The good people at Southwick sent along the spring summer 2009 catalog. There has been a buzz around the storied American brand with the collaboration with Engineered Garments and more recently the company’s acquisition by Brooks Brothers. Plans for Southwick were further discussed in DNR today. “In an interview, Claudio Del Vecchio, CEO of Brooks, said Southwick is a “major supplier†to Brooks Brothers, ‘so we were very interested in them and seeing them improve their quality.'” I think Southwick being sold to Brooks Brothers isn’t necessarily a bad thing. Like others, I hope that Brooks will do the right thing and keep Southwick pure.
The look book came as a folded newspaper a la WWD. I love the concept.
More images can be seen here.
Photos via Lee Clower.
And I thought I was the pioneer of the fork in the pocket look…
I like where S/S09 is heading. :)
I have been underwhelmed by Southwick’s house cut, and especially its contracted cut for J. Press (which isn’t really natural shouldered). In fact, their work for Brooks seems their best.
Still, IMHO, the best supplier of 3/2 button sack suit and jackets is H. Freeman, which I believe is produced in the old Haas facilities (as is the Corbin brand).
I love the photos of the spread in the newspaper. It’s even more fabulous against the black. It’s just adds that richness for such a classy subject.
I gotta tell you the Brooks purchase of Swick is a little scary for a couple of reasons.
1. Brooks will shit can Swick. I see companies do this all the time. Only way to get rid of the competition. Let’s all take off our hats and pause for a silent moment and remember Marshall Fields. Macy’s couldn’t have screwed up that store up more if they tried…and they did.
2. Can Swick continue to manufacture for other retailers? I dunno. What if I want a MTM Swick? Should I act fast? I too can’t stand the Swick cut at Press but there are other models (the 2 button side vent ) that I like. I can’t see Claudio bending over backwards to help Press.
I’m old and cynical so keep that in mind. But I’ve seen this happen so many times. You can’t beat ’em…buy ’em out and insure they fail. Poof! They’re gone.