Raoul Men’s & Women’s Spring Summer 2011 Collection

For Spring Summer 2011 RAOUL continues its cinematic odyssey by drawing inspiration from another great movie classic, Michelangelo Antonioni’s The Passenger, featuring the sexy, confident, rugged Jack Nicholson and the enigmatic, willowy Maria Schneider. The movie sets the scene for the collection, reflecting the sophisticated, confident and languid style of an independent and chic traveler set against the backdrop of exotic locations reminiscent of Northern Africa and the South of France.

There is a hint of a ’70s vintage, a languorous mood that evokes a feeling of a suspension of time, of long summer days and the romance of travel, translated into chic but practical, almost utilitarian and carefree weekend styles that one can travel, work and play in. With a modern and minimalist take on key references from the 70’s, the collection is functional while whispering of luxury and glamour, with relaxed silhouettes and a fuss-free vibe that eases one from day to night.

WOMEN

The RAOUL woman is elegant, fresh, modern and a sophisticated traveler. The collection features a light palette of solid colors with clean lines, interspersed with vintage-inspired prints and beautifully finished with subtle details.

Key items this season include RAOUL’s iconic shirts and shirt dresses, chic jumpsuits and playsuits, minimalist long dresses, silk shantung shift dresses with color blocking or matching lace embellishment, a brocade tunic top with bell sleeves and matching cigarette pants, safari dresses in poplin, canvas or suede, gold and navy guipure lace tee shirts, shorts and tunics, paperbag shorts and skirts with gold eyelet details, an elegant off white ensemble of a long-sleeved chiffon wrap blouse with mandarin collar and wide cuffs tucked into wool flared pants, a swirly-dot printed blouse worn under an oversized shantung trench coat, cinched at the waist and paired with tailored wide-legged pants.

Fabric: Shantung silk, silk crepe de chine, chiffon silk, silk georgette, silk heavy crepe, cotton twill, cotton poplin, lurex, brocade, suede, guipure lace

Color: Navy, nougat, sesame, silver peony, sage, bottle-green, tangerine, coral, pink, cloud blue, gold, cream, toffee

Prints: Floral discharged prints, Liberty prints, floral bouquet prints, swirly-dot prints

Bags: Streamlined leather satchels, clutches, totes and sling bags in camel, black, beige, coral, embellished with gold accents.

Leather texture adds a new dimension to classic styles, with nubuck and shrunken leathers. Natural and black vegetable leathers add structure and a sense of hardiness.

Saddle bags complimenting the utilitarian look perfectly, make a modern resurgence.

Gold metal handles add a new modern twist to classic styles, together with a signature “buttonhole” closure.

Accessories: Hammered gold necklaces, earrings and cuffs in swirly organic shapes, gold wire mesh designs, delicate gold link chains embellished with swarovski pearls, mosaic color-block enamel jewellery, skinny leather belts

Shoes: Wooden platform wedges in nubuck with knotted details, criss cross nubuck platforms with studded heels, coral and cloud blue nubuck 70’s inspired sandals with cut out details, woven flat leather sandals, strappy leather sandals with metal gold wedges or wooden wedges.

MEN

The RAOUL man is rugged, suave and confident in a range of modern, fitted styles suitable for the stylish wanderer who indulges in carefree expeditions, yachting or overland trips to exotic sunny locales. The collection is masculine with a light and refreshing color palette, a touch of unexpected details like dual-color slim plackets, and an emphasis on subtlety and quality.

Fresh additions this season include safari style drawstring jackets, extra slim-fit twill-stretch pants, lightweight reversible seersucker jackets, liberty print shirts, contemporary fit linen pants, knit cotton casual polo tee worn with low rise slim-leg shorts, motorcycle denim jackets with utility pockets, denim jeans in both classic and skinny fit, pants made with slightly worn out yet crisp canvas fabric, black long-sleeved shirt with white tipping on collar and cuffs paired with navy slim-cut shorts.

An new emphasis was made to offer quality, well-cut suits in styles and colors for a man with a more discerning taste – a light slim fitting pink suit worn with a light colored shirt; a caramel suit worn with a cream shirt with brown placket and slim brown belt; pastel colored linen jackets with leather wrapped buttons and patch pockets; summer-weight suits in 100% wool.

Color: Sage, toffee, cinnamon, pink, light blue, navy, sesame

Bags: Denim backpacks and totes with leather trimmings, suede light blue briefcase

Accessories: D-ring belts in woven leather or canvas with vegetable tan leather, slim leather belts.

Shoes: Nubuck or denim loafers, two-tone nubuck and denim boating shoes, leather bowling shoes, leather sandals with cut-out details, canvas and leather lace ups, casual pastel colored nubuck oxfords.