Friday 14-02-2014 - 17:19

First published in the MDX Times 

By Rowena Kinghorn, MDX Fashion student

 

While some of us may have still been reeling from our New Year celebrations, the fashionable types of London town were up bright and early on the 6th of January to commence the first fashion week of the year, London Collections: Men.

 

Lou Dalton kicked things off with a 10 o’clock start on the Monday, at the BFC (British Fashion Council)  Show Space at Victoria House. Bleach wash denim (in blue and pink), tan corduroy and camo featured within the collection, as well as calmer fabric textures and patterns for subtler folk. A particular highlight was the double denim/woolly jumper combo which gave great connotations of the nineties.

 

Many other bold colours were evident on the catwalk, as demonstrated by Jonathon Saunders Autumn/Winter 2014 collection. Although confident in colouring, the collection applies simple tailoring to allow the colours to stay graphic and come into their own. The garments with stripes of pattern in alternative rich and paler shades really stood out as a must have. They contrast to Autumn/Winter’s typically darker colour palette which is very interesting. This will be a key transitional idea for the season later in the year.

 

J.W Anderson supported a unique choice of footwear on his models for his day two show. With each model strutting down the catwalk in large platformed brogues, it appears the trends are evolving. But Anderson gave reason to the madness “I love the idea that when you look at portraits in old houses, they’re always positioned really high. That was the idea with the shoe, that idea of elevation. When you look at the face, you have to look up at it.” At J.W Andersons menswear show, there was a prominent hint of femininity to the clothes modelled. Details such as mock floral prints, handbags, frills and pleats all enhanced this feel.

 

 

 

 

Another show that had an underlying theme of femininity was Burberry Prorsum. Showing on the finale 3rd day, Christopher Bailey exhibited a display of silk scarves and shawls. Amongst a reasonably dark and neutral colour pallet these warming accessories added a striking intervention of colour. They also co-ordinated with a selection of very oversized man-bags that particular models walked down the catwalk holding. The fishnet vests were a questionable component to the looks, but did allow for all attention to drawn to the stunning silk scarves.

 

Perhaps a look that might not make it into your Autumn/Winter wardrobe at the end of the year, is the pink monstrosity designed by Bobby Abley for the collaborative MAN catwalk showing. The pastel toned outfit included a very fluffy oversized t-shirt, embroidered with a soccer style name and numeral. However, instead of a name the word, written in a Disney style font, states Brains followed by a zero. An unusual feature on a handful on models in the MAN show supported a strong metal mouth piece. Connoting ideas of dentistry equipment, we hope this is simply a show piece and isn’t a genuine item of the collection. Unless you have exquisitely beautiful teeth, we’re guessing most people will ‘opt out’ of this accessory.

 

 

 

 

Other designers selected to show with MAN this season were Alan Taylor and Craig Green. Colourful tailored overcoats preceded the metal mouthed urban Mickey Mouses & Maleficents, which was followed by a selection of looks with strong oriental essence through shape and pattern.

 

Superdry’s Ready-to-Wear Autumn/Winter 2014 collection presented both men and women’s wear. The pieces were much more practical and suitable for everyday wear. The range was smart but flirty with the sparse inclusion sparkles in the womenswear looks. Whereas the menswear boasted suave, smart jackets relaxed with the layered combination of winter woollies and half tucked shirts.

 

With these new trends emerging in menswear, we can’t wait to see what the next seasons bring.

 

January fashion may be a man’s world, but it would have been nothing without the FROW...

 

A stand out FROW-er (front-rower) was Paloma Faith, who graced the Burberry Menswear A/W 2014 show with her presence. Dressed as a walking plug for the Burberry Prorsum Spring/Summer 2014 collection, she brightened a landscape of dull-weathered tones. Paloma oozed candy tones as she rocked the pretty girl, longer length skirt trend combined with this season’s must-have, the lavish spring coat. Both luxury garments were from the aforementioned label. The ensemble paired with her new lighter locks made for the epitome of a crisp spring morning. Just what we’re all dreaming of amidst the January blues.