Paul&Shark began making Men’s sportswear in a small medieval town outside Milan in 1977. Their first ever item was the ‘original yachting 918,’ a water-repellant wool sweater with shoulders and elbows reinforced with canvas. Function meets design in this classic nautical sweater, right down to the waterproof can it comes in.

The permanent yachting collection has expanded over the past 3 decades to include everything from boat shoes, ties, hats, and nautical belts with customizable button letter inserts.

Now, Paul&Shark is sold all over the world in ‘all the most important cities’ (according to it’s website). The seasonal lines follow the yachting/sportswear idea but take it to the next level with slim fits and subtle accents. If Ralph Lauren were Italian, this is what his stuff would look like.

The tan coat over the red pants is quintessential Milan. Few Milanese men wear jeans, so the streets are full of creative colored and patterned pant combinations. This is one thing that US style is greatly lacking, and something I harp on constantly.

I generally recommend avoiding words or emblems, embroidered logos, etc., but these are so well styled it’s hard to resist. All are from Fall 09/Winter 10, from which I want just about every piece. There is a store on 66th and Madison… I might head up there this week and pretend like I can afford something.