In a whirlwind of fast fashion, where trends churn like a runaway carousel and garments resemble fleeting whispers, a quiet revolution simmers. This movement, a rebellion steeped in timeless elegance, champions quality over fleeting fads, and promises longevity against a backdrop of disposability.
At the heart of this sartorial uprising lies Informale, a Melbourne-based menswear brand that has meticulously crafted the art of "buying less, buying well."
Informale isn't merely a clothing line; it's a philosophy woven into the very threads of their garments. Here, the focus isn't on mass-produced, trend-driven pieces destined for a landfill existence. Instead, their collections are a curated library of timeless staples – meticulously crafted shirts that drape with the grace of a bespoke tailor's creation, and meticulously crafted pants that hug the form with a promise of enduring comfort. Each piece is imbued with the essence of heritage, a testament to the enduring power of Neapolitan construction techniques that prioritize quality over fleeting trends.
Informale's rebellion extends beyond the garments themselves. Their commitment to ethical and sustainable practices ensures each thread tells a story of responsible sourcing and meticulous craftsmanship. Imagine a world where garments are not merely worn, but cherished – passed down as heirlooms, imbued with the stories of the lives they've adorned. This is the essence of Informale, a brand that champions conscious consumption and timeless elegance.
Their Melbourne boutique, nestled in the heart of the city's vibrant CBD, embodies this philosophy. Here, the sterile,impersonal feel of fast-fashion stores is replaced by a tactile experience. Imagine a haven where skilled artisans bring their expertise to life, where the soft caress of premium fabrics invites exploration, and where the focus is on building lasting relationships with discerning customers.
The Artisan's Touch
Founded by Steve Calder, a veteran of the menswear scene who honed his craft at hallowed houses like Gucci and Ermenegildo Zegna, Informale is the antithesis of mass-produced, disposable clothing. Here, meticulous craftsmanship and timeless elegance reign supreme.
Picture this: alongside his wife Jordana, Calder envisioned a world where casual wear could embody the dedication and artistry found in traditional Neapolitan tailoring.
The result?
A curated collection that shuns fleeting trends in favor of investment pieces – meticulously crafted shirts that drape with the grace of a bespoke creation, and meticulously tailored pants that promise enduring comfort.
Sustainability at Its Core
With Informale, sustainability isn't a fleeting marketing ploy, but a cornerstone of their philosophy. Unlike the opaque practices of fast fashion, Informale embraces complete transparency.
They know exactly where their fabrics come from, the meticulous hands that nurtured the raw materials, and the ethical practices employed throughout the production journey.
Imagine garments crafted from materials that whisper tales of responsible sourcing – fabrics grown, woven, and dyed in countries with stringent environmental protections.
For Steve Calder and his team, doing right by the planet isn't just an afterthought; it's a badge of honour. They take immense pride in maintaining low production runs, ensuring not only exclusivity but also a minimized environmental footprint. This dedication permeates every aspect of Informale, from the meticulously chosen materials to the very manufacturing process.
The T005 Linen Drawstring Trouser: Elevating Comfort with a Dash of Elegance
Let’s start with the basics: high waist, double pleats, and a relaxed cut. These trousers aren’t just designed to fit; they’re designed to flatter. The high waist and double pleats ensure not just comfort but also an interesting design feature that sets these trousers apart from the sea of sameness out there. The cut is classic and relaxed, resembling tailored trousers but with a laid-back twist.
When it comes to trousers, details matter, and the T005 doesn’t skimp. The elastic waistband with an adjustable drawstring is like a secret handshake between comfort and style.
Need a little extra room after that lavish lunch? No problem. The mid-high waist provides just the right amount of rise, ensuring these trousers sit perfectly without riding up or sliding down.
Let’s not forget the Swiss Riri Zipper. This isn’t just any zipper; it’s the Rolls-Royce of zippers. Smooth, reliable, and effortlessly chic. The loose cut follows the natural shape of the leg, providing ample room to move without looking baggy.
And those double reverse pleats? They add a touch of sophistication that transforms these trousers from casual to classy in a heartbeat.
Pockets are more than just practical; they’re a statement. The T005 features two welt back pockets, perfect for stashing your essentials without adding bulk. They’re sleek, they’re functional, and they’re the cherry on top of this sartorial sundae.
Here’s a pro tip: roll and press the hems. This little tweak mimics a trouser cuff and adds a polished finish to your look. Whether you’re pairing these trousers with loafers, sneakers, or even barefoot on the beach, the rolled hem ensures you always look put together.
The SH01 Button Down Shirt: A Modern Twist on Mid-Century Cool
Imagine the classic Ivy League style of the mid-20th century, now imagine it reinvented with a modern twist. That’s the SH01. This shirt is not for the faint-hearted or the fashionably lazy. It’s for the discerning gentleman who appreciates the finer things in life—like hand-sewn details and a collar that rolls with the elegance of an Italian opera singer’s tongue.
The SH01 is a love letter to Neapolitan tailoring, with each piece meticulously crafted by artisans in Italy. From the hand-cut fabric to the buttonholes, armholes, side gussets, and bar tacks, every stitch tells a story of dedication and skill. This isn’t just a shirt you wear; it’s a shirt you experience.
Let’s talk fabric, shall we?
This isn’t your run-of-the-mill cotton. No, the SH01 boasts a midweight brushed cotton woven by Canclini in Italy. Up close, the melange reveals a textured mix of brown, grey, and black, reminiscent of a masterfully brewed espresso.
It’s soft, flexible, and densely woven, promising ease of movement, luxurious touch, and durability. In short, it’s a shirt that can keep up with your busiest days and your most laid-back weekends.
Detail-Driven Design
The SH01 is designed with the purist in mind but sprinkled with enough unique touches to keep things interesting.
The collar features a perfect roll that would make any Ivy Leaguer proud, while the round cuffs with a single button add a touch of sophistication. Mother of Pearl buttons? Check. A front placket and box pleat with a locker loop at the back? Double check. And let’s not forget the chest pocket, shaped with a subtle curve as an homage to Neapolitan tailoring.
The shirt’s cut is shaped-yet-relaxed, striking the perfect balance between form and function. Whether you size up for a looser fit or stick to your usual size for a more tailored look, the SH01 adapts to your style needs. Wear it as an overshirt or buttoned up for a sleek, sophisticated ensemble.
The brand’s mantra is that less is more in the world of menswear, so long as you are buying quality. And at Informale, quality is never in short supply. Working with a small factory run by a second-generation family of Italian migrants, Calder ensures that each piece is crafted with the same care and attention as a bespoke suit.
Even during the pandemic, Informale has stayed true to its values. Calder and his team have been busy creating washable cotton masks from fabric offcuts to support their seamstresses and keep the spirit of craftsmanship alive. This dedication to community and craftsmanship underscores the brand’s commitment to doing things the right way.
Timeless Design, Elevated Casual
Summa summarum, Informale’s designs are are timeless, versatile, and designed to age gracefully. Whether it’s the beautifully made polo shirts, the vintage military-inspired shorts with two belts, or the single-pocket cargo trousers, each piece is crafted to stand the test of time and remain relevant for years to come.
By promoting the values of quality, sustainability, and timeless design, Informale is leading a sartorial revolution. It’s a revolution and antidote again fast fashion's ephemeral trends that encourages us to buy less, choose well, and make it last.
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Words by AW.
Photos courtesy of Informale.