Latest news with #OrlebarBrown
Yahoo
03-08-2025
- Yahoo
How to look good on holiday as a man: the best trunks, linen shirts and sandals for summer 2025
High summer has arrived. Before you flick on the OOO and head to Heathrow, however, be sure you are fully prepared to pack a suitcase without finding yourself in one of life's more uncomfortable positions: sweating, swearing and staring at empty bags before an early flight. Rule one in preparation for holidays abroad: dig out any linens and slightly eccentric shirts that don't get a showing in the city and take them to a dry cleaner. This ensures a good part of your summer wardrobe will feel like new upon arrival — and avoids the nasty realisation that your white slacks still have grassy arse from the final night of summer 2024. Then, consider tactical purchases to facelift areas that need them. If your trunks are suncream stained, start there. Steer clear of the high street giants — the Zara shirts in Battersea Power Station are often the same as those at the Ibiza outpost, and it's excruciating to find yourself alongside a poly-blend twin at the beach bar — except for unidentifiable basics. Instead, head to the coterie of smaller London labels to look sophisticated abroad. 'To travel well is to dress with intention,' says Adam Brown, founder of Orlebar Brown, home to well-tailored swimmers. 'Dress for your destination with light, breezy linen, a splash of print, cuffs rolled up, flash a bit of ankle. The goal is not to blend in — it's to be remembered.' The trunks Let's start with the swimwear. A place to show a bit of flair. The market for posh men's swimmers is ever-growing — and each new label takes another bite out of Vilebrequin's lunch. The French swimwear label, now the uniform of rotund ex-bankers who moor themselves up to Côte d'Azur for weeks on end, needs an update on its turtle prints to stay in the race. Chicer is Orlebar Brown, which regularly produces elegant new designs (from night irises to a tempting collaboration with florist Burnt Fen Flowers). Not cheap, starting at £195, but elegant and recognisable for their nickel-effect fastening buckles. The newest player to enter the ring is Ram, founded by Marina Lambton, and set to launch next week. 'We have started the business with only six designs and we will gradually grow it,' says Marina of their drawstring, printed designs which retail at £150. Gusari, best known for its 'London' and 'Deia' tailored shorts style (from £125), and Abtany — which sells trunks and briefs with hand-painted brushstroke motifs from £140 — make up the rest of the cream of the crop. RAM Trunks, £150, Orlebar Brown Setter, £295, Gusari The Deia trunks, £125, The premium cottons Essential for the majority of locations and best done with a wink. SMR Days, the label which strives 'to provide an effortless wardrobe for men, made for laid-back days, home or away', is best known for its co-ords, often created using centuries-old Indian techniques. 'Lean into confident prints: holidays are the time to dial it up a bit. But don't combine prints unless you're a pro,' says co-founder Adam Shapiro. 'Wear fabrics that feel like vacation: light, natural materials like kala cotton or linen look like summer and help you beat the heat. No one wants polyester on the beach.' Their geometric block printed shirts (£195) can be paired with matching shorts or slacks. SMR Days Enamorados Organic Cotton Shirt in Blue Block Print, £245, Percival Percival Sorrento cotton linen trousers, £139, The shirts A good shirt is essential to model Oliver Cheshire, who founded his resortwear label CHÉ Studios with Toby Watkins in 2019. 'Natural fibre crochet tops in the daytime will keep you looking and feeling cool, while in the evening try something a little looser with a touch of shine like a silk shirt to really set the glamour tone,' he says. The short sleeve options start at £95 and go up to £200. Great linen shirts can be custom made at Blugiallo, or are perfectly serviceable from M&S, while Hackney-founded Percival has made a best seller of boxy, grandpa-style shirts. 