For Spring 26, Oli took inspiration from early 1970s British counter-culture groups, such as the Rude Boys, Suede Heads and Smoothies. Where the former two expressed identity through uniform and stance, a ‘Smooth’ softened the lines. The Smoothies (also called Glory Boys in South London) emerged as a subtle evolution from the sharper edges of their predecessors. Born out of the skinhead and suedehead scenes of the late 1960s, this subculture represented a softening, a refinement - think longer hair, wider trousers, and a nod to continental elegance rather than the cropped aggression of earlier styles.
By the early 1970s, as punk loomed on the horizon, Smoothies (sometimes called Suedys or Smooths) adopted a look that blended working-class roots with a more polished, European-inspired flair. They favoured things like sleeveless tank tops, wide-leg pants, and shoulder-length locks, moving away from the boots-and-braces uniformity toward something more fluid and individualistic. Rebellious Savile Row tailor Tommy Nutter brought elements of Smoothie aesthetics into his ground-breaking suits, while at the same time football icons such as Dutch superstar Johan Cruyff were also channelling Smoothie elements.
This shift wasn't just aesthetic; it mirrored a cultural pivot. While skinheads embodied raw energy and rude boys channelled Jamaican influences, Smoothies' embraced a 'considered' approach that drew from mod heritage but softened it, incorporating elements like patterned shirts, loafers, and subtle tailoring that hinted at sophistication without pretension. Immortalised in literature via the works of Richard Allen, the Smoothies movement captured a fleeting moment of transition in British subculture, fading by the mid-1970s as glam and punk took hold.
Fast-forward to today and the Smoothie ethos offers timeless lessons for modern dressing. Their emphasis on thoughtful, versatile pieces resonates deeply in an era when we're trying to educate away from fast fashion and textile waste. Our Spring 26 collection channels this spirit explicitly, drawing from the era to create garments that prioritise ease and movement. The palette, grounded in chocolate, slate, and tobacco, accented by sun-faded blues, dusty pinks, and rust, evokes the earthy, faded vibes of 1970s street style while feeling utterly contemporary. Fabrics like tropical wool and indigo-dyed cotton provide tactile comfort, echoing the Smoothies' blend of practicality and polish.
To embody the modern Smoothie, start with our relaxed tailoring in tropical wool, or cotton and linen, paired with wide-leg trousers (pieces like the Orsman trousers in Miro Brown - wide, pleated, and in tropical wool for a luxurious yet casual vibe) that nod to those iconic flares but in modern cuts for everyday wear. Layer with considered details: a textural tank top under a lightweight shirt.
Ultimately, being a modern Smoothie is about attitude as much as attire: a quiet confidence in one's style, refined without rigidity. This 1970s inspiration translates seamlessly to 2026 wardrobes, offering a antidote to uniformity. Refine your look with these principles, and you'll channel that timeless, softened sophistication this summer.
