THE JOURNAL
For a brand known for keeping a low profile, Loro Piana is… surprisingly hot right now. Blame <Succession>, which amplified the trend for “quiet luxury” when its final season dropped earlier this year, inspiring us all to dress (or, at least, aspire to dress) like the squabbling scions of a billionaire media mogul.
It’s a look that Loro Piana, with its unfussy designs and its absence of anything that could be considered brash, garish or ostentatious, does exceptionally well. But subtlety isn’t the Italian brand’s only strong suit. It’s also famous for the quality of its fabrics, which are regarded as among the very finest in the world. Little surprise when you consider its 100-year history as a textile supplier. (The brand was founded in 1924 and didn’t start making ready-to-wear until the 1980s.)
As one of the biggest names in Italian luxury –and a brand that is having a bit of a moment right now –we thought that it was only right to ask the team at Loro Piana to design us a few exclusive pieces for Al Fresco!, our campaign inspired by the easygoing style of an Italian summer. They didn’t disappoint. Scroll on to see a bit of what they came up with. And check out the whole exclusive collection here.
01.
The linen bomber
A classic sportswear silhouette gets the Loro Piana treatment with this fine linen bomber, which is styled after an old-school letterman jacket, but elevated to a new plane of elegance through the brand’s luxurious materials and high-end finishing. It feels especially summery in white, a colour that really allows the texture of the linen fabric to shine through.
02.
The polo shirt
Polo shirts are a summer staple, but this version from Loro Piana is a cut above, featuring a sporty open collar that’s accentuated by contrasting white piping running along the seam. A great choice with swim shorts by the pool, it’ll also serve as a base layer underneath a lightweight jacket when you head out for dinner in the evening.
03.
The Bermuda shorts
Cut to finish mid-thigh and fitted with a drawstring waist, these look and feel more like a pair of swim shorts than they do a standard pair of tailored shorts. This makes them ideal for the kind of guy who loves lounging around on the beach or by the pool, but has no intention of getting wet.
04.
The boat shoes
Loro Piana’s laid-back yet luxurious footwear selection has been one of the sleeper hits of the summer so far. The brand’s take on a boat shoe – the Sea-Sail Walk – is one of the highlights. Featuring a slightly elongated toe and supple suede uppers, it’s a shade more formal than the average boat shoe, while maintaining that off-duty feel the style is famous for.
05.
The round-frame sunglasses
Loro Piana’s commitment to using only the finest materials in its products isn’t limited to fabrics, as these sunglasses show. Handcrafted in Japan from blackened titanium and fitted with ultra-slim polarising lenses, they’re a serious step up from your standard holiday sunnies.