'They are key for evenings when you need to look slightly more put-together but still want that untucked energy that says 'I'm on holiday and I'm having a brilliant time',' says founder Chris Gove. Percival Tessaro Knitted Stripe Polo, £129, CHÉ Studios Palma Cotton Applique Detail Polo, £140, Blugiallo White cotton linen shirt, £121, The key accessories Polish off with a good pair of sunglasses. While heavy hitting designer label swim shorts or silk shirts can look naff, good Tom Ford or Gucci shades add luxury to an otherwise laid-back outfit. By way of beach bag, the Drake's Bengal Jute Poresh tote should do the job without breaking the bank. For footwear, Xero's £45 barefoot sandals are a current favourite among the fashion set. 'Accessories are key. You can be in a simple shirt and casual shorts but a great sandal or a coral necklace gives a bit of personality,' says SMR Days' Shapiro. 'Conversely, if you're really pushing a look, go with a flip-flop — or better yet, bare feet.' Xero Genesis, £45, Massimo Dutti Massimo Dutti Leather sandals with toe divider, £99.95, Drake's Drake's Maison Bengal jute Poresh tote, £80,
Fashion Network
18-06-2025
- Business
- Fashion Network
Orlebar Brown and VEA Newport Beach collaborate poolside
It's a collaboration tailor-made for a poolside summer: British men's beachwear specialist Orlebar Brown and luxury Southern California resort VEA Newport Beach (billed as 'Newport's social sanctuary'). The timely coming together coincides with Chanel -owned Orlebar Brown opening a store on Fashion Island in Orange County California, and the pair have hosted a pop-up store within VEA's poolside cabana that also offered 'a fleet of on-site amenities' including an in-room shopping concierge, a signature cocktail, and certificates to shop at the brand-new flagship across the street from the resort'. Every Saturday in June, Orlebar Brown has been activating the cabana at VEA's pool with custom upholsteries, branded pool accessories, and a sampling of the brand's latest collection. In every VEA room, guests can find hanger tags that activate a personal shopping concierge able to deliver product from the Fashion Island store, located steps away from the resort while guests staying in VEA suites throughout the month will receive a $250 Orlebar Brown gift certificate. 'VEA provides the perfect backdrop for a luxury fashion experience,' said Debbie Snavely, GM of VEA Newport Beach Marriott. 'Orlebar Brown embodies the essence of our guests — elegant yet approachable, relaxed yet polished.' It's the latest opening for Orlebar Brown which operates 50 direct stores including London, Paris, New York, Miami, Los Angeles, Sydney, Dubai, St Tropez, Marbella, Ibiza, Mykonos, Athens, Montecito, St Barths and East Hampton.
Fashion Network
18-06-2025
- Business
- Fashion Network
Orlebar Brown and VEA Newport Beach collaborate poolside
It's a collaboration tailor-made for a poolside summer: British men's beachwear specialist Orlebar Brown and luxury Southern California resort VEA Newport Beach (billed as 'Newport's social sanctuary'). The timely coming together coincides with Chanel -owned Orlebar Brown opening a store on Fashion Island in Orange County California, and the pair have hosted a pop-up store within VEA's poolside cabana that also offered 'a fleet of on-site amenities' including an in-room shopping concierge, a signature cocktail, and certificates to shop at the brand-new flagship across the street from the resort'. Every Saturday in June, Orlebar Brown has been activating the cabana at VEA's pool with custom upholsteries, branded pool accessories, and a sampling of the brand's latest collection. In every VEA room, guests can find hanger tags that activate a personal shopping concierge able to deliver product from the Fashion Island store, located steps away from the resort while guests staying in VEA suites throughout the month will receive a $250 Orlebar Brown gift certificate. 'VEA provides the perfect backdrop for a luxury fashion experience,' said Debbie Snavely, GM of VEA Newport Beach Marriott. 'Orlebar Brown embodies the essence of our guests — elegant yet approachable, relaxed yet polished.' It's the latest opening for Orlebar Brown which operates 50 direct stores including London, Paris, New York, Miami, Los Angeles, Sydney, Dubai, St Tropez, Marbella, Ibiza, Mykonos, Athens, Montecito, St Barths and East Hampton.
