Only now is menswear getting really exciting, so much so that we have our own little fashion week now in London, this being the second season of London Collections: Men. Yesterday was the first day, and there was lots to marvel at.
Someone said to me yesterday that seeing something three times makes it a trend, so far we have had intrepid explorer-chic from Topman Design and Bally, what I like to call 'easyJet orange' from Topman Design and Richard Nicoll, and DOGS from Agi and Sam and Joseph Turvey. Dogs I'm excited about, explorer could work, but easyJet Orange I could live without.
Here's some snaps and videos...
***Topman Design***
The big, hooded parkas were amazing, as were those giant, block coloured backpacks, equipped with traveller accessories attached to the straps. Whites, creams, pinks and maroons were my favourites.
***Astrid Anderson***
Another stab at extreme sport fashion with macho models (Astrid's casting is always a highlight) in shiny purples and furry jackets. The soundtrack had multiple expletives in it, which mirrored the very street-ness of this collection - I'm not a prude though, I LOVE that championship ring print!
*Craig Green*
Fence anyone? Yeah, I was confused too, until someone pointed out to me that the use of textures in Craig's first on-schedule show was genius. And they weren't lying. Up close, the hand painted stripes and glitter and vinyl edging were genius in this light/dark fascination.
***Agi&Sam***
When I read Style Salvage's post talking to Agi and Sam about their mood board for this autumn winter collection, I just thought it was SOOO me - the Marquess of Bath his Longleat house was inspiration. "Paisleys have been re imagines, with foxes and pheasants emerging from the curls..." say the show notes. Oh yeah, gorgeous Basset hounds walked the catwalk too - I'm hooked!
***Joseph Turvey***
A firm favourite of mine, Joe Turvey showed another collection that warmed my heart - this time his hand-drawn illustrations turned to dogs, specifically Dalmatians! Spots adorned jackets, shirts and a onesie, big black sequins on a bomber, and fabulously styled layers.
DOGS. A man after my own heart!
***Richard Nicoll***
More of that 'easyJet orange'!
*And my outfit... I wore an Ashish 'Relax' knitted jumper with black, drop crotch Vivienne Westwood jeans. Hope you approve!*
More to come from day two and three, so stay tuned!