THE JOURNAL
“My morning routine depends on location and season,” says Mr Greg Chait, founder of The Elder Statesman. “I’m not a get-out-of-bed-and-go-for-a-run guy. If I’m going to do any exercise in the morning, it’s surfing. In Malibu during the summer, it’s all about coffee and then a surf. In LA, it’s a chill morning and then I just get moving. I’ll check my emails as I’m starting to engage my day.”
With a dynamic schedule and busy routine like his, it’s not hard to see why Chait chose to specialise in (predominantly cashmere) pieces that truly put comfort first. The Elder Statesman started off with a small collection of blankets back in 2007, and has since expanded into mood-boosting ready-to-wear, accessories and covetable homewares that exude the laid-back yet luxurious spirit typical of the West Coast: think bright space- and tie-dyes, bold jacquards and psychedelic graphics that are guaranteed to lift your spirit.
Chait is a longtime friend and collaborator of MR PORTER, so when The Elder Statesman’s SS22 collection landed, we couldn’t help but pick some of our favourite items. Keep on scrolling to see for yourself.
01.
The striped cardigan
Cashmere is one of The Elder Statesman’s greatest strengths, but the LA brand is just as well-versed at picking colour palettes that ensure you don’t go unnoticed. Look beyond the colour of this cardigan and you’ll find classic shawl lapels and dropped shoulder seams to enhance the relaxed fit.
02.
The tie-dye sweater
How many times are we going to hear that tie-dye is back? Well, for The Elder Statesman it simply never left. The washed-out pastel tones of this sweater further add to the sundrenched, laid-back West Coast vibes, too.
03.
The snug blanket
There are few things as luxurious as a cashmere blanket. This one has been hand-loomed in LA and brushed to enhance its seriously soft handle, and the purple and green colourway provides an opportunity to inject a dash of colour into your bedroom or lounge.
04.
The chunky trousers
We have yet to decide where we would position these trousers in the loungewear spectrum, but we can guarantee that the honeycomb-like weave and chunky handle really do the job on down days. The wide-legged fit works equally well with slippers, slip-ons and sneakers.
05.
The bold beanie
A colourful beanie like The Elder Statesman’s is an easy antidote to those gloomy days when the weather requires extra coverage. Channel your inner retired-at-30 tech guru and unfold the cuff to achieve a slouchier fit.