Matches fashion to launch Ben Cobb’s Capsule for Tiger of Sweden – WWD
Matchesfashion has the scoop on Ben Cobb’s debut collection for Tiger of Sweden.
The updated men’s range from Cobb, a fashion journalist and editor of ES Magazine from Britain’s Evening Standard, will make its debut on Thursday.
This is the first time Cobb has actually designed a collection and he worked closely with Tiger of Sweden’s Bryan Conway, the brand’s creative director.
“Tiger of Sweden approached me with the idea,” Cobb told WWD. “I’ve been friends with the brand for a long time so it was an immediate yes. I’ve consulted on collections before in various guises, but before this Tiger project my most immersive design experience was consulting on the Givenchy Autumn/Winter 19 collection under Clare Waight Keller – those double-breasted flared suits were amazing. It was an incredible experience and I learned a lot from the process.”
Key pieces in the eight-piece collection of tailored separates and essentials include a single-breasted top-style blazer teamed with wide leg trousers; single-breasted blazer with notched lapels and flared trousers; striped and color-blocked shirts; V-neck sweaters; an overcoat with a belt and a frock coat. The collection is created from leftover materials from British and Italian manufacturers, which determined the number of pieces available. It will retail for £256 to £1,283.
“Each piece is based on favorites from my personal wardrobe,” Cobb said. “They’re designed to be worn as a full look for maximum impact – that’s how I do it – or as separates, injecting moments of exceptional chic into everyday attire. It’s a collection made to work for all lifestyles and personalities.”
Conway said he has “always had a real soft spot for Ben Cobb – his taste, style and elegance and commitment, not just to his style, but to beautifully made clothes. This is a really lovely moment to celebrate this and, of course , our mutual love of tailoring and exceptionally made garments.”
Damien Paul, head of menswear for Matchesfashion, agreed. “Being able to bring tastemaker Ben Cobb’s vision to Matchesfashion through Tiger of Sweden for the first time is really exciting and we look forward to our customer experiencing this world for the first time.”
Paul said the collection, with a focus on modern tailoring, will appeal to the Matches man who “expresses himself by mixing tailoring with knits and chic flowy shirt with sharp trousers. Overall, he dresses up and goes out. This collaboration optimizes this mood and whether buying for an event or just expanding his wardrobe, this collection is a clear choice.”
Overall, Paul said, menswear at Matchesfashion “has had a strong season so far with categories such as tailored and sweaters driving triple-digit growth. When the Matches man dresses, he associates luxury with every aspect of his lifestyle, whether is a complete wardrobe refresh, some dynamic activewear (since he prioritizes well-being more than ever) or something that simply makes him feel good.”
Cobb said he is already talking to Tiger of Sweden about continuing the collaboration. “I’m putting some ideas together at the moment and I’m excited to start working on it.”