Here is the spring/summer 2025 version of Corneliani’s travel jacket, shot in the magical city of Istanbul, as if it has been fished out of the Bosporus, the crossroads between East and West. The image is by Selim Alemdar, a Milan-based Turkish-born photographer whose work has appeared in The New York Times and Vogue Türkiye.
‘I took these pictures in the historical centre of Istanbul, where I spent most of my time as a teenager,’ says Alemdar. ‘I love the history, the architecture, the colours and the energy of Istanbul – a beautiful mix of different cultures that come together in a unique way.’
Corneliani’s travel jacket also manages to ‘mix different cultures’, in a sartorial sense. Evolving from season to season, it always owes a debt to workwear but is created from quality materials by the Italian firm’s team who applies the same skills to make it as used in more traditional tailoring. This means it works as a casual or a formal look.
Made from Linair – a fabric with comfortable, natural stretch properties that blends fibres of linen, mohair and wool– it possesses shine (from the mohair), breathability (from the linen) and durability and elasticity (thanks to the wool). It is also classed as an overshirt by the Italian label, which started by making coats and raincoats in its hometown of Mantua in the Lombardy region of Italy in the 1930s. The design shows how traditional sartorial tailoring skills – Corneliani’s speciality – can be applied to create a piece that is both contemporary and elegant.
This style comes in light brown and has a bowling collar and two side pockets. It is unlined, lightweight, comfortable and easy to pack – fold it up and put it into a cabin bag and it will take up little space and emerge ready to wear. As Alemdar says: ‘The Corneliani jacket performed really well throughout the shoot, showcasing its stylish design and comfort. It is absolutely perfect for both urban and more formal settings.’
Peter Howarth has been the style director of British GQ and the editor of Arena, British Esquire and Man About Town. He is the co-founder and CEO of London creative agency SHOW and managing director of Secret Trips
