Telegraphing relaxed yet elegant soft simplicity, updated classics adopt loose and languid, modern volumes in this fresh, seasonless collection designed to evolve organically over time in a versatile way.
In a super-refined take on a material world, this season Ryota Iwai elevates notions of travel and resort wear, exploring the sartorial possibilities of practical, packable, wrinkle-resistant fabrics, all developed by the brand. Lightweight silk, linen and cotton blends, tropical wools, organic wool mesh, twills, chambrays and soft washi comprise a collection that focuses on polished yet relaxed tailoring for both men and women, with a sprinkling of revisited wardrobe staples.
“Our collections do not have binding seasonal themes, they are more explorations and continuations inspired by the fabrics themselves,” the designer explains.
“However, Spring-Summer 2021 is an exception, because I found myself drawn to a theme. Working in conditions where the privileges of everyday life had disappeared, I found myself thinking of where I would like to travel had circumstances allowed.”
This wanderlust mood stirred up sun-drenched memories of recent trips to two disparate destinations that nonetheless share a warmth and climate that helped determine the collection’s colors, shapes, functions and fabrics.
Sun-washed shades of coral, khaki, earth and sand mix with muted, cooler tones like mint, lilac, blue and dove gray, shot with bold pops of magenta. Summer silks mingle with updated tailoring in wrinkle-resistant fabrics, for example in a pinstripe jacket with a touch of stretch for ease of wear. An elevated finx cotton ripstop material transposes the idea of morning light with its iridescent gray or orange sheen.
Motifs and silhouettes are informed by films of the past, with resort wear taking cues from refined leisure wear from a bygone era, stripes, long dresses, and summer-weight suiting.
In light of the current context, Auralee is being presented via its first-ever video, a film that seeks to capture nostalgia for travel and freedom of movement.
“One of my constant goals is to make clothing that does not impose an aesthetic, but rather enhances the wearers individuality,” the designer explains.
For that reason, the models in the video were invited to express themselves naturally, so that their personality would shine through. To underscore the brand’s commitment to individuality, each model brought to his or her look personal elements, creating a harmonious whole.
