Vincent Flumiani is the designer behind new menswear label Caulfield Preparatory — a line inspired by the designer’s fascination with J.D. Salinger and “The Catcher in the Rye.” As the name suggests, the looks are stylish and preppy, though more school rebel than geek chic. From rumpled shirts and chunky cardigans to crested blazers and yes, even a corduroy suit, the pieces play off the classic style and nostalgia of school uniforms, updated with a slim and modern fit.
For his first collection, which debuted this fall, Flumiani drew inspiration from a story he wrote himself, about a young hero who embarks on a cross-country roadtrip, living out of his car and meeting strange characters along the way. Each subsequent collection will be based on a different chapter of the story, with the clothes reflecting the main character’s latest moods and adventures. Flumiani admits the story is far from complete, though judging by the enthusiastic response to Caulfield Preparatory so far, Flumiani better get writing.
First though, we asked Flumiani to take part in our exclusive online series about “Ten Things That Never Go Out of Style.” Here is his list:
1. YOU
Style should always advance a cause and the cause is you. Everything you wear has to be about you and no one else…ever! You are the star…you are the celebrity.
2. YOU CAN’T GO WRONG WITH WHITE
White is a timeless color… It’s powerful and significant. It cannot and should never be underestimated or taken for granted. Shadowfax will always prevail.
3. MINIMALISM
Less will always be more. Great style causes others to be curious…it should reveal to the world a glimpse about you, whether it’s a truth or a lie; a little teaser into your personality, your character for the day, how you’re feeling… Nothing you wear should ever hide what you want to reveal.
4. DENIM IS LEGEND
Denim is badass and a work of art. It is one of, if not the greatest invention in fabric ever. It is eternally stylish. It is immortal. Invest in it; spend whatever it takes for it; go into debt if you have to and make no apologies. Wear it with purpose and confidence because it will take you places.
5. ACCESSORIES, ACCESSORIES AND MORE ACCESSORIES…
Accessories are a requirement. They are the missing spice in a great recipe or the absent lyric in a moving song. Accessories help make sense of and signify everything else. They are foundation when it comes to enduring style and they are often the most overlooked. Socks, ties, belts, sunglasses, scarves, clips, pins, wraps, beanies, etc. Begin bankrolling a collection of accessories immediately…it will change your life.
6. CLASSIC ROD LAVERS
There is nothing better than a brand new pair of Rod Lavers…seriously. I buy them two at a time because they have to be crisp and clean. They’re fucking amazing with khakis or a three-piece suit.
7. BARBERS, COBBLERS & TAILORS
Style begins in the morning when you wake up and ends at night when you sleep. Because of this, it must be certain and you must mean it. Pay attention to the details my friends and watch the girls sweat…
8. THE TURTLENECK
The turtleneck is the most misunderstood and undervalued silhouette. Show me one man who doesn’t look good in a turtleneck and I’ll show you a liar.
9. INFORMATION
Never stop learning, never stop reading…the answers are all around you, everyday at every waking moment.
10. SUNSCREEN
“Wear sunscreen. If I could offer you only one tip for the future, sunscreen would be it. The long-term benefits of sunscreen have been proved by scientists, whereas the rest of my advice has no basis more reliable than my own meandering experience…” (Baz Luhrmann, 1999)
Caulfield Preparatory is available in select stores across the U.S., including Bloomingdale’s and Odin, and online at revolveclothing.com.
- TC
