Wayward Heir—Spring/Summer 2010/11 in New Zealand: “If I’m Alive, I’m Swinging”

“I feel sorry for people who don’t drink. When they wake up in the morning, that’s as good as they’re going to feel all day.” — Frank Sinatra

The Rat Pack, smoky Jazz Clubs in Vegas, cigars in one hand and dirty martinis in the other, classically cut suits that ooze swagger and confidence; the 1960s were about well-groomed bachelors who had a good time and dressed impeccably to do so.

Wayward Heir’s collection for summer 2010/2011, “If I’m Alive, I’m Swinging” is influenced by the swinging sixties and takes the best aspects of slim line suiting of that era and adds a modern
spin.

The sophistication of the likes of Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis Jr. and Dean Martin is mirrored in the slender silhouettes, fitted jackets and laid-back casuals that remind us of just how cool those cats really were.

“It is how the greats used to dress -with class and sophistication and a bit of cheekiness thrown in,” says Wayward Heir designer Jaime Winks. “A collection that will make any man the epitome of style and swagger - like Frank, Dean and Sammy,” he says.

Narrower lapels, flatter fronts, slimmer sleeves and slightly tapered and more fitted trousers are all throwbacks to Vegas’ greatest era and the iconic bachelor lifestyle of the members of the group of men who have been emulated the world over ever since.

Lighter and softer fabrics show the evolution of the style; patterns and colours are varied and inventive while still keeping that classic look. Chintz charcoals, silvery greys and blacks are all staples in the colour scheme of the suiting, while shirts explore dusky pinks and blues and the addition of prints with a contemporary twist.

The “If I’m Alive, I’m Swinging” collection from Wayward Heir captures the fun and excitement of the sixties, the iconic time of effortless cool, with pieces that can be worn to the office, the races or even to a smoky jazz bar at the Bellagio.

New Zealand 2010-11 Spring/Summer Series: (Remember, your winter may be Kiwi summer!)
Doosh—Spring/Summer 2010-11 in New Zealand: “Wild at Heart”
Elusiv—Spring/Summer 2010/11 in New Zealand: “Spirit”
Rembrandt—Spring/Summer 2010/11 in New Zealand: “Goldeneye”
Trix & Dandy —Spring/Summer 2010/11 in New Zealand: “Dazed but Not Confused”
21 Grams—Spring/Summer 2010/11 in New Zealand: “Sicker than your Average Bear”
Silverdale—Spring/Summer 2010/11 in New Zealand

Photos 2010-11 s/s collection “If I’m Alive, I’m Swinging” Courtesy Coco PR, Copyright Wayward Heir, a line of Rembrandt.

"Just Dandy" by Wayward Heir

“Style is the dress of thought.”

- Lord Chestereld

The modern-day suit and tie easily find their roots in the style of dress promoted by George Brummell (1778–1840), a staunch advocate of tailored or fitted clothes, elaborate cravats, and full-length trousers.

For fall/winter 2010, Wayward Heir has decided to pay tribute to George Brummell and his style of dress, which has come to be known as dandyism—that menswear and attitude so typical of the Regency period.

“It has been too long since men in general have taken real pride in their appearance and we want to change that,” says Wayward Heir designer Jaime Winks. “Give men a clean, confident, modern, and luxurious look to be admired.”

The Wayward Heir collection is youthfully edgy, pristine in cut, and immaculate in fit. Suits appear in vivid grey with solid checks and bold stripes—all spiced with a dash of purple, green, and blue hues.

“There is a difference between standing out because of your outfit and you standing out in your outfit,” says Winks. “This is the brand for the confident, self-aware, and charismatic individual who knows who he is and wants the whole room to know it too.”

Photo top right, Copyright Wayward Heir, a line of Rembrandt.
Photo bottom left, George Brummell, Public Domain at Wikipedia.