Universal Works collection presentation | LCM A/W 2016

With a 700-year-old tradition as the starting point of this presentation, a staircase leads to Universal Works’ fun fair where pop corn, mushy peas and normal – very well dressed – men wait for guests. Standing on artificial grass, holding boxing gloves, goldfishes or candy floss, they’re casually talking to one another. Some of them smile, others don’t. As fashion enthusiasts pass in front of them, they focus on them one by one, chatting, posing and turning around to show the details of their outfit.

Clothes. Let’s talk about them. From luxury wool to hard working cotton twill, David Keyte revisits basics of menswear with a British feel, but always in an internationally universal way. The brand lays between classic and modern, preferring dark and sophisticated colours inspired by tradition, with a contemporary design and fit for everyone. And the “everyone” part is key. As models bring these characters to life, the outfits act like personality enhancers, making a simple white shirt say something completely different whether it’s worn by a mysterious art student or a fancy banker.

With rib white socks and bicolour trainers as a uniform, models rock fatigue, Aston or loose pants, rolled up, or not; dark blue, honey or khaki revisited bomber, Harrington style or bakers jackets; grey top coats and cider rain coats layered on top of each other, or on top of stripped polo necks, tartan shirts and olive green V-necks; with a little help of leather belts, handkerchiefs, beanies and neckwear to accessorise the silhouette.

The idea behind the timeless and modest collection? Layer up! In the end, basic on basic on basic on basic is not so basic. Because they’re right actually. Universal does work.

Margot Noel
Photos: Sanjeewa Dias