Like Chanel, Alexander Kraft has a deep and unique understanding of the type of elegance that perfectly reflects the
moment. To Alexander Kraft elegance must be maintained in multiple countries, at different events from day to night,
without the need for frequent outfit changes. Through his eponymous label, Alexander Kraft has successfully made the
aforementioned notion possible for men and women, most recently by refining casual garments such as the jean and
sweater for polite society. However, post the launch of his inaugural menswear line, many of his female followers
enquired about the possibility of creating ladies’ versions of his most iconic gentlemen’s garments. Strictly behind
the scenes Alexander Kraft has been cultivating a response to his hardest challenge yet. How does he uphold the
Alexander Kraft Monte Carlo aesthetic, whilst pushing the boundaries with relevant women’s tailoring designs? The
answer is an empowering off-white suit in cotton corduroy, that coincides with the men’s suit in the same
cloth.
An alluringly dishevelled fabric that divides opinion, it has been made smart by adept designers such as Cifonelli.
Elegance is not a term you associate with corduroy, hence its attempt to be made sophisticated, has only been
successfully achieved by the world’s best tailors. Add Alexander Kraft into this exclusive club with the creation of
the “Gatsby” three-piece suit. Sold as separates, the Signature jacket made in luxurious Italian cotton corduroy is
surprisingly soft. And true to Kraft’s dexterous design nous is perfectly suited for year-round wear. Based on a
Savile Row-inspired cut, is has been skilfully adjusted for a women’s physique. High-end sartorial features include
working cuff buttonholes, butterfly half-lining and angled flapped pockets. Despite the mood towards ladies’ suiting
coming along away, there is still occasionally an incline of uncertainty surrounding it. Usually a fan of long
skirts and flowery dresses, renowned French cook and writer, Mimi Thorisson, and ambassador for the Alexander Kraft
Monte Carlo women’s line really enjoyed wearing the suit. She feels its strong masculine silhouette is beautifully
balanced with a feel of soft femininity. It transports your mind to some of Marlene Dietrich’s most iconic moments
on the silver screen, and of course from stills taken in her free time.
Again, designed to be utilized as a separate, the high-waisted trousers features a wide waistband that lends a very
elegant touch when worn with a tucked-in sweater, shirt or T-shirt. With three razor-sharp pleats on each leg, it
adds a whiff of sophistication, whilst the deep pockets are a practical feature. Despite these trousers looking
imposing at first glance, the clever design nuances give you license to partner them with high heels for an elegant
look or with ballerinas and sneakers for a more casual appearance.
The off-white shade elected by Mr. Kraft is beautifully understated, which brings the level of formality of the
double-breasted waistcoat down a notch. Noteworthy details include a stunning shawl lapel and real horn buttons. If
you choose to pair with the matching jacket and trousers it forms a striking suit that is relevant for all seasons.
However, Mr. Kraft has a habit of looking ahead for multifarious styling options. Wear it in the traditional way
with an open shirt or blouse, or to be more contemporary with added sex appeal – a T-shirt or bra.
As mentioned, the ladies’ “Gatsby” suit has been adapted from the men’s version. Cut on the AK MC Signature model the
men’s jacket features high armholes – a nipped in waist and roped shoulders, which creates a supremely elegant
silhouette. Post-war and with most pleasures’ contraband during national prohibition in the United States in the
1920s, people were seriously in the mood for illicit cocktail parties. Not as adulterous today, folk’s appetite for
a cocktail party is not far off that during the height of prohibition, but they also want to enjoy it in comfort.
Today, to really stand out from the crowd with Gatsby-esque elegance this suit would be a dazzling choice at a
wedding or any other romantic occasions. However, the soft material and adaptability mean that each component of the
suit can be dressed down. The sleek sweaters from the Alexander Kraft Monte Carlo line have been deliberately
designed to wear underneath a jacket of this ilk for when the temperature cools, whilst it also looks casually
refined when sporting a long-sleeved polo shirt, also from the line.
For the challenge that came Mr. Kraft’s way from his female followers, he decided not to stop at one suit. He’s
extended his repertoire to feature a greige wool pinstriped jacket, cut in the same style as the corduroy versions.
It has been intentionally designed to mix and match with other ladies’ garments from the label. It particularly
contrasts nicely with the off-white corduroy wide-legged trouser for a more sophisticated ensemble, whilst it also
combines with jeans from the line for a more casual look. This time the greige jacket doesn’t come with a trouser,
but you do have the option of wearing the greige pinstriped double-breasted waistcoat underneath.
Already considered a tastemaker by successfully creating his own sub-division of high-end casual elegance, Alexander
Kraft has now captured the zeitgeist of tailoring flexibility for both men and women. Once again, he has acutely
tapped into the psyche of how we want to wear tailoring and casual items, and what makes it even more impressive is
he continues to muster up clever and alluring design nuances to make this a possibility and feel fresh.
