CONTEMPORARY MENSWEAR COLLECTION AARC55 INTRODUCED BY FEDAA GHANEM

Every so often, a new collection comes along that you just know is going to knock it out of the park, not only because it looks incredible but because it’s led by someone with a great fashion background. This is the case for a label I was introduced to during New York market week, Aarc55, created by Fedaa Ghanem.

Ghanem earned his chops by spending more than 15 years at the Al Tayer Group in Dubai, which operates nearly 200 stores for brands like Armani, Bulgari, Harvey Nichols, and even Ferrari and Maserati. Suffice it to say he gets the luxury market. Like many career executives, Ghanem realized it was time to take a step back and pursue his own project; his own creative challenge. He now lives in Lisbon to be close to his factories and suppliers.

The decidedly contemporary brand launched its second season in July, focusing on texture, comfort, and flexibility. The collection showcases 22 meticulously crafted, sophisticated garments, including a safari jacket, a rugby-inspired sweater (which nails the “updated polo shirt” trend I’ve been championing for SS25), and relaxed fit shirting and trousers.

The whole collection felt like it was created for an elegant seaside vacation yet would also work perfectly for men who work in creative industries like architecture or design. I think what impressed me most was that so many of the pieces would nest quite comfortably into a guy’s existing wardrobe, pairing well with a pair of jeans, a crisp white Oxford shirt, a favorite T-shirt, or an elegantly fitted sportcoat (but Aarc 55 offers its own version of each of those wardrobe staples). The quiet, earth-toned palette also seems a natural extension of the ongoing quiet luxury trend.

Ghanem says, “I wanted to create a non-seasonal collection that accentuates the male figure with every piece. I created the most comfortable sweater that I can throw on. I get to play with the arm length when I want to feel full comfort and lift up the sleeves to the perfect spot on my forearm to provide the right volume and shape. I focused a lot on tapering limbs to provide the right flattering volume. These pieces are the essential start to what I envision building upon for the upcoming seasons in a slow way.”

For more information, contact: fedaa@aarc55.com, and follow the brand @aarc.55.