‘A Suit To Travel In’ was the concept put forward by Paul Smith’s presentation at LCM yesterday, championing the brand’s newest hero piece: a 100 per cent wool suit “constructed with quick recovery, crease-resistent cloth bearing water-repellent qualities.” A suit that vanquishes the burdens of ironing and umbrellas? Sounds dreamy.

Getting down to it, this was not technically a show – that event will come with the full unveiling of the FW15 collection at Paris fashion week later this month. But what preceded it was the full on road testing of this new take on tailoring, for all eyes, in the form of a gymnastics act conducted by Olympic medallist Max Whitlock and artists from the National Centre for Circus Arts. Provided a white canvas cast with a stripped back school table and chairs, the troupe put the technology through its paces.

In comparison to the eye popping antics many a designer have employed (tastefully or no) at LCM this season, this was simplistic. But in the context of the legacy Paul Smith and other tailors have honed locally in recent decades, what emerges is the vibrant melting pot that makes British menswear so rich – and exciting. Classicism and innovation: the right kinda match.

The new Paul Smith suit is available in limited quantities now from the Paul Smith No.9 Albemarle Street store and online., then will launch globally in May 2015.