I mention this because, judging from the entertainingly wistful show notes, Patrick from E. Tautz was obviously similarly affected by his childhood, citing the staunch Presbyterian dourness of the Scottish isles, tacky tartan tourist souvenirs, and “unselfconscious sentimentality” of his neighbours’ homes.
It’s this evocative starting point that has informed the E. Tautz Autumn/Winter 2013 collection, with its bias-cut, exploded plaids, “Wally Dug” knits, and silk/wool jacquards inspired by naff wallpaper.
A sober palette of black, grey and navy is shot through with streaks of oranges and rusts, and a shade which can only be described as “heather”. The tailoring is impeccable, as you would expect from this offshoot of Norton and Sons, with a masculine silhouette defined by wide shoulders and lapels. A baseball cap/deerstalker hybrid is a further witty addition.
If brevity is the soul of wit then the strength of this collection is its lightness, never sledgehammering the point home, merely allowing the immaculate cut and choice of fabrics to speak for itself.
Review written by Lee Clatworthy (@TeamChutzpah) for Katie Chutzpah blog.
