Perry Ellis America Fall 2022

Perry Ellis elected to show their diffusion collection, Perry Ellis America at New York Men’s Day (NYMD), rather than Michael Maccari’s Perry Ellis, a collection that has become a favorite with stars such as Hailey and Justin Bieber, who both wear his oversize camp shirts in bold artsy prints. It is the first time Perry Ellis America has shown at NYMD.

 While Perry Ellis Collection has ventured in a more experimental direction, Perry Ellis America, has stayed the course, delivering pieces that are right at home on the streets of Kennebunkport, Nantucket, and Martha’s Vineyard. Although Perry Ellis America is a diffusion brand, it has that timeless quality that has made Perry Ellis a wardrobe staple for men looking for ease, comfort, and quality since the mid-1970s.

Designer Thomas Harvey showed a collection that could be called “Americana,” It was a quietly elegant mix of red, white, blue, khaki, and ochre brown pieces styled by GQ’s Jim Moore. There were bucket hats, ball caps, rain slickers, khaki pants, varsity jackets and sweaters as well as striped polo shirts. Moore skillfully layered striped tees and added in checkered button downs and rugby shirts over slouchy chinos—no belts necessary. There was a black car coat/rain slicker with a seasonless quality to it that would make it a go-to, year-round piece in any US city. The ochre and tan zebra print fleece coat jacket was another standout item that could easily be a unisex item women would “borrow” and never return.

A pair of denim patchwork pants pushed the fashion needle forward a bit, but not too much. They were worn with an eye catching red, white, and blue floor-length poncho sporting a giant red letter “A” on the back. All the looks were accessorized with Sperry boat shoes, perfect for afternoons spent on or by the water. Overall, this collection was a stylish salute to the American Flag.

—Vivian Kelly