London Collections: Men
Alix Waterhouse takes a look at the latest trends in British mens style. In seven seasons the London shows have become a staple on the menswear calendar. Events on the schedule are designed to showcase the breadth of British fashion talent, from the world’s most innovative emerging designers to global menswear brands and Jermyn Street tailors.
Increasing numbers of labels showing in London are manufacturing in the UK. Internationally renowned British designers Christopher Raeburn and JW Anderson, have joined established heritage brands John Smedley and Gloverall, proudly creating every stitch on British soil.
Summer knits, sporty shapes, bomber jackets and print are trends for SS15.
Christopher Raeburn SS15
J W Anderson SS15
John Smedley SS15
Gloverall SS15
New faces and up-and-coming British designers are producing in the UK and proof of a movement in re-shoring manufacture. I loved the tree reference prints at Indefinitely Wild, the military inspired jackets at ToBeFrank and it was a pleasure to see Marwood London who continue to seamlessly blend traditional craftsmanship with contemporary style, using English Leavers Lace and cloth produced in historic mills to create outstanding accessories.
IndefinitelyWild SS15
Marwood London SS15
On the last day of shows, in need of sustenance I joined the artisans of Jermyn Street for breakfast at Fortnum and Mason and had a peak behind the scenes into the life of a British gentleman. I learned how to fold an impeccable pocket square, the importance of choosing the correct collar, hat etiquette and how to create the perfect guardsman shoeshine.
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Pocket Squares, Shirt Collars, Hat Etiquette and the Guardsman’s Shoe Shine
(Videos courtesy of Jermyn St, St James.)
Pocket squares with Christopher Mundy Budd shirt makers.
Add a dash of colour to any summer getup with this pocket square from Turnbull and Asser, who have been accessorizing the world’s most eminent men since 1885.
Hats and hat etiquette with Nicolas Payne-Baader, Lock & Co
Lock & Co. Hatters have been Jermyn street residents since 1600. For a contemporary summer hat try the medium brim, Atlto, from their Lock and Roll collection, dyed in black and silver and made from Sisal.
How to choose a shirt collar with Simon Maloney of New & Lingwood
What’s your cutaway? Let experienced hands help you decide at London’s oldest tailor Ede and Ravenscroft or New & Lingwood, official outfitters for Eton College.
New & Lingwood
Ede & Ravenscroft SS15
Shoe shine with Captain Martin Brennan, The Irish Guards
Joseph Cheaney & Sons have been shoemaking for five generations. This Archie 3 tone brogue will really put your polishing skills to the test.
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At the end of three exciting days of shows, it was time for…
…well-earned refreshment to celebrate the inspiring home grown talent and manufacturing, seen on the cat walk. What could be more restorative than a Sipsmith Gin with Fever Tree Elderflower tonic at the Fever Tree Pop up in Hoxton Square.
