The leisurely lifestyle and understated elegance typical of the sun-kissed Riviera, from Italy across France, runs through the Ferragamo Spring-Summer 2018 men’s collection designed by Guillaume Meilland. 

Escapism at its best interpreted with a timeless yet timely appeal that conjures images of Alain Delon and Marcello Mastroianni in all their laid-back glamour.

Setting the mood is a breezy palette of earth-tones, ivory, gentle pinks and light blues that nod at traditional men’s shirting fabrics, plus flashes of hazy blues and deep mahogany. 

From formal to casual, silhouettes are light, easy and deconstructed underscoring a work-into-week-end versatility and cool edge, defined by a crop of inventive fabrics and by signature details that are deeply intertwined with Ferragamo’s leather heritage and expertise. 

Inspired by life at the seaside, soft terrycloth, corduroy and velour are revisited with a soft and lush hand. In solids or decorated with subtle marine patterns featuring wreathes of corals and seahorses, they are used for Bermuda shorts, coats and jackets. In a similar vein, spongy textures add a distinctive twist to a range of airy poloshirts and zipped cardigans.  

By contrast, a selection of classic British checks and sartorial fabrics with a dry, crisp hand are fashioned into fluid, unlined, minimal jackets, shorts and suits, oozing a casual disposition even on more formal occasions.

Roomy or slim, leather pieces also take center stage, unlined and stripped of any superfluous element yet unexpectedly detailed.  Ample windbreakers feature a rubberized finish, sleek coats are bonded with jersey or organdie while suede jackets and shirts are delicately perforated with motifs borrowed from the art of broguing.    

Chunky fisherman knits complete the overall summery mood.

The shoes are quintessentially Ferragamo with rubber-soled penny loafers and booties adorned with the signature “Gancino” in organic materials such as wood and horn and clean lace-ups and slip-on moccasins in suede. Bags are structured and practical with mixes of canvas and leather in contrasting shades. 

From the promenade to the runway, the collection is at ode to a light-hearted elegance, redefining the house’s core values through a mix of legacy and immediacy.