At the heart of formalwear’s allure is the cut. In the hands of designers, it becomes a tool for storytelling. Take Peter Do, for instance. This New York-based designer has redefined the power suit. Do has given it a sharper edge with elongated blazers, nipped waists, and daring slashes. His Spring Summer 2024 Ready-to-Wear collection featured a double-breasted tuxedo in jet black wool with razor-sharp lapels that seemed to slice through air. The tailoring was precise yet fluid.
It’s the artisanal detailing that defines this new era of formalwear. Bode, founded by Emily Bode Aujla, has carved a niche by blending heritage techniques with contemporary tailoring. Her embroidered blazers and patchwork dinner jackets tell stories of forgotten crafts. Each piece is an homage to historical narratives. For her Spring Summer 2024 Menswear collection, a navy velvet jacket embroidered with delicate gold threadwork reimagined formal dressing as a canvas for cultural preservation.
The revival of formalwear in high fashion isn’t about rejecting the casual; it’s about offering an alternative. Emerging designers are proving that formal clothing can be bold, expressive, and personal. From Peter Do’s razor-sharp suits to Emily Adams Bode Aujla’s historical ensembles, these designers are challenging the notion of what formalwear can be. Formalwear, it seems, is not just back—it’s the future.
