Norman Hilton SS11
“The character and quality of the Norman Hilton jacket results from relentless specialization in the art of tailoring a sports coat. Its creators have never been concerned with suits, tuxedos, topcoats, or other models and styles. From the start, they have simply tried to make an outstanding sports coat.”
“The Hilton jacket’s kind of soft tailoring is at home in fine tweeds. It brings out the rugged beauty of Scotland’s magnificent Shetlands and cashmeres and fits you with the relaxed comfort of an old pair of slippers”
—Norman Hilton, circa 1955
Though Norman Hilton’s natural shoulder jackets are at home in fine tweeds, this spring sees their introduction in navy hop-sack, oatmeal linen, tan wool/linen herringbone, and authentic Indian Matka silk. The silhouette has been slimmed down slightly while maintaining its inherent ease of wear-ability. Much like last autumn, the cut is still based off an original Norman Hilton 1963 pattern, boasting details like un-padded shoulders, an un-darted front, throat latch, and the famous 3/2 notch lapel roll. I revisited Princeton’s storied campus to create the spring ‘11 imagery in conjunction with Chris Callis, the Princeton Tiger working with Nick Hilton since the re-launch of the Norman Hilton brand last fall.
These jackets, along with select fall styles, are now available at NormanHilton.com.
Photographed in Princeton, NJ
Photographs: F.E. Castleberry
Styling: Chris Callis
left a comment on 4/27/2011 at 12:59 PM:
Brilliant shots! Great style, fit, color, and an all-around fun shoot. Your work continues to get better and better. Keep it up. Always inspired.
left a comment on 4/26/2011 at 11:58 PM:
These shots work so well because the model looks so natural (except in the lacross spread, where he’s a little ungainly). His bow tie looks like it’s rumpled because he tied it quickly, not because somebody with aspirations of Project Runway spent hours making it look that way. It’s nice to see a shoot in which it isn’t obvious the subject spent 45 minutes deciding whether a buttoned or un-buttoned collar looks more rakish.
left a comment on 4/26/2011 at 7:25 PM:
great shots and looks. classic prep and simple. nothing presumptuous or over-the-top. the world needs more style like this.
left a comment on 4/26/2011 at 4:52 PM:
I’ve heard that the men’s bean boots are getting shabbier, i.e. falling apart when brand new.
http://www.muffyaldrich.com/2011/01/dressing-for-new-england-winters.html
Do you think this is a one-off case or that L.L. Bean’s quality control has taken a hit?
left a comment on 4/26/2011 at 3:31 PM:
Love all of the new jackets. Was curious also what red chinos he had on?
left a comment on 4/26/2011 at 11:38 AM:
This photos look great! Everything fits so well on him. I especially love the lacrosse aspect as I played lacrosse a few years back.
left a comment on 4/26/2011 at 7:07 AM:
These are really great photos. I think I’m *starting* to understand what you were talking about Fred. An updated prep look, a more tailored fit. I’d like to apologize for my rude comments in the previous blog. You really do some nice work. I haven’t been here long but I think this is your best work I’ve seen. Congrat’s.
left a comment on 4/25/2011 at 9:01 PM:
It should be a crime for a guy to have hair like that. SO, so adorable. I have to pay $$$$ to get hair like that.
left a comment on 4/25/2011 at 6:59 PM:
@EMJ—All of the jackets, in accordance with quintessential Ivy style, feature center vents.
@H.K. Rahman—The idea is to certainly encourage men of all ages to dress like this in the U.S…not just college students.
@Tito—All of Norman Hilton’s jackets are made in the garment district in New York City. I’ve been to the factory…seen the hands. It’s as “Made in the USA” as it gets.
@Chris—All the jackets are Norman Hilton. The madras shirt is Polo Ralph Lauren.
left a comment on 4/25/2011 at 6:27 PM:
Side, Center or No Vents? I went to the website and I was surprised there was not a better description and more views.
left a comment on 4/25/2011 at 5:44 PM:
Great shots. Like the blazers as well - maybe cut a little short for me (esp. if they have a center vent), but that’s just personal preference. Well done!
left a comment on 4/25/2011 at 4:15 PM:
Such a fun story—can’t go wrong with a mop of curly hair in a well-fitted blazer, either.
left a comment on 4/25/2011 at 2:50 PM:
I’d wreck that guy on the lacrosse field. Then take his blazer. Nice stuff.
left a comment on 4/25/2011 at 1:11 PM:
Great shots as always Fred. The styling on this post is similarly great, I never thought to pair Nantucket reds with dirty bucks, it’s an interesting combination, and unexpected for spring.
left a comment on 4/25/2011 at 12:58 PM:
Terrific photos & attire! But does anyone know in what country the college students dress like this?
left a comment on 4/25/2011 at 11:18 AM:
Hi Fred, Does Norman Hilton is made in USA?
And what brand fabric are they using for those awesome Blazers, just wandering since is $695.00.
left a comment on 4/25/2011 at 8:55 AM:
Great shots! Are all of these pieces Norman Hilton? Where can one obtain the gorgeous Madras shirt from pics 3&5?
left a comment on 4/25/2011 at 8:21 AM:
Great pics FEC. Very nice shots. It’s good to see Norman Hilton doing Rugby RL.
left a comment on 4/25/2011 at 8:02 AM:
Great looks and a wonderful re-imagination of a heritage brand. One thing to nitpick about those pics, the model obviously has never played lacrosse before! Wrong way to shoot and catch, and his cradling is awkward. I hate it when there is an over use of “preppy” imagery just for the sake of matching the lifestyle. Michael Bastian’s Lacrosse line for Gant did the same thing. But at least Norman Hilton appeals to my liking a bit more.
left a comment on 4/25/2011 at 8:00 AM:
FANTASTIC photos and direction fred! seriously, top notch. also, I want that navy blazer!
left a comment on 4/25/2011 at 7:59 AM:
Fantastic job as always, FEC. Such an inspiration! This is the reason why I keep coming back here day after day. Now I really have to get me a nice natural shoulder navy blazer.
ERIII left a comment on 4/28/2011 at 1:26 PM:
GREAT WORK FEC!!!