Smart suits to frock coats… Masterhand have long led the way in the formal menswear stakes. We catch up with Graham Phebey of Masterhand to find out what grooms will be wearing in 2017!
What colours are set to make a splash in 2017? How will they change by season?
The colours we are concentrating on for 2017 are blue and silver grey. Basic navy has been replaced by an ice blue in popularity, and the new silver replaces the ever popular charcoal. Fashion colours now seen have a fast turnaround in the wedding market with a two-year life at the peak of popularity.
We’ve seen trends move from traditional tails through to dinner jackets and even tuxedos. What styles Will grooms of 2017 be seen in?
Our collections for 2017 feature tailored silhouettes in both tails and lounge suits. There will be a focus on finding a ‘suit that fits’ – allowing everybody in the wedding party to wear the same thing, while being completely comfortable.
Do celebrity outfits influence groomswear trends? Any names in particular?
Celebrity weddings still have a huge effect on customer’s choices. The likes of Ant and Dec dressing in sharp suits is a bonus to the trade because we can then stylise our traditional morning wear around popular styles.
You say you’re always reinventing tailored shapes to stay up to date, how do you do that? What is the inspiration behind each suit or collection?
At Masterhand we have a reputation for always being ahead of the game and we try to lead the way! Our German design team spend time creating a mix of Italian and Spanish trends that are then tweaked to suit our more commercial market in the UK.
Is tailoring an option for grooms on a budget?
The hire trade gives a tremendous opportunity for wedding parties to create their unique look at a reasonable price. Our stockists are adventurous in their ranges and priced well. To buy a complete out t for all groomsmen would be prohibitive on fashion and styling.
What suit would you choose if you were getting married?
For me nothing is better than a well fitting morning suit, but in a fashionable colour and perhaps a silk mix fabric. The hire trade gives a tremendous opportunity for wedding parties to create their unique look at a reasonable price. Our stockists are adventurous in their ranges and of the bride or best man to differentiate them from the groom? Although a wedding party should have a consistent theme, the groom must stand out. The easiest way is by altering the waistcoat or accessory colour. Some prefer to mix lounge suits for the fathers with tails for the younger members of the group.
Why do you prefer the traditional tailoring experience? What makes it stand out from high street options?
Our t is second to none and our enormous knowledge of models and cuts means that we can create shapes that work for the young groom who wants a slim t silhouette and his father, who we are aware may not be the correct shape to wear the 14-inch trouser bottoms and the short length jackets that are currently very much in vogue.
How would you dress the father of the bride or best man to differentiate them from the groom?
Although a wedding party should have a consistent theme, the groom must stand out. The easiest way is by altering the waistcoat or accessory colour. Some prefer to mix lounge suits for the fathers with tails for the younger members of the group.
What would you say have been the landmark moments in grooms’ fashion?
My own personal contributions, having spent 40 years in the trade, include being responsible for pairing fancy waistcoats with tails on a commercial basis in the 80s while working as a design and buyer team. Designing the original three-quarter length frock coat for Pronuptia in the 80s and launching coloured velvet coats in the late 90s have all been landmarks.
