This is all down to the fact that monochrome dressing is really all about character. When you omit colour variants you can drive the focus towards the fabric. Weave, finish and surface all come into play when you’ve made the informed decision to wear one kind of blue. Shade harmony stops you chasing the next big thing and guides you towards what’s already in circulation – which, in the case of the modular wardrobe, means there’ll already be a veritable buffet of navy blue.
For AW21, Studio Nicholson have brought some new molecules to the table. The indisputable winter knit favourite, the Lak comes in the deepest midnight blue. Made from 16-gauge double faced merino wool, it has a half-zip collar with branded puller, supersoft handle and ribbed cuffs. Team it with some signature Studio Nicholson volume by way of the Bridges Pant in rich 100% cotton. Single front pleat, peached navy twill with a slight leg taper and carpenter style pockets, these are trousers with a ‘can do’ attitude and utilitarian DNA. Take your pick with outerwear. Opt for the oversized Eco-down Oject Jacket, made from recycled plastic bottles for lightweight inner-city water-repellent warmth. Or hark back to the traditional with the knee-length, fully lined Mondial Coat in wool melton. An overcoat with a concealed buttoned front placket, throat latch and side seam pockets, it’s a refined envelope of insulating navy that ranks high on the indigo armada.
