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Touch of the Orient for oh-so-English suits

Kent & Curwen is adapting its ever-so-traditional-English look of club ties, checked jackets and cricket sweaters to its Asian clientele, the British brand's designer, John Harrison said.

'I'd be a silly designer if I just brought English design straight into China,' Harrison said.

Kent & Curwen's autumn collection has what he described as 'a distinct China look'. Suits and jackets are cut for a slimmer build and feature elongated lapels in materials adjusted for China's regional climates. The colour range features rich accents of purple, burgundy and royal blue.

Harrison visits Hong Kong frequently and enjoys its 'expressive' style. 'Fashion is an expression of people's personality,' he said, looking dapper in a dark jacket, apple-green trousers, and a grey-patterned silk scarf knotted loosely over a white shirt. 'It all depends on [your] strength of character, and how loud and confident you feel.'

An 80-year-old 'lifestyle brand', Kent & Curwen has also expanded to include a line of men's underwear.

'It's sexy,' Harrison said. 'Like a leather jacket, it's a powerful item in a shop.'

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