In Pitti, the menswear trade show held last weekend in Florence, Adam Kimmel launched his forthcoming collaboration with Carhartt. The fundamentals of the collection included t-shirts, crewneck sweaters, jackets, and blazers, and reflected Kimnel’s instinctive appeal for work wear, and the successful collaboration will no doubt be a resounding commercial success.

Fast-forward a week and Kimnel presents his main line collection in Paris – the city of elegance and high fashion. As an American in Paris, Kimnel presented his debut catwalk collection, having previously shown static, but often-spectacular presentations.

The new format bought with it a fresh and sartorial sophistication from the designer. Kimnel ‘s career path began by studying architecture before changing to fashion design. Kimnel learnt his craft whilst working for Italian pattern makers and this has established an elegant core that is centered on providing straight-talking real clothes for mannish men.

Citing hardcore surfers as the inspiration for the collection, Kimnel used sports inspired fabrics and constructed easy shapes, which were translated into relaxed suits, cropped trousers and subtle 70′s prints. This new understated luxury was a turning point for Kimnel as the strong collection reflected the refinement and the designer’s initiation into the Paris menswear schedule.

Report by Hywel Davies on 23 June 2011.