F/W 09
Its always interesting watching the evolution of a brand. If you look at any good brand that has endured a few years in the business, youll see some very clear changes in their style and inspirationthe most notable person in this regard is the great Ralph Lauren who started with wildly wide lapels and ties and has made a name for himself by reining them in and letting them out ever since. Not too long ago I was looking through some archival imagery of Phineas Cole and realized that even a brand with such a specific aesthetic that hxas been around for a very short time period has gone through some change. While the brand started popping up on peoples radars once Paul Stuart put in a Phineas Cole shop-in-shop in 09, the first collection was actually way back in the fall of 2007.
S/S 10
Phineas Cole has been very quietly growing for almost four years now, but the guys at Paul Stuart have made an effort not too overexpose it too soon. In speaking with the salesmen and designers there, they really enjoy the idea that Phineas in New Yorks best kept secret. With a product that comes in well under the price of Ralph Lauren Purple Label and the like, but carries much of the quality construction and styling, its actually one of the best deals for a man that loves his clothes. But the brand hasnt always been the same. In the earlier days, it seems like they had a bit more of taste for the exotic in their style. Almost every jacket they carried seemed to be either a plaid or a vibrant pinstripe and they styled most everything with Chelsea boots. As the brand has grown up a bit, it would appear that theyve become a bit more subdued in their design. While theyre more than happy to have multiple patterns in their jacket, tie, and shirt combinations, they appear to have opted for a look that is a bit more refined and mature.
S/S 11
Perhaps they are catering to the businessmen that have taken a liking to the brand, but are unable to wear most of its clothing at the office. Still, they have yet to run too far from their roots, which is a fairly impressive feat for a brand that will be releasing its ninth collection in the fall. Most brands are forced to explore uncharted territory after so many seasons as their aesthetic doesnt quite have the freshness that it had in the early years. I must say that Im excited to see where the future takes Phineas, but hope they dont forget their dandified roots.
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