Here are a few observations from the recently concluded Pitti Uomo fashion event that I found somewhat inappropriate:
1. Mixing suits with African-print pants: While it’s commendable to showcase African culture, pairing suits with African-print trousers (commonly known as Ankara in our region) can dilute the essence of cultural representation. A more effective way to celebrate our heritage is by embracing complete traditional attire, allowing its originality to shine through and be appreciated in its true form.
2. Wearing straw hats in winter: Straw hats are associated with summer and Wearing them during the winter season may appear out of place.
3. An overcoat should never be made from the same fabric as a suit: Overcoats are typically crafted from heavier fabrics such as wool, cashmere, or a wool-cashmere blend, weighing between 500-700 grams to keep you warm during colder season. This weight is ideal for insulation but far too heavy for constructing a suit.
On the other hand, suit fabrics, whether tweed or wool, generally range between 200-350 grams. If you use suit fabric to create an overcoat (in an attempt to achieve a monochromatic look) the overcoat will lack the necessary functionality to keep you warm during cold weather.
To maintain both style and practicality, your overcoat should complement, not match, your suit. It should be in contrast. Never in the same fabric. Or in the same colour colour palette to achieve a monochromatic look
4. Pairing Pin and Chalk stripe suits with inappropriate hats: Pin or chalk stripe suits especially the navy blue, dark grey and black are classic business attire and, if accessorized with a hat, are best paired with a fedora. Combining them with a bakers boy hat or snapback creates a mismatch.
5. Lastly, Snapback has no place in Tailoring outfits, leave it at home for your jeans and T-shirts
