Comfort and ease may not spring to mind when one thinks of fashion.
With Karl Lagerfeld losing roughly 42kg to fit into skinny jeans by Hedi Slimane in 2001, and hordes of women nipping and tucking into corsets while teetering on stiletto heels, is it possible to dress to impress without feeling starved, squeezed and tortured? Apparently so.
This season, a range of ready-to-wear lines emphasise ease, comfort and sense of adventure for the modern man. A/X Armani Exchange is all about a natural and chic wardrobe that encourages functionality, fluidity and ease of movement.
The new spring collection makes four key statements: 'The Big Easy' offers tailoring with a soft, relaxed twist, 'Dello Sport' features classic pieces with athletic details and geometric prints, 'Neo-Classic' is a blend of simplicity and refinement, and 'Vers-utility' channels the fun of travel and leisure in lively prints and loose-fit pants.
Diesel, meanwhile, returns to its workwear roots with a utilitarian-themed collection. 'Welcome to Worksville' celebrates the leisure of hard labour, combining tough functionality with dressy looks in a range of uniform-inspired outerwear fused with formalwear details, such as double-breasted lapels.
The 'bleached out' style gives the effect of once-dirty garments that have since been cleaned.
The colour palette of light ecru, blue and pastel is complemented by indigo, blue-and-white stripes and Prince of Wales check fabrics. Accessories include a new leather bag line made in cow nubuck with a vintage treatment.