Above: Magenta Silk Linen Double Breasted Jacket, Magenta Bengal Stripe Casual Tailored Shirt, Pink Aquarium Pocket Square (Tied around neck)

What springs to mind when you think of the 1980s? The New Romantics, Roxy Music, Lionel Ritchie, or perhaps Whitney Houston..?

Whether you love or hate the decade, we think that the 1980s were supremely stylish. Menswear design icons like Giorgio Armani and Ralph Lauren were at the height of their powers in the mid-80s, and in the British camp, couturiers like Sir Hardy Amies and Tommy Nutter were pioneering a new look for men’s suiting; turning the suit from a traditional uniform into a symbol of male sex appeal.

This season, at New & Lingwood, we’ve drawn inspiration from this often overlooked moment in British menswear, to bring you a collection that’s filled with confident colours, sleek tailoring and subtly refined silhouettes. Of course, our SS20 collection is contemporary in terms of its cut and fit, but with subtle details informed by this golden bygone era, which lend it a sophisticated edge.

Above: Navy Chalkstripe Double Breasted Suit, Blue Bengal Stripe Casual Tailored Shirt, Navy Elephant Printed Tie, Navy Conch Pocket Square

Let’s start with the classics. For business dress customers we’ve introduced a number of suits in medium-weight ‘three season’ fabrics, which are great for the transitional months. Our navy pinstriped double-breasted suit is cut in ‘Fox Air’ worsted wool with a crisp open-weave structure that keeps the wearer cool and resists creasing, making it an excellent choice for travel. For a sharp spin on classic mid-grey two-piece, you might try our single-breasted suit in a subtle black-and-white Prince of Wales check with a crimson overcheck, which pops against a classic white poplin shirt and coral and navy tie. You can add a matching single-breasted waistcoat to this to make-up a three-piece suit, too. Think of these as contemporary nods to 1980s power-suits; sharp, impactful and beautifully cut.

Above: Black/White Prince Of Wales Check Single Breasted Suit, White Poplin St James’s Collar Tailored Shirt, Coral Large Stripe Woven Tie, Magenta Intricate Pocket Square, Pink Vertical Stripe Mid Calf Socks, Black Brogue Double Monk Shoes

As we enter summer proper, louche linen and lightweight silk-blend cloths come into their own. The collection mixes hot, saturated tropical colours with cooler earthy tones, from luxurious suit separates in magenta and tangerine wool/silk/linen from Loro Piana, to bold lightweight checked separates in crimson and taupe. These are cut in a fine wool/linen blend from Fox Brothers, which make quite the statement whether they’re broken up or worn as suits.

Of course, the warmer months lend themselves to relaxed styling, and this season’s shirt collection sees the addition of a number of washed linen tailored fit shirts in bright and earthy colours, finished with a new soft collar shape that’s comfortable to wear in the heat. These layer beautifully beneath a tailored jacket worn open-necked, and we’ve even finished a couple of shirts with pleated utility pockets on the chest for a contemporary safari shirt-inspired look.

With safari style in mind, a word should go to our duo of Solbiati linen safari jackets; available in chocolate and navy blue. Our safari jackets have become a house favourite in recent years, and this season we’ve subtly tweaked their design for a superior fit. Lightly constructed and half-lined, these are stunning pieces for summer, easily dressed up or down.

Above: Tan Safari Jacket, Brown Safari Casual Tailored Linen Shirt, Olive Check Trousers

While we’re talking about dressing up, this season’s Lingwood Gowns are as luxurious as you’d expect. Choose from sleek tropical leaf silk jacquards, our signature peacock design in a new crimson and powder blue colourway, or even a tonal silk Prince of Wales check jacquard gown, trimmed in black velvet. As always, all our gowns are woven and made in England, and still use our signature patterns and proportions. Each is a remarkable investment piece in its own right.

Left: Lime Leaves Dressing Gown, Mid Grey Southill Cashmere Rollneck, Black Dinner Trousers, Black Velvet Dress Slippers

Right: Red/Blue Peacock Dressing Gown, Denim Casual Tailored Cotton Shirt

Alongside these highlights, the backbone of our collection remains unchanged; we’re offering our signature lightweight stretch cotton chinos in a wide range of summery colours, plus lightweight knitwear to keep off the chill on chilly spring mornings. Plus, you can expect Italian-made sneakers, Goodyear welted English shoes, and all the fine accessories we’re known for.

That’s it, in a nutshell. This collection is colourful, softly textured and (we hope) suitably chic for summer. Whether you’re looking for a striking pair of separates to carry you through the season, a city suit upgrade, or even for a pair of printed swim shorts, New & Lingwood SS20 is made with you in mind.