Edwin Autumn/Winter 2012 collection

Following on from my Jacket Required coverage, here’s a look at Edwin’s latest Autumn/Winter collection. This new range is defined by its focus on freedom, “where a sense of shared isolation among the wilds of the world creates the foundation for a heightened sense of kinship”. And as such, the label’s desire to provide product designed for daily use and being uninterested in passing trends is once again at this range’s core.

Starting with raw materials, fabric is cut and constructed with longevity in mind, and put together with fine Japanese techniques to provide protection from the elements. Denim is a blend of premium Japanese and European fabrics, many of which have been exclusively developed by the label, and wear-patterns on jeans and jackets have been painstakingly re-created, based on natural washes.

This season, their black denim has been densely over-dyed to create deep tones of muted olive, burgundy and okra that are then washed, allowing the natural character of the fabric to re-emerge. Edwin’s unique Rainbow selvage is highlighted in the collection with the ’63 Rainbow selvage’, which provides the focus for a series of exclusively developed fabrics, including red listed selvage and beautiful blanket denim.

Heavy-duty (500g) jersey is cut into jackets and sweaters, which sit alongside linen and irregular, slub cotton T-shirts and fine-rib underwear. Shirting fabrics have been exclusively developed for Edwin Europe by a French mill which specialises in cotton dye and weave processes. Elsewhere herringbone checks, horizontal oxford stripes, twisted yarn indigo and fine melange are all tailored into classic oxford and western style shirts.

Knitwear utilises recycled yarns in a variety of cable-knit and bold striped styles and there’s a selection of shawl cardigans, cable crews and heavy-gauge roll necks in a variety of earthy tones. Jackets are constructed using tightly spun, heavy weight armoured twills, printed canvas camouflage and heavily quilted and blanket lined pieces, many with removable ‘Shank’ buttons, which are intended to prevent damage during hand washing.

It’s a broad collection and one that’s chock full of great pieces. For more information on the brand and to find your nearest stockist, go to the website here: Edwin.