Spring has sprung

The sun is shining folks and the ever present grey clouds are fast becoming a distant memory. I have noticed a new spring in my step as we enter a new season and it is time to shed off my protective outerwear shell and reveal a little flesh while wearing lighter, more seasonal friendly layers. In a moment of celebration over the blue skies and squint inducing sunshine I escaped my desk and headed to Hampstead Heath for a stroll in the great outdoors. Suffering from a short attention span I needed a companion as I sat on one of my favourite benches and observed the dog walkers, kite fliers and ducks so I picked up the latest issue of Monocle. I have to confess that I have recently become somewhat bored of the repeated issue blueprint and had not intended to buy the issue, however it proved to be an interesting and welcome distraction from my quiet afternoon. Highlights include an insightful overview of Pitti Uomo and a men's fashion editorial which mirrors my sartorial desires for Spring. The following eight pages see American sportswear classics and Italian tailoring refreshed and updated with an element of Japanese sharpness. The Takeharu Satu spread showcases cardigans, lightweight jackets and blazers as the ideal options for clever seasonal layering.

Left; Jacket by Beams+, shirt by Gitman Brothers, scarf by Piombo, belt by Oliver Spencer, trousers by Aspesi, shoes by Yuketen. Right; Jacket by Engineered Garments, handkerchief by Drakes London, shirt by Beams+ and bag by Church's.

Left; Cardigan by Kitsune, shirt by Post O' Allis, belt by Piombo and trousers by Polo Ralph Lauren. Right; Jacket by Corneliani, shirt by Gitman Brothers, tie by Hackett, belt by Oliver Spencer and trousers by Piombo.

Left; Jacket by Woolrich Woolen Mills, jumper by Hackett, belt by Nepenthus London and trousers by Aspesi. Right; Jacket and shirt by Engineered Garments, tank top by Nigel Cabourn, trousers by Piombo and shoes by Yuketen.

Left; Coat by Nigel Cabourn, waistcoat by Beams+, shirt by Oliver Spencer and trousers by Hackett. Right; Jacket and waistcoat by Barena, handkerchief by Drakes London, shirt by Comme des Garcons Shirt, belt by Williams for International Gallery Beams, trousers and espadrilles by Hermes.

Spring has certainly sprung and this editorial whets my style appetite...all that is needed is a daffodil in the buttonhole and the transition in to the new season will be complete.