Text by Cristian Burbano

Canali’s FW22 collection looked back to the decade it was founded, referencing the art déco movement and economic growth and recovery of the 30s, using this narrative of old-world elegance to reflect our current times: where the longing and anticipation of restriction-free socialising are clear.

And so we meet the “modern gentleman”, a lover of “travelling, enjoying himself and discovering the world.” From theatre performances to sports games and then onto a late-night whiskey joint, this gent stocks his wardrobe with a sense of versatility and slickness. A velvet bomber jacket (with matching velvet slip-ons), for example, becomes the new black tie alternative, in green hues and a jacquard pattern, while a tailored safari jacket is reimagined in soft cashmere – creating a theme of adventure that lends itself more towards Savile Row than the Sahara desert.

Silhouettes varied from slim to more voluminous designs, with the colour palette rarely straying from subdued hues of grey, green, black and brown. Knitwear is comfortable yet elegant and comes with a variety of necklines – turtle, scarf, volcano and zippered – as geometric patterns are the most recognisable art déco touches. The collection was epitomised by one look: a classic double-breasted pinstripe suit finished with rubber press-stud buttons and cut with sporty dimensions – Clark Gable moustache optional.