The irony in the Autumn/Winter 2012 collection from Public School is that the looks would be far more at home in an Amish school. The pastoral overtones aren’t thunderous, but they do hang heavy—most literally in the wide brimmed hats on the backs of the heads, the high-water pants and the thick black boots. As we mentioned the other day, these are exciting times for those with a real fondness for the high points of older eras. Of course, fashion always draws inspiration from the past, but there seems to be a real zeitgeist obsession with doing everything the old fashioned way (and taking pictures of the results on iPhones).

Got a little off-topic there. Bottom line is you have to look to the past and project the future, and we’re not seeing a whole lot of the latter here. There are some splendid pieces, however. The navy blazer and black cardigan look infinitely adaptable, for example. But we don’t expect the hats to take hold. You’d spend at least half of a windy day chasing them down the street.

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Ovadia & Sons are having some fun with their Autumn 2012 lookbook, which bears a sturdy raft of easy-to-wear goods presented with a light peppering of strange. Born and bred in New York City, this is a family affair that’s been in the business for over 25 years, crafting—from top to bottom—neckties, shoes and everything in between. Given the lightheartedness of the book we keep asking ourselves questions like “is that guy with the skis for real?”

Definitely many awesome pieces here, but to our eyes some of the proportions are a little wonky and the fit on certain pants makes it look like the models have been riding horses in them all morning. We also have a quibble with tight black turtlenecks, but would absolutely love to go get the morning paper in the look pictured above.

More looks in our gallery…

Fred Perry Authentic Spring/Summer 2012 brings together pieces designed to be worn on or off the field. The collection is divided into three parts, each with specific looks. 60s casual with that smart edge in the form of harringtons and chinos. Relaxed sweats and cotton gingham shorts of the ‘lo-tech’ variety, as well as classic, more formal cuts from the 50s through to 70s. A certain amount of crossover with each story, these are the kind of easy to wear, classic British goods we’ve come to expect from the label. More at Fred Perry.

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Levi’s Vintage Clothing produce this impressive Spring Summer 2012 lookbook as a limited edition collectors item. Expertly put together by New Future Graphics, the brand look back through their sizable archives for inspiration for both the collection and the design of the book.

If you still have an aversion to double denim then this may not be up your street but for anyone interested in the historical side of the fabric and levi’s own origins then click on. END has them.

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A peek at P.Johnson’s current lookbook. Founder Patrick Johnson left his native Australia to study fashion at St. Martins and eventually found himself under the apprenticeship of English tailor, Robert Emmett.

Schooled in the ways of Savile Row, Patrick took his new found skills back to his homeland and began his label. The serious business of the bespoke suit is injected with a bit of good humour, offering a more approachable service Patrick manages to balance modern and classic brilliantly. Aside from the sinister masks, the choice of colours and fabrics and that perfect cut are what really caught our eye.

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Indigo & Cotton, ‘A men’s store in Charleston, SC’ have produced this attractive lookbook for your viewing pleasure. An impressive roster of brands including the likes of S.N.S Herning, Sierra Designs and billykirk shot against a shade of blue we’d quite like to know the name of. Hit here for more.

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Eighty four eighty five display Autumn/Winter 2011 from Japanese label Big John.

Founded in 1940 by Kotaro Ozaki, it was originally a workwear producer, making uniforms and overalls for all sorts of jobs. They went on to import American clothing in the 50s, primarily denim to meet the demand of Japanese consumers eager for U.S garms and have been in existence in one form or another ever since. This collection features lots of staples; jeans, shawl collars, check shirts and chinos. Big John’s real strength is in their ability to get the cuts and shapes just right.

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We have a look at some Bally offerings for Spring Summer 2012. A top notch collection, Bally really has a knack of making something special out of casualwear. Throwing in smarter pieces here and there, everything looks, well,  we’re hesitant to use the word ‘luxurious’ but that’s exactly what they managed to achieve.

The wider leg trousers are a bit of a hit as is their retrained use of colour. The label continues to bring out the leather and suede, as accessory experts first and foremost they know how to use hides to great effect. A job well done. (emm)

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We take a look at what’s new for Spring Summer 2012 from Prps and PRPS Goods and Co. The mainline focuses more on denim with some nice pleated jackets, chambray and light denim shirts. For those who like that pre-worn look, plenty of washes and cuts to choose from. As the brand describes it “Bruised never broken – the garments are hand finished with the most authentic processes forming layers of beautifully worn-in creases, nicks and tears”

PRPS Goods and Co. has a more summery feel with printed tees, light anoraks, sun faded chinos and check shirts. Designer Donwan Harrell wanted to keep a classic American look with this collection and was apparently inspired by ‘Jaws’. If you find teeth marks on anything you’ve had prior warning.

We take a look at Spring Summer 2012 from Realm & Empire. The newcomer British brand has taken inspiration from one  Mr. Winston Churchill for their rather patriotic collection.

Modern clothing gets a wartime makeover with quotes and imagery created from the labels work with The Imperial War Museum. An exclusive partnership fuelled by director  Stephen Gill’s fascination with goings on at The Churchill War Rooms in London, much of the archive material is original and unique to both the label and IWR. More to come from .

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