Spring has a way of sneaking up on you. One minute you're bundled up in knits and overcoats and the next, the sun's out, and you're rethinking everything in your closet. For our Spring 26 collection, I've been digging into the spirit of 1970s British counter-culture – think Rude Boys, Suede Heads, and especially the Smoothies, who softened the aggression, kept the precision in the details, and brought in that effortless continental vibe. It's about easing up without losing your edge, and that's exactly what this collection embodies.
Shoreditch, where we have a store on Calvert Avenue, was something of an inspiration. The neighbourhood's eclectic energy, where gritty creativity meets the sharp lines of the City's skyline, shapes the silhouettes in this collection. The colour palette leans into that urban fade: grounded naturals like chocolate, slate, and tobacco, offset by softer accents of pastel blues, dusty pinks, and rust. These aren't bright, fresh hues; they're sun-bleached and worn, like they've already clocked some miles.
Fabrics, as ever, play a starring role, always offering interesting textures and tactile interest, from indigo-dyed cotton to tropical wool. It's fabric diversity at its best, allowing for mixes that feel organic and intentional. The tropical wool suiting is inspired by those iconic tonic suits from the seventies. Take the Westbury jacket: unstructured with wide notch lapels, it pairs effortlessly with our Orsman trousers – wide-legged, single-pleated, and already a favourite. Then there's the Kennard jacket, an unlined chore silhouette that's so easy to wear. We've crafted it in both cotton and tropical wool styles, with both perfect to throw over a shirt or tee and some of our trousers for a clean off-duty look.
Spring being spring, every wardrobe needs a meteorological insurance policy and this season that comes by way of our khaki Big Coat, which has been crafted from a lightweight water-repellent cotton cloth right here in England. It's ideal for those transitional days when the weather can't make up its mind. Layer it over the New York Special Shirt in Pinwell Blue or Connell Brown and you can always keep a cardigan handy for when the mercury drops. I'm really happy with our new Utility Trousers in Westall Denim (ecological and indigo-dyed) which bring a rugged yet somehow polished aesthetic, while the Marin Ecru version are a great way to bring some contrast into your spring fits. Pair them with our new zip-through Bembridge Jackets for an easy weekend look.
As you probably know by now, we don't do structured tailoring at Oliver Spencer as I much prefer the lightweight and natural drape that comes from a jacket with no canvassing. One of my favourites for this season is the Double-Breasted Jacket in Miro Brown. Tailored elegance without the stiffness of a structured suit, it is a beautiful example of my tailoring ethos - lightweight and breathable thanks to a stunning tropical wool, and completely unstructured to afford a natural drape that gets better and better with wear. With peak lapels and two front pockets, its makes for a versatile summer suit or separates. Silhouettes throughout the collection lean relaxed: wide legs for ease, soft shoulders for flow, but always with those strong lines to keep things elegant.
Ultimately, I created this collection to be adaptable. It is about dressing with intention, comfort, and a bit of that 70s swagger.