Black-jack collection A/W 2007-2008

Think of the jazz age, of night clubs taken by storm by an entire population thirsting for merry-making. Think of the first spoken movie in history (The jazz singer - 1927). Emancipated women wearing flappers, flaunting their lack of inhibition. Dusty dressmaker's shops. Tailor-made clothes. Think of gangsters and their double-breasted elegance. Think of speakeasies, the clandestine bars where people met and drank alcoholic beverages despite the Prohibition. Think of gamblers.

Cycle's AW0708 collection draws its inspiration from that history, from that concept, from that feeling.

Men's.

Super-slim trousers or loose fit and high waist, in fabrics like mini-jacquard wool and linen, or wool and viscose hound's tooth. 3-button flannel jackets with wool and cachemire tricot details; tight-fitting caban jackets that look sober but are to be worn with a touch of irony. T-shirts that turn into elegant shirts in filo-di-scozia jersey or Bengal stripes. Melange sweatshirts in 100% wool, or wool and cotton stripes. Mohair wool elements play with flower-spade and flower-diamond patterns. Japanese denim, dark, clean. Only the very best washes. Colours: grey, bottle green, intense burgundy. Harmonious details: almost invisible seams, sewing thread yarns matched with fabrics. A clear sartorial touch.

Women's.

Asymmetrical jackets with very cool covered buttons. Sleeveless slim-fit duvet jackets. Low-crotch trousers and Bermuda shorts, with tapered and very slim legs. Or baggy high-waisted trousers with a perfect crease, to be worn with a waistcoat. High-waisted miniskirts to be worn with braces. Sweatshirts with fur and leather details. Wide-ribbed knitwear, or super-light jersey combined with an embroidery concept, irregular stripes and combined elements (in the fabrics -wool/cotton- and in the patterns -thin/thick stripes-). Shirts with a male cut, but female elements such as asymmetrical pockets and interchangeable necks, in jersey or elegant filo di scozia, glossy and combed. Knitwear that looks hand-made, with fur details; extra volume 'seed stitch' dry-textured knit, to be worn over skinny trousers or leggings.

Alpaca knits for thin sweaters that go with short jackets, or high, tight-waist belts. The denim is either Japanese, with special washes, or very Italian, in refined unwashed or wine washed concepts, or with light scratches for a worn look.

Colours are earthy + ice or khaki, mud + burgundy, off purple, English green, electric & night blue, the whole gamut of grey.

Accessories: belts, bags, shoes, totally revisited for a contemporary look.