Tender Spring/Summer 2014 collection

Friends of the blog and makers of beautiful denim (amongst other things), Tender have kindly sent over some images of their latest collection for Spring/Summer 2014. This latest range sees the label creating clothes that are softer and lighter in feeling, and also experimenting with construction and the way that the garments are put together.

In addition to the core denim range which is brilliant as ever, new items to the collection come in the form of ‘butterfly’ shirts – so named from the idea that a small change can bring about a cascade of different effects. In this case removing the side seam on a shirt means the sleeve is put on upside down, the pockets shift, the armhole construction is reconsidered, the plackets are reversed, and extra wide selvage fabric has to be specially woven in England. It’s a remaining of the garment from the ground up but still looking like a shirt.

The railway references that have been present in earlier collections remain, but in a subtler and less workwear influenced manner than previous seasons. Jjacket shoulders overlap, reinterpreting a 1960’s British Rail driver’s Harrington jacket liner, and shirt sleeves are cut from English ticking on a plain fabric body, giving a nod to early 20th Century conductor’s sleeved waistcoats. Pyjama trousers are cut from cross-hatched English calico, and dyed with green chlorophyll, tan wattle, and deep blue woad.

The range of beautiful leather goods the label produces are still present – heavy-duty and Oak bark tanned leather belts feature either natural or painted brass buckles (in a variety of styles) and the same leather also goes into making wallets, coin purses and Tender’s fantastic Siding boots. And if that wasn’t enough, the accessories and produce range developed for the Trestle Shop continues to expand with hand thrown red clay carafes, mouth blown glass bottles stoppered with natural cork, and hand-linked, hand-dyed cotton socks.

As always everything is made in England and is designed to improve and become more personal to its owner over time. For more information on the label, to find a stockist, or to buy online go to the website here: Tender.