Lyle & Scott Autumn/Winter 2012

I recently had the pleasure of receiving an E-Mail from Lyle & Scott's content co-ordinator, Laura Blake. Laura had come across my blog and wanted to know what I thought of their new direction with their newly appointed head of design, Carolyn Massey.

I am told that although Massey is now the head of design, her own collection will not be seen until Autumn/Winter 2013, however the new direction can be seen in the style of the photo shoot to showcase the new collection, of which Massey had full creative reign. The lookbook comprises of two parts, Heritage and Vintage.

The Vintage lookbook is as follows:

I am also told the vintage collection takes its inspiration from the 1950s which is translated through the retro prints. I have to say the collection itself almost seems lacklustre, it feels a little safe and almost a clichéd stereotype of the brand, it is obvious however that the creative force of Massey is a formidable one, the lookbook is borderline ominous and at the same time very English which keeps true to the brand; not a combination many would put together but it works and certainly gives a fresh autumnal vibe.

The Heritage Collection is altogether different:

The Heritage collection apparently takes inspiration from a nautical theme but with a sophisticated twist, I'll leave it up to the readers to decide if they see the nautical side, the sophisticated twist however is very obvious, quilted jackets, rich colours and a more traditional mix of materials. When describing this lookbook it would be very easy to sound negative, however that really isn't the way I feel. It works, the lighting is interesting the colour pallet is good for autumn and is put together nicely, whilst there is nothing outlandishly bad, neither is their anything outstandingly good so overall a well put together lookbook. (Although i'd say the models choice of facial hair is a questionable distraction from the clothes but that's just me).