Times
30-05-2025
- Business
- Times
Luxury men's swim shorts to shop for 2025
Whether you're team tight trunks, into baggy surfer-style silhouettes or in the market for a carefully constructed pair so tailored they barely look like swimmers at all, there's a pair of designer swim shorts out there for every kind of man. Keep scrolling for our curated list of trusted luxury men's swim shorts to shop now. • This article contains affiliate links that can earn us revenue Sponsored Adam Brown was at a friend's birthday party and was turned away from the restaurant due to having ill-fitting, wet swimming trunks. He conceived Orlebar Brown at that moment and made it his mission to create a polished short that you could also swim in, so no other man would commit the same fashion faux pas. The Chanel-owned brand's classic shorts are still their best seller after almost 20 years. They are inspired by the pattern of a traditional men's trouser, made from recycled plastic and guaranteed for five years. Founded in 2007 by Marco Baldassari and Paolo Zuntini, Eleventy is an Italian 'smart luxury' brand aiming to define modern luxury as a piece that does not shout but is simply noticed. Born in Milan, the collection of timeless tailoring and louche knits feel summery without being overtly resortwear. All its men's swim shorts are available in a colour palette of blues, creams and subtle, sophisticated prints. Inspired by baggier silhouettes spotted on surfers in California, Fred Prysquel, a Formula 1 reporter, and his wife, Yvette, a fashion designer and expert pattern cutter, shook up the 1970s French Riviera with their first Moorea trunks — which differed hugely from the skimpy and fitted, Speedo shorts of the time. Still rooted to St Tropez but now with over 150 stores globally, the brand's playful, tongue and cheek prints and extensive collections have made it a stalwart name when it comes to men's swimwear. Known for its considered cuts and exceptional fabrics, Zegna's swimwear offering is one of the smartest on the market. While the Italian luxury brand offers traditional drawstring shorts crafted from airy seersucker fabrics, other beachwear from the brand leans to a more classically tailored approach with structured silhouettes, adjustable side fasteners and earth-toned colour palettes. Not all luxury cashmere brands also offer beautiful beachwear, but the Italian house Brunello Cucinelli is proudly providing both. Its modus operandi, as always, is casual yet chic — items that exude smartness and sophistication in an understated fashion. Expect nautical-inspired colourways, classic cuts and wearable silhouettes with in-built mesh to keep you comfortable, whether swimming or simply holidaying. Another heritage Italian brand putting craftsmanship front and centre is Fedeli. With its roots in fine tailoring and a commitment to sustainability, for the past five years the label has been developing a swimwear collection using recycled polyesters that only takes about 90 seconds to dry. Being more sustainable hasn't meant scrimping on functional design, though — each piece features comfortable, adjustable drawstring waists. Rooted in the spirit of Rio de Janeiro, and the easy-going lifestyle and artistic flair of the Carioca that reside there, and inspired by the traditional Brazilian beach sport of frescobol, this luxury swim short brand offers relaxed fits and functional details. All the vibrant prints and designs are bespoke to Frescobol Carioca and each piece is made using a resin to protect the product from seawater and sand damage. Prepare to be transported back to schoolboy days by Thom Browne's summer collection. There's preppy polos, polished sports ties, boat shoes and rugby jerseys all finished with the brand's signature four stripes. Staying true to its commitment to be a modern uniform, Thom Browne's swimwear collection is carefully curated, which should make it far easier to choose — opt for a pyjama-like pinstripe short-short or just above the knee board style.
Emirates Woman
15-05-2025
- Business
- Emirates Woman
Orlebar Brown's founder on building a brand around sun and style
Founded on the idea of a single tailored swim short, Orlebar Brown has evolved into a globally recognised lifestyle brand synonymous with jet-set sophistication and effortless resortwear. In this exclusive interview, Emirates Man speaks to founder Adam Brown about the creative spark that launched the label, the role of travel and music in shaping its bold aesthetic, and how — nearly two decades in — he continues to keep the spirit of the brand fresh, fun, and deeply rooted in the pursuit of sunshine. Adam Brown, founder of Orlebar Brown Orlebar Brown has become the go-to label for vacation worldwide. Was it the decision from the outset to focus on high-end swim shorts – can you give an insight to what drove this decision? It wasn't that I thought I had a great business idea, I was at a point in my life where I wanted something to do and I hadn't found the career, job, direction that was something I was going to follow for the rest of my life. I had an idea of a pair of shorts rather than a business, the tailored swim short. It was just a starting point. What I didn't know at the time was that a whole lifestyle brand around sunshine, travel and happiness could come from that one pair of shorts. I didn't understand the breadth and opportunity that pair of shorts had at the time. It was one product that I liked, which I wanted to wear and thought I could sell. The strategy started to take shape in years 2/3, when we could see the customers liking the product and we started thinking about what could be next. How could the initial idea of a tailored swim short grow into something bigger, that's when the strategy started to shape. Orlebar Brown is rooted in a fun holiday aesthetic. Where do you source inspiration and how do you choose iconic prints? Travel is the best way to find inspiration. Going to new places, seeing new things, exploring the markets, malls and shops are my greatest source of new ideas. We work with a number of archives and print houses, always looking for ones that grab our attention and then it might take us many seasons to make use of it. One of our signatures is finding gorgeous, vintage gentleman's prints from ties, cravats and scarves and re-imagining them into resortwear styles. Orlebar Brown is very bright, bold and fun. Is there any music that you love that lends itself to the aesthetic of the brand? My music tastes are always changing, and I find myself falling in love with new music when I travel to new places. I do love good musical theatre and am attracted to songs that are eclectic, emotional and uplifting. I am enjoying listening to the Californian daytime disco group Poolside. What are your favourite pieces from the latest collection? Navy Bulldog, Bulldog Drawstring, the brown linen shirt with three buttons, navy pleated linen shirt. 