Royal Hem Spring/Summer 2011 Lookbook

Royal Hem is a relatively young Italian brand that hasn't had much coverage on the blogosphere as of yet. Founded in 1998, it's quickly inherited an acute sense of menswear and an expertise in tailoring that should help earn it's rank among Italian tailors in the coming years. Their holding company, The Copen Group, has also responsible for production and distribution of the likes of Alexander McQueen, Alessandro dell Acqua, Pennesi and Alviero Martini Prima Classe (amongst others). While I haven't heard of any stockists stateside, I still think their latest collection is worth knowing about.

Roy Lichtenstein, Brushstroke Still Life with VII, 1996

This season's collection was inspired by Roy Lichtenstein's Brushstroke Still Life with VII, a work that the designer perceived as "the perfect representation of a conjunction between refinement and naturalness, ranging from brilliant to dusty shades, and a play on geometric shapes and micro designs."

The transposition of these themes from canvas to wearable clothing is a feat within itself, but Royal Hem has created a line of innovative and versatile pieces by rehashing classic silhouettes in a range of dusty and saturated colors and minimal patterns in true Lichtenstein style. The luxurious fabrics implemented add to the visual effect; from the dyed satin smoking jacket, to the jackets in ultra-lightweight wool and starched silk, to the blazers in gabardine and linen, all made entirely in Italy.

A complimentary capsule line of just a handful of pieces was created using innovative dyeing techniques involving ice, super-vintage and art dyes, and glucose washes. As we progress towards warmer months, Royal Hem takes a stylistic evolution towards ever lighter and softer garments; the jackets, cornerstones of the Marche based Italian Maison, are emptied and deconstructed, the fit becoming even slimmer to the point of becoming a one of a kind "shirt-jacket".

The full lookbook is below. They have also just previewed a specially commissioned short film by emerging Spanish animation artist, Josep Prat entitled JABITO, after their Fall/Winter 2011-12 collection viewable here. All inquiries may be directed to their international PR representative, Beverley Luckings.