After forging an identity in womenswear for the past fifteen years, Erdem Moraligolu’s leap into menswear came this spring with an inaugural RTW collection that took his signature aesthetic and gave it a masculine edge. Displayed via a lookbook of melancholy images taken on West Wittering Beach near Dungeness, the collection bridged an English romanticism – inspired by Moralioglu’s British mother – with the rich patterns and fabrications the Montreal-born designer has become synonymous with. 

Now, luxury retailer MATCHESFASHION is bringing the collection to the masses alongside some exclusive pieces. Marking the occasion, a new episode of MATCHESFASHION’s In Conversation podcast will host a discussion between Moraligou and former Royal Ballet principal dancer Edward Watson – who worked as movement director for the Erdem FW21 presentation, staged at the Bridge Theatre featuring four dancers from the Royal Ballet. (Listen here)

Inspired equally by the sartorial aesthetic of British auteur Derek Jarman (now the Dungeness reference makes sense) and the colour palette of soft pastel hues found in Patrick Procktor’s artwork, Erdem’s inaugural menswear offering paints a beguiling portrait of tailored craft. Airy collarless shirts, trench coats cinched with cummerbunds and perfectly tailored chinos form the backbone of the collection, while Erdem’s signature florals are in bloom. Drawing on the designer’s penchant for taking influence from refined English heritage and romantic subtlety the pieces all have an air of the modern dandy about them, reminiscent of Jarman’s on-screen characters.

Already home to an impressive roster of designers, Head of Menswear at MATCHESFASHION Damien Paul says of Erdem’s exclusive addition; “The collection embodies beautiful craftsmanship, ethically sourced materials and Erdem’s clear house codes are instantly recognisable so we are excited to introduce this collection to our customer.”

Erdem Menswear is available to purchase at MATCHESFASHION now.