Hotel Deluxe is calling. SS22: NEW IN.
Every season, Universal Works takes a spin in the dream machine. It’s an opportunity to rebel against the rulebook and sketch out some seriously magical threads. The barometer signals a change in the weather, and a reminder that life can feel lighter once the sun’s out.
Loyal UW fans will already be familiar with the Hotel Deluxe concept. We joke that it’s the best hotel you’ve never stayed in. It’s an imaginary place full of characters you’d actually want to be stuck in a lift with. People with interesting stories, outrageous anecdotes and big energy banter that turn a two-week hotel-stay into the trip of a lifetime.
On the globetrotting tour this time, we’re mooching around the Amalfi Coast region - soaking up the Negronis while sporting laid-back summer pieces that combine skate-park comfort with Lake Como luxury. Think Wes Anderson meets the Talented Mr Ripley, or a soundclash of Wham’s Club Tropicana with something from The Specials or UW locals, The Sleaford Mods.
Hotel Deluxe this time round would definitely have been designed by the Italian don, Gio Ponti. Set against a backdrop of his softened mid-century angles, Universal Works takes sun-faded blues through all the summer categories. Trusted styles take on a hazy new appeal. It’s a carefully edited capsule of easy-wearing UW shapes, jigsawing together in new fabric developments that invigorate the trusted UW favourites.
Familiar bestsellers like the Bakers Jacket take on a slouchy new attitude in pale indigo Handloom Denim (with selvedge pocket detail). The wraparound Kyoto Work Jacket enters the frame in cocktail Olive corduroy or sandy shores Stone. Sunny sky blue cottons are injected with future-proofed Japanese Paisley print (check out the Long Beach Short). There’s Big Dot energy happening with the Camp Shirt and Polo Shirts a plenty – either in crisp and fresh fine piquet, or the Amalfi version in a jazzy jersey mix.
The leg quadrant stays cool as a cucumber thanks to the Hi Water Trouser in specially sourced fine summer canvas in Ecru, Navy or Indigo. There’s also a lightweight Summer Cord alternative for breezy nights sipping a cold beer, watching the sunset down by the hotel pool.
When UW founder, David Keyte checked in, we offered to take his bags to the room in exchange for a few choice soundbites about the collection. He obliged and said, “Hotel Deluxe is full of beautiful blue skies, handwoven blue denims, blue linens, 1950s-inspired blue prints, embroidery, Amalfi coast blooms and paint strokes. It’s a hideaway for that late summer beach party – a good place to break out the perfect vacation polo and beach shorts. Everyone’s welcome. You just need an aperitivo in one hand and the keys to your Vespa in the other.”
That’s us told. Grab your passports and pack your toothbrush. Hotel Deluxe is calling. SS22: NEW IN.
