» Cover feature: Musto
Simon Oates, accessories designer for clothing store Musto, lets us in on this summer’s hottest trends
Brighton comes alive in the summer and the dynamic focus of the buzz is that lovely bit of shingle we’ve got: our very own Brighton beach. But what to wear? Fortunately for Latest 7, Simon Oates, accessories designer at Musto, has come onboard to give us his top tips on this summer’s fashion trends.
What is your number one essential for the beach?
A beach bag! Not only do you need it for your damp trunks/costume and towel but it’s also eco to shove your picnic in there instead of plastic bags. Choose a smart one that can transfer to drinks at the shore-side bars or work and shopping too. Musto have a couple this season that are right on the nautical trend.
Tell us more about the nautical trend…
Well, nautical is big every summer and the trend forecasters are telling us it’s going to be a fixture of our wardrobes for quite a while yet. Musto was founded by an Olympic sailor so we’re perfectly positioned to build our 40 years of sailing heritage and expertise into our designs. To capture the look go for bold stripy T-shirts or rugbys, and crests on polo shirts for the guys, high-waisted shorts for girls teamed with a linen shirt or stripy T-shirt, and don’t forget some lightweight feminine knitwear for when the beach gets cooler in the evening.
What other trends are hot right now?
Preppy for guys is huge and will continue to grow. Cargo shorts and T-shirts will always be a fixture of the Brighton scene, but more and more we’re seeing smarter chino shorts and polo shirts replacing this – my top tip is to roll them up a couple of turns for a more edgy look. Deck shoes are everywhere and flat caps are also popular. Musto is big on polo shirts with over 10 designs and lots of colours, from your traditional blues and blacks to brighter yellow and reds. I like the tipped versions with our iconic boat logo. We also offer different cloth weights at Musto so you can have different versions for varying weather.
Name one thing that’s perfect for the beach that we didn’t know Musto produced…
Swimwear. For girls, there’s a red hot ’50s style swimsuit with detachable straps, and guys can choose from a range of boardies, perfect for the retro feel of Brighton beach.
Any last tips?
Wear sunscreen! And go to our Musto Brighton store at 23 Market Street to pick up the latest summer gear.
Musto Brighton, 23 Market Street, 01273 732677, www.musto.com
