The Ones To Watch: September
As usual, the Browns edit is here to ensure you’re always ahead of the game. As such, we’d like to introduce you to the new names dropping this month. Amongst our ones to watch: a transatlantic duo, some Russian royalty, a Browns exclusive, some psychedelic knitwear and beach games from the hottest spot north of Havana.
Pronounce
Founded in 2016 by friends Yushan Li and Jun Zhou, Milan/Shanghai-based Pronounce explores the definition of contemporary menswear. Presenting, easy silhouettes, relaxed tailoring and high-quality fabrics, their collection is a range of workwear staples with a twist. For AW19 they were inspired by a ‘beam of light’, incorporating neon piping details on classic shapes and elevated basics. Taking style cues from both British design and their Chinese heritage, Pronounce is a fusion of loose-fit styles with bold prints and an unmistakable attention to detail.
Linder
Headed up by Sam Linder and Kirk Millar, Linder is the label paving the way for experimental menswear, using powerful concepts and historical references to create a new style of self-expression. A product of their differing experiences and personalities, the brand came to be following a chance meeting between the pair in 2012. Dividing up their duties, with Linder on womenswear and Kirk on menswear, this season’s menswear offering sees Millar taking inspiration from the opulent yet doomed Romanov dynasty. Decadent and dramatic, the brand’s jewel printed T-shirts lift directly from the Russian royal family’s collection, telling a story that blends historical style with Linder’s uniquely modern take on menswear.
Martin Diment
Launching his sweater collection exclusively at Browns, Martin Diment is a knitwear innovator who trained at CSM at the same time as Lee (Alexander) McQueen. After working as a senior designer at the likes of Burberry and Ralph Lauren, he has now launched his namesake label. Using luxurious Italian yarns to create styles inspired by his British heritage, he describes his brand as: ‘progressive sweater design meeting artisan craftsmanship’. His exclusive AW19 collection is based on Egon Schiele’s distorted self-portraits, mixing monochromatic colours, unusual textures and classic fits.
Canessa
With a mission to create the finest and most durable cashmere in the business, Florence-based Canessa is knitwear but not as we know it. Created by Andrea Giangrasso and Guia Canessa, the brand takes its inspiration from psychedelic culture, creating non-gendered pieces with a rebellious spirit. Produced in Italy, they revisit artisanal techniques to produce their timeless tie-dyed knitwear, designed to be passed down through the generations.
Frescobol Carioca
Embodying the style and spirit of Rio De Janeiro, Frescobol Carioca started its brand journey on Copacabana beach in 1945. Taking the name ‘frescobol’ from the wooden bat and ball beach game invented there, and ‘carioca’ from the term given to the inhabitants of Rio, the label is inspired by the architecture and culture of this vibrant city. Well known for its Sidewalk mosaic printed shorts and T-shirts, this lifestyle brand provides all the last-minute getaway essentials, from luxury shirting to light jersey polos and swim shorts.
No beach holiday would be complete without their trademark Frescobol Carioca bat and ball sets, which are crafted from hand-collected driftwood and Rio carpentry trade offcuts, making each piece both unique and environmentally-friendly.
Words by Alexandra Oliver