Hoboken, New Jersey: a leap back in time to a clear still of a Hollywood that switched up the rules of classic beauty with the rebellious smile of one Marlon Brando who was to change the course of cinema forever.
A scarred eyebrow, foggy port that thrives on a hard day’s work and a heritage that epitomises the irreverence of the Fifties; the scene opens amongst the stacked cases, keels of the old flagships, steamship smoke and sailors bent over the water-filled docks. This is the setting of the Fall/Winter 2023 collection; a range through which Paul&Shark conveys a research, innovation and sustainability-oriented narrative, which over the years, has become part and parcel of the brand.
An extensive product range is on offer, especially as far as knitwear pieces are concerned. These are treated by means of special „garment dyeing“ processes, in which the dyes are handmade by expert artisans who use innovative techniques to combine dyes with the use of special airbrushes. This process retains the refined feel of the original fibres whilst giving the garments the seasoned and irregular style typical of Fifties port life.
The fine cashmere outerwear items – the brand’s feather in the cap – form part of a winter collection that has seen the most advanced research breakthroughs yet; the refined garments are made from soft water-resistant fabrics, developed by means of cutting-edge technologies.
Through this collection, the brand’s research into shapes and modular garments is also making waves… the pieces have been designed with functional layered stylings and a versatile approach in mind. Jackets, coats and gilets are made up of detachable and modular elements for a personal yet contemporary style. As we move away from the dock, in this journey through history, the “Dazzle” print appears before our eyes: a geometric pattern used during the First World War to confuse enemy fleets.
Part of this collection was inspired by this painting technique and has led to a graphic camouflage pattern being plastered on contemporary-style garments.
A narrative whose progenitor is the T.W.J. 1954 Jacket; a raw wool garment bathed in an orange and dark blue-hued tartan plaid pattern, in which the distinctive faux shearling collar is reminiscent of the classic aviator jackets, typically worn in those days. This jacket – a modern take on a ‘50s design – speaks volumes through its furnishing-evoking textures and name which happens to be an acronym of „The Waterfront Jacket“; a dedication to the scenarios portrayed in the homonymous film – Fronte del Porto – released in 1954.
The Paul&Shark Fall/Winter 2023 collection tells of an imaginary journey through distant – but perhaps not all that far away – settings, a rebellious yet contemporary “ waterfront“, a cheeky Marlon Brando and a modern 2.0 neighbourhood.
