Men Fashion: Lotus Originals

February 2011 sees the exciting launch of new luxury lifestyle brand, Lotus Originals. Inspired by the stylish Lotus car principles of authenticity, innovation and design excellence, the debut collection is a refined, cohesive range of luxury apparel, leather goods and performance outerwear that reflect the craftsmanship, heritage and spirit of Lotus. This new brand concept has launched exclusively on the Lotus website www.lotusoriginals.com.

High quality and attention to detail are key, with Loro Piana 100% cashmere yarn used in block coloured sweaters and knitted at 18 gauge for a lightweight but supersoft touch. Cardigans and V-neck knits are textured in wide stripes to create a tyre-track effect with white armband detail hinting at race track road markings.

Polo shirts and T-shirts feature double stitch edging and a playful approach to branding, with vintage Lotus logos, racing stripes and car silhouettes. Block colour numbers relate to the dates of famous racing victories of the 1960s and 70s, as well as 1948 - the year that Lotus founder Colin Chapman built the first car.

A hand-treated leather jacket, inspired by the 1970s drivers’ suits, uses authentic design details in the form of protective quilted padding on the shoulders and a two-button side-fasten collar. A beautiful navy quilted coat with tan leather trim epitomises the ‘Gentleman Driver’ ideal, with a discreet Lotus crest and luxurious fleece lining. Authentic and quintessentially British in its understated luxury and everyday classic style, these key pieces redefine racing chic as the ultimate gentleman’s sportswear choice for 2011.