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ANKAR SWEDEN FALL/WINTER 2012


words/images Judith Ecochard

Empire Hotel, NYC

A breakfast presentation for the menswear label ANKAR SWEDEN-(co-hosted by all around nice guy, perfectly attired,  Cator Sparks)--- was a highlight of the recent NYFW ---polished menswear, "not over editorialized, not overdone"----as one stylist told us. Or as the handout noted..."...playful, yet totally sophisticated."




Right off-the color palette, prints---including tartan (Scotland)...and luxe fabrics including cashmeres from Italy's Loro Piana...jumped out---and the inventive pairings of trousers and jackets are a how-to on how to mix textures and tones, bright and dark-effortlessly-(like the checked shirt with the tartan plaid right above)---with the classic cool ease of an idiot proof, but possibly boring matchy, matchy suit.




We had a chat with leading light Niklas Ankar ---who told us this was the line's second collection. Trousers and jackets are from a variety of Italian milled fabrics, and countries like India for Madras, tartan from Scotland-----with design inspirations from all over the world ---with the obvious fabulousness of British tailoring skills very apparent---though the actual work is done in Sweden.

"A crossover collection," he added..."Oxford sporty but with french cuffs."









Red carpet ready-










































Cashmere sweaters-safe way to add color to an outfit






Cords come in 10 colors

 Other influences -India-with the Nehru collar that showed up on several jackets---in traditional fabrics that made the style cool looking, not out-of-place in NYC...



even the socks added pizazz


























The collection is available in two cuts---we were told- a slim Euro fit with a lower waist, narrower leg--- and  contemporary fit-that is still handsome pulled together- but a bit looser.







We gushed over the details---a "ticket" pocket on the jacket, well stitched lining with the label's MO...






Angled cuffs...cord linings on sturdy wool jackets...














perfectly well made.










CODA: ANKAR=anchor in Swedish


Belts made from high-end furniture upholstery fabrics-scrpas-unique and eco