15 years in, how do you keep the brand fresh and relevant? As my role evolves at Orlebar Brown, as the team gets bigger, as we become more international, the constant challenge is how we maximise the opportunity for all the work that has been done over the last 18 years. We keep it fresh by constantly challenging ourselves and being our harshest critics by questioning whether we are doing the best we can, whether that's around product, events, in-store, customer service, or whatever it may be. Part of our culture/DNA is having that inquisitive nature to be our most sensitive but most aware critics. What's the creative strategy for the brand – are there any new category expansions or collaborations on the horizon? We are at an interesting point in our life. We are 18 years old, just like any teenager who feels they are reaching adulthood, there are many directions your life could take. For Orlebar Brown, there are obvious ones around product development, we are just starting accessories. We are well established with swimwear, tees, polos, shorts and trousers. So now we have our first bag coming out and shoes, our leather slides had great success. I think they are a big first step into far bigger and more exciting product development in the future. On a geography level, the challenges must be around being international, as our footprint becomes more established, we are constantly thinking of how we can attract new customers and find new friends around the world. You seem to see the fun in fashion. How important is it to keep the spirit of the brand fun? That's something I constantly question myself about, something innate that comes from the product, a group of people, but specifically the product. We started with tailored swim shorts, our tailored swim shorts are worn on holidays, holidays are always that place where it's sunny, with friends, listening to music, eating delicious foods, meeting different people — they are always memorable moments that focus on happiness and enjoyment. It starts with the product and where the product is worn is reflected on that idea of sunshine, happiness and enjoyment. If it doesn't feel sunny or summer, we shouldn't be doing it. Why is the Middle East region an important market for the brand? On a personal level, the Middle East has a special place in the Orlebar Brown brand journey. I remember testing one of the very early samples here in Dubai, some of our first stockists were in Dubai and very early on we could see customers ordering from Dubai. When we look around the world and think of places that are sunshine and happiness, where else is the best place but Dubai? Everyone has worked so hard throughout the years to establish OB in the Middle East, it seems to be a very natural fit and journey for us that I hope is only just the beginning. What have been the milestones in your career so far? My life milestones and Orlebar Brown's brand milestones are indelibly connected. In those very early days, the first big milestone for me was being in a department store and feeling the product could work. When I stood in Selfridges at weekends and watched the customer interact with the product, that was a massive milestone for me personally, as well as the brand. When I started seeing repeat customers, it just gave me confidence and started to believe the brand could grow. Seeing our product in Skyfall was another huge milestone for me, seeing the effect of Orlebar Brown being featured in such a large international franchise like Bond. The sale in 2018 with Chanel is deeply personal to me and huge for the brand. It's all too intertwined, there's no way there can be some separation when you start something from your spare room, with no skill, background or knowledge. What are the lessons you learned as you scaled the brand successfully? There are so many lessons you learn when you start your own business. There are several things I can say — from learning to say no and acting differently to all the competitors around. Something about focus — the fact that we started with one pair of shorts and not a huge collection, that was a massive lesson we learnt early on. One of the reasons I think we broke through is that we had clarity around our message and product. Ultimately, one of the lessons is not keeping your customer too narrow, making sure the opportunity for the brand stays broad — for us, being international and not specific to one country already gives the brand opportunity. That adage, 'If you fail to plan, you plan to fail' — keeping the opportunity wide open and maintaining true to your values. How are you planning to spend your summer and where are you heading? I had a lovely holiday in January in Uruguay, so I'm already feeling quite spoilt. I had some time in Cape Town and was lucky enough to come back to Dubai. I live in the countryside and it's very rare in England to have such good weather, so I think for the summer months I will enjoy the weather there. I will be heading to the South of France for a week in August and potentially a few days on an island in Greece. – For more on how to look smart and live smarter, follow Emirates Man on Facebook and Instagram Images: Supplied
