David Hart spring 2014 preview

David Hart showed his spring/summer 2014 collection last week in the airy Union Square loft of a set painter he knows. The space managed to be simultaneously a neutral backdrop and an engaging environment for his second full collection.

Hart, who has been designing neckwear under his David Hart & Co. label since 2007, branched out into socks a few seasons ago and tackled a full collection for fall/winter 2013—and a full Fashion Week show—earlier this year.

As with his previous collection, the vast majority is made in America. Three-piece suits run $2,195. Two-piece suits just make it at $1,895. Sportcoats range from $1,195 to $1,350. Suits and jackets come in mohair, linens and raw silk.

For his trousers ($450), Hart is offering light linens with pleats, Hollywood waistbands and fuller legs. Suit pants keep the higher waists but have narrower legs that taper slightly at the ankles.

For his formalwear collection, Hart was adventurous. One-button jackets in silk and silk/wool blends come in a dark blue hibiscus pattern and a couple of batik-type patterns.

One of Hart’s themes for the season was 1950s tourism; it mostly manifested itself in Hawaiian prints. A printed linen jacket paid homage to the faux sun-washed look of old Hawaiian shirts: the jacket was made with the printed side in. His silk prints are offered in shirts ($495), ties ($125) and pocket squares ($35). Knit shirts, made in Italy, are $395.

For neckwear, Hart is showing slubby silk square-bottom ties (two-inches wide) and silk foulards, along with the Hawaiian prints.