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Building on its original capsule – a line that featured staples such as a Cotton Oxford Shirt and a Thermal Travel Gilet – the brand has now launched some new commute essentials
We’ve been dreaming about spring for a while now at the GJ office, and, with the light seemingly appearing at the end of the winter tunnel, we can start thinking about the brighter days ahead. Moreover, with the imminent change of the season comes a refresh in the wardrobe department, whereby bulkier pieces are jettisoned for lighter ones that can be easily mixed and matched.
With Émigré – the apparel, accessories and bags brand that dresses the modern-day travelling professional – the notion of layering various pieces is what underpins its SS24 collection, a range of key designs for those working on the move.
Founded in 2022 by Ralph Thoma and a select team of experts in technical and tailored apparel, Émigré has made a name for remedying key pain points for the modern-day commuter – whether he’s travelling short- or long-haul – by creating versatile pieces that showcase muted palettes, modern cuts, fine materials and smart details, all of which, when brought together, allow for easy, seamless movement from country to country, terminal to boardroom, post-meeting drinks to hotel check-in.
Building on its original capsule collection – a line that featured staples such as a Cotton Oxford Shirt, a Thermal Travel Gilet, and the Boston Bag, a lightweight bag ideal for quick trips – Émigré has now launched some new essentials for your travels. Below, we take a deep-dive into each piece.
A great alternative to the current Cotton Oxford Shirt, the polo sits a fine line between smart and off-duty, as its overall t-shirt silhouette is given structure via a collar and placket. Émigré’s offering is one of the more pared-down options out there (the trio of buttons are even concealed), but the true draw is the fabric, which is produced from 100 per cent organic cotton that allows for a nice, easygoing stretch, meanwhile the knit has a lustrous sheen and silk-like touch.
Depending on the climate, it’s perfect to wear on its own – either in casual or more professional settings – or can easily be paired with some tailoring. For the latter, try Émigré’s Four Season Wool Travel Blazer.
The hoodie has long been viewed as a slouchy, ill-considered piece, but recent years has seen the item given a refined update. Here, the sportswear classic is firmly upgraded, having been done out in Italian-spun merino Cashwool® from Zegna Baruffa, a material noted for its ultra-softness.
The elevated feel also owes to the bevy of details at play, including an internal kangaroo pocket that secures essential items when on the move, and a side zip that allows the piece to be put on and taken off with ease. A lack of strings also keeps the appearance as clean as possible. This is one for hotel lounging, or when on the way to the departures desk.
The Performance Trench is already a modern classic, perfect to layer over your polo and hoodie and it's a considered blend of the traditional-raincoat aesthetic with smart features that have been influenced by performance-driven outdoor apparel.
Notably, it’s made from a triple-layer sustainable fabric that is waterproof, windproof and highly breathable, and the five-button closure adds further security from the elements.
Covering the baseline of one’s ensemble is the Commuter Chino, which has been made in a lightweight Italian twill whose stretch, elastic hem at the back cuff and ‘articulated knee’ allow for easy movement when on the go. (The anti-crease property is also a boon when needing to look presentable from morning to evening.)
The neutral ‘Nordic Blue’ tone, as well as the slim, tailored silhouette, allow the chinos to be workable in myriad settings, whether worn with a polo at dinner, or paired with an Oxford shirt when face-to-face with clients in their office.
For those constantly travelling, it pays dividends to invest in a perfectly crafted, reliable bag. The Active Backpack is intended for day trips that run from the early hours until late in the evening, or for a long weekend, and the main draw is its two-compartment construction that’s meant to keep work, travel and gym items separate and, therefore, organised. We also appreciate the large waterproof compartment at the base, which is meant for shoes or worn clothing.
The outer shell, which is water-resistant and produced from 100 per cent recycled materials, is lightweight, keeping movement as unburdened as possible, and two plush padded compartments are secured with a strap and magnet to keep smart devices firmly protected.
Finally, a must-have for any professional, the Travel Ponte Blazer injects a contemporary quality into a formalwear classic. Rather than using rigid layers, the blazer – designed with a Ponte fabric (an organic cotton blend) that allows for stretch, shape retention and an easy wash – is unstructured, freeing up the wearer when he's in transit.
However, traditional features (notch lapel, single back vent, two-button front) keep everything on the right side of smart. Additionally, the neutral palette allows the blazer to be the perfect foundation from which to build an outfit around.
Want more from Émigré? We go inside the brand’s design philosophy…
