Sneek Peek:  Brooks Bros. Goes Contemporary.  DNR.  Oct 23, 2006.

NEW YORK - In a setting that could easily rival a designer's runway presentation, Brooks Brothers shed years last week with the launch of its spring '07 collection.

The flagship's sixth floor was transformed into a series of lifestyle vignettes separated by floor-to-ceiling drapes to better highlight the store's upbeat approach to today's contemporary suits and sportswear.

"The theme of the season is neutrals," said Lou Amendola, executive vice-president of merchandising. "Medium tans or gray. And we also have a very strong navy and white statement." Fabrics are mainly natural, and include cotton, silk, linen and bamboo. The themes were evident in the offerings of preppie, V-neck cable sweaters, embroidered cotton casual slacks with tennis-racquet motifs, and graphic print sport shirts.

Claudio Del Vecchio, Brooks' CEO, pointed out another spring entry, the company's move into better denim with five-pocket premium Supima denim jeans, which are made in America and retail for $148.

Other newsmakers of the season, according to Simon Kneen, creative director, include "lots of alternative neckwear," such as bow ties and cravats, as well as a hybrid blazer/outerwear jacket that zipped down the front.

On the clothing end, stealing the spotlight was the Fitzgerald suit model named after JFK, repeating the same fitted two-button silhouette with narrowed lapels, slightly cropped length, side vents and plain front pants. Since being introduced last season, the suit has had solid sell-throughs, along with the Regent, a seven-inch-drop suit with a European silhouette, another new addition.

As expected, Brooks had its own special take on next season's Power Suit: a two-button, peak-lapel gray worsted with side vents, worn with a white-collar dress shirt.

Kneen's parting shot on the new Brooks Brothers: "It's about taste, not about matching things."