Belstaff Presents Ton Up Boys: London Collections: Men AW15LONDON, Jan 16, 2015/ — On January 13, Belstaff unveiled its ‘Ton-Up Boys’ of the 50s-inspired Fall/Winter 2015/2016 collection during London Men’s Collection week.

The collection takes its inspiration from the ‘Ton-Up Boys’ of the 50s. Heavily into their rock’n’roll and motorcycles, these ‘greasers’ would rendezvous at cafés and attempt to ‘do a ton’ (exceed 100mph) on their bikes. Fearless and reckless, they lived for the moment, redefining masculinity as they went.

The Ton-Up boys were initially influenced by Brando in The Wild One (1953) in which he wore the now iconic Perfecto jacket. But they soon began putting a very British twist on the look, adding elements of wax-cotton kit with military surplus garments, two strong threads in Belstaff’s heritage, customising them as they did their bikes.

It is fitting that Belstaff chose such an iconically British and petrol-fumed setting to present the collection: an underground car-park under the Houses of Parliament in celebration of the brand’s return its homeland, England.

Collection themes:

Ton-Up Mixed Media: waxed cottons, hand-treated leathers, natural fibres

Luxe Leather: new grains/ styles, hand-waxed and painted

Shearling: in various guises, providing indulgence, contrast, warmth, protection

Seasonal Print: oil motif across wax-cotton, jerseys, fleece, shirts

Outerwear: waxed cotton in myriad forms- parka, updated silhouettes in Tourmaster, Citymaster, Roadmaster and Racemaster, two new quilted styles

Knitwear: as outerwear; bi-colour ribs, chunky waffle stitches, cashmere hoodies and mohair pieces

Coats (Belstaff’s first garment): classic styles revived in new guises. Belstaff’s latest best-seller The Milford (worn by Benedict Cumberbatch in Sherlock) is updated in classic cashmere, and dog-toothed membrane-backed breathable cashmere, inspired by a Belstaff 1930s coat.

Photos courtesy of Belstaff