FARAH PRESENTS: THIS IS SKA

For AW20 Farah travels back to 1950s Jamaica where a musical revolution was underway. Pioneered by the operators of the portable sound systems, Ska was reggae’s hyperactive younger brother, a politically charged brand of music that combined traditional gospel with rhythm and blues. As the sound spread it was quickly adopted by the island’s disaffected youth, and in a few short years, had arrived in the UK and found a home in the pubs and clubs of Soho and Brixton where young Carribean artists would perform. Soon Ska hit the mainstream with the likes of King Tubby, Prince Buster and Desmond Dekker whose crossover hit Poor Me Israelites made him an overnight global sensation.

The second installment of Farah’s centenary collection pays homage to this slice of musical history. Inspiration comes directly from Ska’s effortlessly cool protagonists, whose mix of sharp tailoring and casual layering epitomised the laid back musical style. For AW20 seven archive pieces have been lovingly recreated, each representing a moment in Farah’s history. Highlights include a rare 1960’s version of the hopsack trouser, a slub pique polo and a classic knitted polo shirt with piped placket.

A palette of pine green, dark teal, rich tobacco and oxblood is combined with bright pops of malibu pink, rustic red, patel mint and frosted lemon reflecting the exuberance of the music and its creators.

Fabric is a key component and comes in a variety of weights and textures. Shirts are gently tumbled lending a soft hand to the fabric, while a lightweight mac is given water repellent properties with a coated finish and a tactile fleece adds textural interest to a ¼ neck sweatshirt.

The shirt line up includes both solid and checked oxfords, a brushed flannel plaid and mill washed corduroy, all are applied to Farah’s Modern fit which features a button down collar.

Outerwear consists of a hip length cagoule with packaway hood, an all new lightweight microfibre quilted bomber, a military inspired parka and an all new wool rich hip length peacoat completing the offer.

Trousers are central to the Farah line up, and for AW20 draw heavily on Farah’s rich heritage. The legendary 263 is brought back in two classic colours - Archive Chocolate and Green Hopsack, both of which are lifted from the archive. In addition, a beautifully preserved 1970’s corduroy provides the inspiration for an 11 wale stretch cord available in 3 colours on the Oak regular tapered fit.