In the Market: Hickey Freeman, Ascot Chang and Converse Jack Purcell

MR editors highlight a few of their latest showroom visits.

Hickey Freeman Gets Sporty
We were anxious to see the new Hickey Freeman sportswear collection after announcing its launch on Mrketplace.com in January. The debut collection for fall 2015, builds off Hickey Freeman’s rich heritage, reinterpreted for a modern man.

The “upscale American lifestyle brand” features fashion over basics, with highlights including shearling leather jackets ($1,300 to $2,000 retail), “soft dressing” sized S, M, L, XL ($400 to $500) and herringbone pea coats ($1,000). The company plans to partner with retailers by hosting trunk shows with personal appearances by creative director David Hart and offer educational sales seminars. Hickey Freeman Sportswear will show at New York Men’s Day next week on February 11th and at Liberty Fairs in Las Vegas.
–EMD

A Moveable Feast with Ascot Chang
This week, Hong Kong-based bespoke brand Ascot Chang introduced its Fall/Winter 2015 collection of shirts, suits and sportcoats. Justin Chang presented the collection, which was created with stylist Michael Macko, at their New York store. Each look was inspired by the many food artisans of upstate New York, who were also on hand with their wares; a charcuterie station from Dickson’s Farmstand, artisanal cheeses from Consider Bardwell, Rhode Island oysters from Walrus & Carpenter and a desert station filled with the most delectable sweet treats, all curated by Laura Silverman, founder of food website GluttonForLife.com.

The collection uses fabrics from esteemed British cloth merchant Holland & Sherry, with a lightweight Harris Tweed herringbone sportcoat a standout. Moleskin, corduroy and flannel added depth of texture in colors including honey, cream, chocolate, and Pantone’s color of 2015, marsala.
–WB

Converse Modernizes the Jack Purcell Signature Shoe
Converse has introduced a new and improved edition of its classic Jack Purcell signature shoe. The collaboration started in 1970 after Converse bought the rights to Jack Purcell. Converse has since redesigned the product with 18 improvements, including a double rubber toe cap, a double rubber sidewall and aluminum eyelets. The shoe will also have a wider tongue, more stitching on the heel and a new Ortholite footbed with a toe and heel airbag using Nike Air technology.

The signature “smile” across the toe will now be featured in blue. The redesigned style will be available Thursday, February 12, 2015 for a suggested retail of $95 at Converse stores, Nordstrom and on Converse.com. Offered in three colors (white, black and mason), Converse says it will be the most comfortable Purcell to date. –Erik DeFruscio