Carlton Brown’s Menswear Fantasy

In her recap of the recent Golden Globes, Washington Post fashion critic Robin Givhan noted: “Not only is it time to ask the men, ‘Who are you wearing?’ But at long last, the answer is worth knowing.” Indeed, the gaze of viewers was transfixed on the men whose choice of colours (pine green on Idris Elba), fabrics (supple velvet graced the forms of a number of men) and textures (Chadwick Boseman wore a crystal-studded white suit) were delightful. Givhan summarised: “The men are not suddenly releasing some long-caged inner peacock. Their flamboyant side has been out and strutting for quite some time. It’s that the women’s clothes overall just aren’t quite as exciting anymore.” Talk about dropping a truth bomb.

Here on The Rock, our men have embraced their flamboyant sides. Go to a party (like Wealth500 or Frenchmen) and it’s the men’s wardrobe choices that are fashion-forward and on point. Here at All Woman Fashion AWF), we acknowledge the contribution of award-winning tailor and celebrated menswear designer Carlton Brown. For over two decades Brown has pushed the envelope on local menswear design satisfying the needs of our local sapeurs.

A trip to the Mission Catwalk judge’s atelier will highlight menswear’s vast possibilities. Brown infuses a certain joy and panache to sartoria the way Ozwald Boateng interrogated the idea of what was Savile Row-worthy. The Carlton Brown man is not limited — menswear is his oyster. He can play designer by mixing patterns, using delicate fabrics that are traditionally used in womenswear (we’re looking at you, lace) and combining materials to add texture and depth to a seemingly traditional outfit.

AWF asked Brown to share with us the designs that can take a gent’s wardrobe to the next level. And what he shared is nothing short of fantastic.