Belstaff take us off the beaten track with their SS16 collection of tanned leather, sandy beiges and water flasks.

The Nomad Explorer

Ever wondered what you’d wear as an intrepid style-conscious explorer while voyaging across the hot and unforgiving desert landscape? It would look something like Belstaff SS16: a combination of sand-beaten beiges, soft worn leathers and light outerwear that does not compromise on style in order to achieve practical comfort. With technical geometrics refining Belstaff parkas and bombers jackets, the collection see’s the concept of the British desert explorer developed with a new-age relevance.

Mirage in the city 

From revitalising in an army tent with Tower Bridge and HMS Belfast providing a noteworthy backdrop, we were transported to a distant land of desert sand and endless dune landscapes upon stepping inside the Old Billingsgate Market. With a nod to Belstaff’s motoring and military heritage, a desert jeep and bike completed the wayfaring adventurer experience.

Lawrence of Arabia

As a supplier to the British Forces of yonder year, Belstaff SS16 keeps in touch with its history and its strong military influence in order to put together a collection that pays homage to the age of the Desert Rats. Explorers new and old have been known to wear the brand – from Lawrence of Arabia back in the 1930’s, to the present day Levison Wood who Belstaff created a customised explorer jacket for SS16. This season notes an uprooting of the archives and revival of the Belstaff classics while all the while keeping the timeless trademark look at the heart of the collection.

Photography: Thurston Redding

Words: Hannah Sargeant

Hair: Fudge Professional