Bordered by Norway to the west and vast swathes of Sweden to both the north and south, Dalarna is one of the most culturally and naturally rich provinces in all of Scandinavia.

Famed for its dense Northern forests, crystal clear lakes and broad open skies, the region is as topographically stunning as it is aesthetically inspiring – steeped in ageold folklore and history, much of the country’s craft tradition originates from Dalarna. So entrenched are the region’s ancient peaks and valleys in the Swedish psychology that urban Swedes regularly escape the cities of the south to spend their summers in Dalarna.

It is this region that the design team at Tiger of Sweden has taken as the source of their inspiration for the Autumn Winter ’16 collection. A celebration of Swedishness as much as it is that country’s engagement with wider cultures, Tiger of Sweden has drawn on its own identity as one of Scandinavia’s oldest menswear brands to produce a collection which feels as rich and relevant as modern Sweden itself.

The traditions of old Sweden have been entwined into the collection in innovative and unexpected ways. An exclusive wolf fur print is found on a smart bomber with a modern cut. Kaleidoscopic Botanical Dala prints – produced for the brand by Swedish artist Jakob Krajcik, who was inspired by the patterns embroidered onto the traditional clothes of local Dalarna people – adorn crew neck jumpers and roll necks, and are worn with sharp tailored jackets and textured trousers.

Classic worker jackets and patch pocket field coats have a utilitarian feel, reminiscent of the farmers and factory workers of rural Sweden, but the cuts are slim, fabrics soft and textured, and patterns faded.

The mood of the collection, in general, has a certain melancholy – reminiscent of moody Northern winters. Where greys and blacks dominate throughout, pops of colour are muted and understated. Suits in dusty pinks feel contemporary and elegant, while jumpers and trousers in soft tan are on point. Key pieces include two stunning tuxedos, in both single and doublebreasted, cut close with high lapels in fallow shades of peach and apricot.

 The silhouette plays on the sense of contrast found throughout the collection. Where SpringSummer ’16 was predominantly about loose, drapey fits; for Autumn Winter the Tiger design team have combined the narrow cuts it is best known for, with the wider shapes of the moment. Slim cut cropped three button suit jackets are worn with wide trousers and tunicesque shirts, long shorts are teamed with cropped fluffy jumpers and drop shoulder doublebreasted overcoats.

Perhaps most interesting, however, is the animalistic theme which continues through the collection’s outerwear – softly textured teddy bear bombers and overcoats are clever and relevant, while a boiled wool biker jacket transforms from something hard and modern into an unexpected and playful garment. Shearling pilot jackets feel luxurious, desirable and ready to face the harsh Swedish winter.

STORES:

Melrose Arch: Shop HL14, Melrose Arch Piazza, Melrose North
Tel: (011) 684 2010
Email: tigermelrose@brandgroup.co.za
Operating hours:
Mon – Sat: 09:00 – 18:00
Sun: 09:00 – 17:00

Sandton City: Shop L314, Protea Court, Sandton City, Corner Rivonia Road and 5th Street, Sandown
Tel: (011) 784 0561
Email: tigersandton@brandgroup.co.za
Operating hours:
Mon – Thur: 09:00 – 19:00
Fri: 09:00 – 20:00
Sat & Sun: 09:00 – 18:00

V&A Waterfront: Shop U7240/41, Dock Road, V&A Waterfront
Tel: (021) 421 9177
Email: tigerwaterfront@brandgroup.co.za
Operating hours: Mon – Sun: 09:00 – 21:00

Tiger of Sweden – Gauteng Category Winner – Retaillink / South African Council of Shopping Centres – Voted for delivery of exceptional customer service.

www.tigerofsweden.com