A nostalgic echo from the past inspires the resounding rhythm of the future in the Rag & Bone Spring/Summer 2024 collection. Marcus Wainwright, the creative genius at Rag & Bone, delves into his heritage, sifting through a treasure trove of memories and shared wisdom to create a sartorial narrative that resonates on multiple levels.
His grandfather’s favorite sayings, such as the practical “RTFM” – an acronym for “read the fucking manual“, and the intriguingly elusive “Any fool can be uncomfortable“, serve as not just familial folklore, but also as profound design philosophies. These pearls of wisdom breathe new life into the Rag & Bone aesthetic, reimagining the traditions of tailoring with a refreshingly modern sensibility.
The new mantra at Rag & Bone is certainly not about being uncomfortable. As the world of menswear gradually returns to formality in the post-pandemic era, the brand embraces this shift without compromising on the comfort that has been its signature. But it’s not your grandfather’s tailoring anymore. Instead, it’s a curated mix of vintage reminiscence and contemporary edge.
The new collection is exemplified by pieces such as the shirt with bold eagle motifs soaring across the chest – an unexpected yet stunning nod to the dressier turn in menswear. It’s styled with voluminous, pleated trousers, a sartorial choice reminiscent of Bryan Ferry’s iconic 1980s aesthetic.
In their reinterpretation of the traditional suit, Rag & Bone introduces an innovative design vocabulary. Drawstring waists replace stiff belts, jackets flaunt zips instead of conventional buttons, and shorts are paired with matching jackets, creating a silhouette that defies conventional wisdom. These pieces, like a graphic jacquard suit set with a silk button-down, are more dandyish than the brand has ever been but remain firmly anchored in the realm of comfort.
Marcus Wainwright’s creative alchemy between the old and new has resulted in a collection that straddles time periods. As he innovatively transforms grandpa’s wisdom into a striking fashion statement, there’s no doubt that his ancestors would heartily approve. After all, as his grandfather sagely pointed out, “any fool can be uncomfortable“, but it takes a discerning eye and keen intellect to master the art of comfortable elegance. That’s what the Rag & Bone Spring/Summer 2024 collection delivers.
Read more: adidas Originals x BAPE®: Celebrating BAPE®’s 30 years with the iconic Campus 80s sneaker
