Maroon, oxblood, cordovan, or indeed, burgundy, whatever you want to call it, this shade of deep, rich, purplish brick red has been used for centuries as a regal alternative to bright red, symbolizing ambition, wealth, and power. Where red connotes blood and the heady passions most associated with it (passion, lust, violence etc), burgundy has a much more grounded and sophisticated appeal thanks to the altogether earthier tones contained within. As such, it has become an excellent abbreviation for studied elegance and refinement, which is why we so often see it used in traditional eveningwear silhouettes such as dinner jackets and smoking jackets, as well as a number of accessories.
This season at Favourbrook, we utilised these aspects of burgundy to create an eye-catching array of formalwear shapes that, as an alternative to traditional black tie, bring something quite regal to your formal wardrobe.
Burgundy Velvet |
Burgundy Velvet |
Wine Burgundy |
Foremost among them is the smoking jacket, which we have cut in both single- and double-breasted silhouettes. The burgundy tone is the perfect foil to the black silk grosgrain lapels and black frogging, and the contrast somehow gives the nuances of the colour added depth and shine, helped by the fact that cotton velvet reacts beautifully in low light conditions.
Burgundy Velvet |
Burgundy Velvet |
Burgundy Velvet Cotton |
Cutting a more svelte silhouette is our burgundy Chaucer dinner jacket, which swaps the black silk lapels for tonal burgundy ones, matched by the turned-back cuff details. This creates a more playful tone, adding a certain brightness to the jacket. Another alternative to black tie that one can also wear throughout the day in a more casual fashion is our burgundy velvet Newport suit. The jacket is cut with signature peak lapels and features a welted breast pocket and slanted flapped side pockets, and four button working cuffs. Inside, the jacket is lined in Favourbrook midnight paisley with three internal pockets. Add a bow tie and it is ready to go for a cocktail party or formal event, but wear it with a fine rollneck sweater or open collar shirt and you have an elegant smart-casual look for the day.
Burgundy Velvet |
Burgundy Velvet Cotton |
Burgundy is an excellent choice for elevating more casual silhouettes, such as our very popular Nehru jacket, which has proven incredibly versatile season after season. An elegant slim fitting traditional Nehru collared jacket, this classic military style in burgundy velvet is finished with heavy antique brass buttons to the front, and one loop of braid on the cuff. The three jet pockets complete the clean line to this formal jacket. We have also created a stunning burgundy velvet waistcoat this season, designed to be worn as part of the Newport suit, or indeed as a separate to your other tailored looks, providing a splash of rich tone and texture.
Burgundy Velvet |
Burgundy Pickwick |
Burgundy Florence |
For those who only want to dip their sartorial toes into burgundy, then ties and bow ties are an excellent starting point. One gets all the benefits of the noble colour without making a statement. Whether it be a silk polka dot tie, or a silk velvet bow tie, the inclusion of burgundy in your look will create a very polished overall effect.
