The Star Online: Lifestyle: Arts & Fashion

Posted: 28 Sep 2011 06:56 PM PDT

For its new season, Canali has some surprises up its sleeves.

CANALI'S suits are at their most elegant on models in its advertisement campaigns and on fashion runways. But even on hangers in the Canali showroom in its headquarters in Milan, Italy, these suits epitomise fine tailoring, luxury and style.

Amongst the dark suits in the collection, those in bright hues stand out. This season, Canali drew inspiration from gemstone with highlights of amethyst, sapphire, aquamarine and emerald on a palette of distinctly wintry greys and blues. These colour tones are found in velvet or cashmere Shetland jackets, and in accessories.

"Coloured suits and jackets have been welcomed by both our customers and the media who understood and appreciated our steps forward in terms of appealing and contemporary looks," says Canali's global communication director Elisabetta Canali.

She says that the Autumn/Winter 2011 collection is a tribute to that typical Italian sense of elegance which plays down tradition. It approaches tailor-made clothes with a playful sense of self-assurance that is characteristic of people who know the rules, and who can take the liberty of rearranging them to build an image that is unique and imbued with personality and irony.

Apart from the infusion of colours, the Autumn/Winter 2011 collection also introduces new proportions and details, from waist to arm hole, and from vents to lapels, in a new approach to wearability.

"It is created for the knowledgeable, contemporary man who wears suits and jackets – single- or double-breasted, also in a six-button 'dandy' model – to show self-confidence, and also to seduce," says Canali, the granddaughter of the brand's founder and one of seven of her generation to work in the family business.

Straight-leg trousers are distinctly shorter and have a pronounced cuff to draw attention to brightly coloured socks, a key accessory.

Single- and double-breasted overcoats in fine, warm fabrics draw their inspiration from Chesterfield or military-style models, but have more graceful silhouettes, without losing their richness and sophistication.

Accessories are essential, adding a playful dimension that emphasises a highly individual look.

Footwear, frequently in suede, is an urban revisitation of the classic desert boot. There are socks with classic patterns like the small pied-de-poule; large scarves in fine, natural materials, including silk and cashmere, with poetic and occasionally floral patterns.

Pocket squares are a must to add a touch of colour to enliven suits and jackets.

It's all part of Canali's constant innovation to keep up with the times and stay ahead of the competition.

"The product development department constantly works on new silhouettes and styles, and develops special fabric blends, some of which are exclusively made for us.

"There is constant research in terms of details and accessories, carefully looking at all the needs and preferences of every market. That's in order to satisfy the most demanding of clients," says Canali.

Canali has been in business since 1934; it was founded by brothers Giovanni and Giacomo Canali who dedicated their tailoring workshop to the manufacture of high quality clothing.

The brand has become synonymous with fine Italian tailoring. Barack Obama wore a Canali suit when he was sworn in as US president. Hollywood celebrities who are fans of Canali include George Clooney, Antonio Banderas, Nicolas Cage and Gene Hackman.

It's been almost 15 years since Canali opened its doors in Malaysia.

"Malaysian customers appreciate both our formal collections as well as the leisure ones. We cover different targets, from the most demanding and traditional customers to younger consumers who prefer slimmer silhouettes or a more casual style.

"For younger customers, the garments are designed and cut to meet their desire for the ultimate fashion trends; slimmer silhouettes, studied pattern and detailed style combined with sophisticated sartorial construction that makes the difference in terms of value," says Canali.

At the Kuala Lumpur store (managed by the Valiram Group), made-to-measure is now available.

"It's a rewarding service to offer: the preferred style along with the choice of favourite fabrics (seasonal fabrics in various weights, colours and composition, including the superfine Super 220's and 230's) for a unique tailoring experience.

"The tailor takes the measurements and suggests the best combination of fabrics in terms of colour, pattern and style, according to the customer's taste. Details are also part of the process and the garment is personalised with buttons and customer name tag.

"As a full courtesy service, the boutique sales personnel assists the customer in selecting accessories to be matched with the made-to-measure garment," concludes Canali.

Canali is priced from RM450 to RM12,000. The boutique is located at level two of Pavilion Kuala Lumpur.

Kredit: www.thestar.com.my

Khamis, 29 September 2011