Joseph Abboud has strong opinions about the state of menswear today.

“The world has recently seen a profound sea change in the way we live, the way we work, the way we play and the way we embrace life in this new paradigm. And of course, the way we dress in this fascinating new world. The old rules of dressing are gone and a new era of personal style has emerged. Fashion…is about looking inward, dressing for yourself, an expression of who you truly are.”

Those words are part of Abboud’s “raison d’etre” for Spirytus, a brand he is creating to redefine the future of menswear.

The CFDA award-winning menswear designer’s eponymous brand was founded more than 30 years and has changed hands several times over the years. It is now owned by WHP Global and Abboud is no longer involved.

Instead, he’s been spending his time on Spirytus and is seeking a financial partner to produce the collection. His vision is to build a global brand centered around luxury, quality and timeless beauty — updated classic menswear made from noble materials such as cashmere, virgin wool, linen and cotton.

The fall collection — which currently exists in sketches and on mood boards — includes Abboud staples such as soft sport coats, trousers, sweaters and accessories in neutrals, browns, burgundy and other earth tones.

It is broken down into three segments: Lightbearer, a collection of naturals and whites; Terra, focused on earth tones, and Enfer, a moody offering of dark, sensuous fabrics.

Abboud envisions manufacturing Spirytus in Italy in small quantities, and selling direct-to-consumer — possibly in its own stores — so he can better tell his story. He would also seek a partner to sell the collection in Japan where the Joseph Abboud label has had a presence for more than 30 years. His goal, both in the U.S. and internationally, the desiger said, is to “give men some sense of style.”

As he writes in the raison d’etre: “In creating Spirytus, I’ve gathered the things I love the most: beautifully made pieces with an artisan hand, luxurious fabrics born from the earth, magnificent colors spewed from each of nature’s splendid seasons, and clothes that I truly love wearing the world of today.

“This is really a labor of love,” he said. “It’s going back to my roots. I just have to find the right partner.”