THE JOURNAL

In an industry thrives on the new and now, it’s a curious thing to come across a brand that resists the swirling merry-go-round of shifting trends in favour of a more measured approach. Instead of slavishly following a prescribed seasonal theme, The Row’s collections evolve organically from each other, resulting in enduring designs with what the brand calls “an irreverent classic signature”.
The name itself doffs a cap to London’s legendary bespoke mecca and precision tailoring is a core component of the brand’s offering. But this isn’t the stuffy, starchy suiting of old. It’s capacious virgin-wool coats, fluid tailored separates and plush cashmere knits in well-executed, yet simple sculptural shapes, which somehow feel au courant and ageless in equal measure. “There are few brands that truly understand the power of quietly luxurious dressing, and The Row has not only cornered the market [in this field], but become a byword for it. The clothes are precious without being obvious about it,” says Mr Stephen Doig, menswear editor at The Telegraph.
The new AW21 collection stays true to the ideal of a quietly elegant approach to luxury dressing, which chimes with the sense of ease many of us seek from our wardrobes now. There are no frills and flounce here, just well designed clothes to see you through every subsequent season.
01.
The great coat

During the bleaker months of the year, a comforting, all-enveloping coat is just what’s needed to make the wrath of winter that little bit more palatable. Luckily, The Row excels at exactly this sort of outerwear. This Rafael coat is made using virgin wool – the downy, ultra-soft yarn taken from a lamb’s first shearing – that will almost have you craving a cold-weather front.
02.
The plush sweater

Cashmere isn’t dubbed the king of yarns without reason. Not only is it cloud-soft and absent of the galling itch of coarser wools, it also has superb thermo-regulation properties to keep your body’s thermostat on an even keel. Knitted from the wonder wool in a hefty, winter-ready weight, the Darone sweater has a slightly oversized profile for that just-so slouchy look.
03.
The silky knit

Look in any man’s wardrobe and chances are you’ll find a sporty zip-up of some description, but it’s unlikely you’ll find one quite like this. By simply adding silk to the mix, The Row has transformed a run-of-the-mill staple into something rather more refined that will pair with everything on the smart-casual spectrum.
04.
The sustainable sweatshirt

Cotton is one of the fibres at the forefront of the sustainability debate, largely due to the surfeit of pesticides and water it requires to cultivate. The Derovere sweatshirt is different, being made from chemical-free organic cotton. Not only is it cosy and comfortable to boot, Mother Earth will be delighted you’re wearing it, too.
05.
The wide-leg slacks

Far from basic, these sweatpants are dyed with colourful splodges that look like they might’ve happened during a spontaneous art class in Silver Lake. They don’t just look good, either. The breathable cotton-jersey has a soft looped backing to make them feel ultra-comfy.
06.
The flannel shirt

When the mercury is southward bound but a shirt is still required, stepping up the weight of your fabrics is the way to go. The Lukercio shirt is made from a warming cashmere-blend flannel – more commonly used in high-end suiting – giving it a smart advantage in a cold snap.
07.
The essential T-shirt

Given that the Olsen twins started their label in 2006 as a project to create the perfect white T-shirt, it’s fair to say they have a knack for well-made basics. Cut from a mid-weight soft cotton-jersey, this multifaceted tee is equally apt for layering under knitwear or wearing solo on more temperate days.
08.
The smart shorts

It might seem counterintuitive to don shorts made of wool. However, by adding a touch of cashmere to this pleated pair, it not only adds a rich handle to the fabric, but helps it resist wrinkling, too. So, you’ll be able to maintain a freshly pressed appearance no matter where your day takes you.
09.
The clean-cut sneakers

While these Dean sneakers might seem simple on initial inspection, the devil is in the details. Made in Italy from breathable cotton canvas, they’re lined in butter-soft leather for added comfort, while their clean profile is a prime example of the brand’s aptitude for ageless minimalism.
10.
The modernist sandals

Sandals might have been the butt of many a Jesus joke in the past, but labels such as The Row have recently been making strides to reinvent open-toe footwear for the 21st-century man and this clean-cut pair are a case in point. While they might take their cue from traditional fisher-folk styles, they’ve been given a well-heeled revamp with a texture-rich nubuck upper and cushioned rubber sole.
11.
The contemporary Chelsea boots

There’s a good reason that Chelsea boots remain consistently popular year after year: they’re sturdy, stylish and pair harmoniously with everything from the smart to low-key ends of your closest. The Row gives a reboot to the solid design, with the addition of well-placed square elastic panels, giving this pair a subtle point of difference.
12.
The luxe beanie

The beanie hat is inherently casual by nature, so pick the wrong material and fit and it can end up looking rather sloppy. There’s no danger of that with The Row’s chunky knit iteration, which is fashioned from pure cashmere in a smart, snug fit. You’ll be hard-pressed to find a plusher winter hat.