By Charlie-Elizabeth Culverhouse
Fashion’s love affair with nostalgia is only set to continue in 2024, with our fervent passion for the past influencing many of the year’s biggest trend predictions. We’ve had Y2K, fallen back in love with 90s heroin chic, and now those handy ol rose-tinted glasses have set their sights on one of the 20th century’s most significant cultural moments; Jazz.
According to the Pinterest Predicts 2024 report, which has been scarily accurate in previous years, we’ll soon be seeing the ‘Jazz Revival’ take hold and affect myriad aspects of our lives. Ditching plant-riddled cafes for low-lit speakeasies, the company predicts that GenZ and Millennials will make ‘this saxy aesthetic their own,’ with funk playlists soundtracking their evenings, sleek sexy ‘jazz-inspired outfits’ filling their wardrobes, and velvet decor items littering their homes. There’s plenty to get behind when it comes to the revival, namely fashion, which is the perfect balance of sophisticated and retro.
The fashion that came out of the Jazz scene, whose golden age ran for an impressive 30 years between the 1920s and 50s, was dominated by high-quality fabrics, a mix of neutral and deep, rich hues, and struck an unrivalled balance between casual and formal wear. Sleek suits grew less fitted, paired with skinny ties and overly formal dress shoes were replaced by comfortable brogues. Evening gowns were adorned with flapper-esque embellishments and accessories like hats and silk scarves began to bring individualistic personality back into outfits. Think effortlessly elegant business-casual, formal attire that still manages to reflect the laid-back nature of the music.
It’s not an easy balance to achieve but we’ve rounded up five of the best mens- and womenswear brands whose pieces will undoubtedly help you achieve it.
Percival Menswear
Working out of Hackney, East London, Percival Menswear brings the work of skilled craftspeople from across the globe to their customers’ wardrobes, promising high-quality garments made from fabrics sourced everywhere from Italy to Japan to Portugal. Their focus lies in the classic quintessential British sense of style with relaxed linen suits, fun knitwear pieces, and impeccably tailored shirts dominating their collections.
The brand’s high-quality fabrics and dedication to detail is what sets them apart. It’s something missing from many of fashion’s more affordable names - by spending less, you often have to compromise. There’s none of that with Percival Menswear and that’s what makes them a great choice for anyone wanting to partake in the Jazz Revival, an aesthetic often noted for its dedication to quality and longevity.
Phix
With many of their designs inspired by and paying homage to the raw, rebellious and inventive style of Britain’s many subcultures, Phix is the perfect brand to rely on when recreating the Jazz Revival look. Perfectly balancing the nostalgic silhouettes of the 20th century with striking modern accents, the brand brings a fresh edge to each and every historic piece with its modern embellishment, whether it’s an eclectic patterned fabric or stunning sequin detail. Stand-out pieces include their velvet shirts and blazers whose striking tailoring and high-quality make up create an unrivalled outfit, perfect for any jazz event or night in a smoky bar. Another favourite is undoubtedly their ‘Black Embellished Sequin Jacket,’ a formal harrington-style piece with understated sequin embellishments to take your night-out look to the next level.
The Hippie Shake
The Hippie Shake may have made their name on TikTok with their 60s flower-power look, but the brand is so much more than this alone. For those looking to up their casualwear game with an injection of jazz-inspired-goodness, they have myriad pieces boasting high-quality tailoring, retro silhouettes, and sultry, muted colour ways ready and waiting to bring a new feel into your wardrobe. Classic, everyday staples including their Fame Green Pussybow Shirt, the Serenade Burgundy Floral Jacquard Blouse and, soon to be everyone’s favourite, their Little Jeanie Chevron Wide Leg Jeans, will elevate any laid-back-look with a punch of effortless glam.
Plumo
Founded in 1998, East London’s Plümo have made a name for themselves with a distinctive design quality and unparalleled craftsmanship. Working with artisans, textile mills, knitwear companies and makers across the UK and Europe, their clothing is relaxed, minimalistic in style and always incredibly well tailored. It’s this focus on craftsmanship and the longevity of their pieces that draws many to the brand. For one example, their Mcnally Jacket, a brown wool tweed jacket, along with their Broadie Pants, brown tweed wool peg trousers, creates a timeless yet striking full suit that could just as easily be worn with chunky boots on a countryside walk as in a Michelin star restaurant. That combination of versatility, comfort and visual interest is a hard trio to pull off, though Plümo makes it look easy.
Russell & Bromley
Russell & Bromley has something for everyone. Whether you’re after a casual sneaker, an elegant heeled boot, or a new pair of slippers for around the house, they care about delivering high-quality, well-designed and unarguably comfortable staples. For the Jazz Revival enthusiast, their men’s brogues and loafers, many of which are made in Italy from only the highest quality leather, offer the perfect look while their women’s block heel Mary Janes, which come in a variety of shades and finishes, are sure to become a go-to for any occasion.
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