Menswear Inspired... But How?

By now the phrase "menswear inspired" elicits as much of an eyebrow raise as more Kardashian news... which is to say, not much. I think that's because most people don't stop to understand what the phrase really means in terms of fabrics and furnishings.

NJ.com recently wrote a post showcasing our Federal style sofa upholstered in an exclusive Prince of Wales glen plaid. It seemed a great opportunity to highlight some of the aspects of the sofa that parallel elements appearing in men's apparel.

Let's take a look at the silhouette to start. It's a slim shame, much like a tailored blazer. There is no excessive volume. Rather than appearing staid and flat, it gives the sofa (and the blazer) a classic, iconic form that will never go out of style. Pair that with a woolen glen plaid fabric with an impossibly soft hand and you've just created a piece that will stand the test of time in your home (and your wardrobe).

Now let's pay special note to the finish. The lighter color highlights the carved details on the frame. Much like a light leather chosen for this caramel cap toe oxford, the lighter shade means we are able to better appreciate the workmanship and the structural elements that make both the sofa frame and the shoe unique.

And now the details. What I like about this sofa (and the watch above) are the smaller design elements that make it stylish and eternal. Bench seating, soft contrasting welt, loose back pillows and plump toss pillows... these lend it flair and panache without veering into "of the moment" qualities. There's nothing flashy about it, but it won't go unnoticed in a room. Somehow all of these understated qualities bind together to create a striking finished look.

In the end, today's reference to menswear doesn't necessarily indicate that a piece has an overtly masculine quality. Just look at around and you'll see women of all ages wearing oversized watches, gorgeous plaids and enough classic blazers to fill a Burberry showroom. It's not about being gender-neutral so much as it is about appealing to both sexes. And in the world of interior design, achieving that balance is the ultimate goal of every nearly project.

So the next time you hear the now overused phrase "menswear inspired" take a moment to soak in the details to see what they mean. Is it well tailored? Are there prominent buttons? Is it a fabric choice that makes it read "masculine" or is it the frame itself. The phrase isn't likely to disappear anytime soon, as there's clearly a market for handsome good looks and fine tailoring.

See the rest of the NJ.com article here to hear what other tastemakers had to say on the topic.

Featured: Ralph Lauren Black Label Anthony Blazer, Billy Reid Oxfords, 300 Series Chronograph Watch