Each season, the bewildering world of menswear celebrates new collections that speak the shared fashion vernacular of key influencers and the industry elite. 

Pioneers across streetwear, heritage-inspired workwear, sportswear, hi-tech outerwear, premium denim, vintage, suiting and more – with each edition of Jacket Required, a new wave of trailblazers seeks to join the journey into the season ahead, and the lexicon of brands that pave the way.

As we look to spring/summer 2017 and the collections that will join together in just a few weeks’ time, today’s selection of brands provides just a small insight into the very best available in the modern menswear market.


Levi’s Made & Crafted



The pinnacle and most premium expression of Levi’s heart and soul, Levi’s Made & Crafted’s design is rooted in a sophistication that goes beyond trends. Instead, taking an understated approach in designing tomorrow’s classics using today’s best materials and construction techniques. 

Designing a collection for those who love Levi’s and seek effortless cool in the most beloved fits and refined fabrics – for spring/summer 2017, the brand turns to Cuba for inspiration. Imagining a modern interpretation of Fidel Castro, Celia Sanchez and Che Guevara, celebrating in Havana with music, cigars and Cuba Libres, the collection combines masculine elements and the tailoring of a well-worn uniform with influence from Cuba’s rich culture among 16th century architecture and 1950s American-made cars. A vibrant colour palette of hibiscus red combines with crisp white and fatigue khaki; as lightweight pinstripes and bold multi-stripes mix with hand-drawn tropical, floral prints that give a nod to Caribbean nature – all asserting Levi’s authentic character.


Sperry



Spring/summer 2017 sees Sperry build on its passion for adventure – both on and off the water. Born from the seas, built for the world – no adventure is unachievable with its non-marking, rubber outsole, with razor-cut wave-siping that provides enhanced traction.

Continuing its mastery of footwear, this season, Sperry introduces the 7 Seas shoe – as the brand sets about creating a footwear piece that is truly focused on the needs and lifestyle of its intrepid consumer. With 75% of millennials seeking adventure in all seven continents and 71% in search of the new – whether you were to take a week-long trip or a one-year sabbatical and just take one pair of shoes, the 7 Seas would be the only footwear you would need. While still blending Sperry’s sailing heritage and rugged construction, this shoe builds on what founder Paul Sperry looked to achieve in 1935, when he invented the world’s first ever Boat Shoe – a rare brand that spans fashion and function without compromise. Sperry has evolved from the original boat shoe into one of the great, authentic lifestyle brands. 


Il Bussetto



Since its inception in 2004, Italian leather brand Il Bussetto has cemented itself in the world’s luxury leather market. Famed for its traditional technique of producing small leather goods, the brand looks to traditional Artisan craftsmanship, re-introducing ancient techniques. Hand made in Milan, using natural materials, products use vegetable tanned leather with natural colours and waxes, each moulded into shape – the end result is a product without seams of any kind.

Quality construction and subtle branding characterise the collection further, as classic styles are updated for the modern day, from iPhone cases, through to wallets, glasses, pen, coin and cigar cases – all given a modern twist while staying true to tradition. Available in a myriad of colourways, including bottle green, vibrant orange, mustard, deep purples, red, bright cobalt blue and minimal brown and black, Il Bussetto produces luxury classics, perfect for the modern traveller and everyday use.  Always introducing new items to fulfil modern life needs, Il Bussetto launches its Isola Wallet, a compact, slim wallet with enough space to hold cards and cash. Inspired by the Isola district in Milan – an urban island between art, tradition and modernity – the wallet is crafted by traditional methods, but with a modern shape, compact, slim and suitable for the casual, contemporary connoisseur.


Homecore



Alexandre Guarneri founded Homecore in 1992. As the first brand related to French hip-hop, the label was initially part of the streetwear genre. In a bid to evolve, Homecore slowly moved away from the stereotype set by some of the more major labels, without turning its back on its principles, to focus on its freedom of expression and freedom of movement – to be in harmony with oneself and the world around – the very term sewn into the label of the first jacket the designer created while taking this new direction.

Today, its more mature offerings, such as casual work-wear and eveningwear, position Homecore as a brand that produces clothing that doesn’t seek to categorise or define the people that wear it – who instead search for quality clothing that stands for freedom, style and unpretentiousness. For spring/summer 2017, T-shirts, polo shirts, knitwear, bomber jackets, denim joggers and chino shorts feature, with fabrics including merino wools, silk, linen, hemp and denim; while brushed poplins and fine Italian cotton feature in its shirting offering. For Guarneri, the lines between fashion and life are blurred, and the collection is his unique way of narrating his observations. So, while it’s fair to say Homecore has changed significantly, it still remains true to the essence of the brand – clothing that is wearable and basic, but with interesting details that make it unique.


Libertine-Libertine



Copenhagen, 2009. Stemming from a mutual love of music, art, literature and contemporary culture, three Danish friends founded the Libertine-Libertine label. Inspired by city lights, wild shores and contemporary culture, the brand quickly established itself with a highly commendable reputation for a clean, minimalist aesthetic – creating the perfect balance between simplicity and sophistication, to stimulate the creative soul through a selection of high-quality, well-crafted goods. 

Manufactured using fabrics from the best mills in Europe, Libertine-Libertine strives to produce pieces of great integrity, with a design ethos and language built around the topic of existentialism. Encapsulating the idea of Scandinavian minimalism, the spring/summer 2017 collection is assured yet effortless – for the cool, casual man who wants classic staples that look sharp, clean-cut and timeless.