DOWN UNDER PART ONE: PALM BEACH
Most Australians have a distinct connection to the beach, even those that live far inland. It is a psychological frontier owning a permanent little part of our psyches. A plunge under the waves resets, even re-births the soul. The land can have an equally moving quality, whether it is the monotonous mallee, a distant iron-red range or the damp fragrance of a Southern forest. The emptiness of space somehow fills the heart and mind to the brim leaving cities feeling somewhat obsolete. It determines so much of our endeavour, so much of our life beyond work, an urgency to take to it, to be in it and play.
Recently, Patrick, founder, CEO and Creative Director of P. Johnson, and long term friend and photographer James Harvey-Kelly took to the road and visited three Australian locations near and dear to Patrick. The first, the subject of this release, is a small peninsula North of Sydney filled with gardens and lawns cascading down into seaside pools and white sand beaches. Patrick has a regular relationship to Palm Beach, both in long and short stays, as do many Sydney-siders; this is their Hamptons, albeit a little less manicured, more raw and a lot steeper. Locals and blow-ins sail, swim, surf, fish, and generally indulge in the calmer flats of Pittwater to the West and the turquoise rimmed breakers to the East. For many it is the foundational memory of ‘the beach’ so no better place to capture our lighter, summer casual wardrobes for this October’s campaign.
MADE-TO-MEASURE SUIT
A subtle theme running through both collections is Indonesian referenced prints and techniques (we share a strong relationship and draw inspiration from the great archipelago to our North through our Jakarta based showroom). In women’s the ‘Flores’ print Laras Skirt and Dress are assembled from a custom printed pure silk made in Italy. The ‘Papori’ print features in a golden jacquard via the subtly shaped Anisa Shift Dress, a luminous and pure dress that can dress up or down in register as needed. The ‘Papori’ pattern features again in the ever faithful men’s swimmers, and a versatile cotton sarong and neckerchief.
In men’s our custom silk based fabrics out of Como feature in the mellow P. Johnson Slack Suit, this time in a very svelte cocoa dust brown silk-linen blend. The Slack Jacket now comes in a relaxed double-breasted variant in our favourite washed canvas adding a weathered, UV-kissed softness to it. We introduce the Marlin Slacks, an easy, loose fit trouser in white washed canvas (and sage) which can transform into a very up-beat soft suit with the addition of a made to measure jacket in the same fabric, a favourite of Patrick’s.
These beautiful snaps represent just part of the offer, accompanying are many new pieces including swimwear, updates to our Christy, Gabrielle and Chelsea series and a new heeled sandal named Iris. New also is the short-sleeve patch-pocketed Guillermo Shirt in navy linen, seersucker board shorts, and a new programme of jersey polos and tees under the titles Newk, Henry and Bernard.