LCM SS14: Top Picks from the Collections (Thus far..)

I've finally found some time to peruse over the men's collections being showcased in London, and thanks to Showstudio for their comprehensive catalogue and up-to-date reporting!  For a Spring/Summer showcase I'm pretty happy that most of the designers went for a darker tone. Definitely no Hawaiian shirts here, but you know what I mean. I'm totally not a summer baby and so I always avoid the season fully, but these collections display pieces that look almost anti-summery and for that I am delighted! Here are the collections that caught my eye, and while they not be as exciting and shocking as some (still reeling from a flamingo-induced migraine Katie Eary!), I chose them because realistically I would choose to wear most of these pieces, and they don't have that trend-y vibe. 

J.W. Anderson- Last season, the designer gave us boys in dresses. This season, I find a stronger backbone in Anderson's concept, enough edge to take him up the ranks- in the same field as someone like Yohji Yamamoto or Rei Kawakubo, and I feel like I have a better idea of him as a designer and his vision. I love the origami folds and the sinuous flow of his silhouette. He understands contrast and the power of a minimalist touch (a stark contrast to his latest offerings for Versus.) There's a sense of refinement and austerity in these pieces but it still remains explorative of the boundaries of gender and fashion. And you know he'll only get better with each season. 

Matthew Miller- What drew me to Miller's collection was the sense of freedom, practicality and reality in his aesthetic. The clothes seem comfortable, utterly chic, and just effortless. It's a silhouette that I appreciate, especially since I'm no model. Out of the lot, these are pieces that you would probably find in my wardrobe and continually shop for on the high street. This would be my idea of summer dressing.

Topman Design- I think this embroidered shirt was the most hyped thing on all my social feeds! I wasn't particularly keen on it at first but it is a grower, but just you wait until all the hipsters of the world get ahold of these. Personally, I liked the genre mix from this collection- 80's club-kid finds himself stuck in a barn dance somewhere in the American heartland. It's not something I would wear, but it's a look I'm intrigued by.

Burberry Prorsum- Christopher Bailey's collection was made even sweeter by the fact that he had chosen to bring the show back to its home in London. And what was the result? A loveletter to British heritage- classic preppy nuances, a hint of mod and that youthful surge of esprit that one can feel emanating from his clothes. All written with bright Crayola primaries which makes for a great play at colour but also sustainability. These are pieces that have the potential to be classic wardrobe staples. And even though there wasn't as much experimentation or groundbreaking innovation, I would take this collection over last season's cybernetic haul any day. 

E. Tautz- I think this collection gave me the most fun exploration of colour, texture and design. The prints are fun but measured- never giving in to the maximalist trend of seizure inducing visuals. The sheen is a little derivative from last season but all in all, E.Tautz served colour-blocking 101 in the most vibrant way. I also like the Amish touch on those hats. 

[images: Showstudio]

London Menswear S/S13: I Want Candy!

I've finally found the time to go over last week's Menswear showcase in London, which is weird because now that I've finished with my studies, I have nothing to do. Funny how free time can take up so much of your life eh? Oh well. Moving on..

It struck me how colourful most of the collections were, and not just in the usual summer swatch. The pieces were a confectioner's dream for across the board were a parade of candy colours- mostly in tangy Skittles shades of tart citrus, berry pinks and most cartoonish shade of Smurf blue. 

E.Tautz

Hackett London

J.W. Anderson

Richard James

These clothes may seem a bit arresting for the common man- especially with the really exuberant use of colour, but if like me you're not one to pull off many colours at once, take your cue from Richard James or E.Tautz's SS13 collection. Follow the trend by incorporating bold hues against a more subdued canvas of monochromes, soft browns and barely there pastels. I absolutely adore those fruity loafers!

[images: NowFashion via Showstudio.com]

Bring On The Night!: Vogue's Fashion Night Out London (Part Deux)

As the evening rolled on, so did we. M and I headed off to enjoy our first FNO, and where better to start it off than at Bond Street? It was around 6pm and the festivities had just begun. Blackcurrant mojitos were served in copious amounts at Mulberry, where Alice Gold took charge of the decks. There were masks to be worn had you wished to have had a photo taken in front of a giant mushroom, while at the other side of the boutique, there were nail stations for stick on manicures and a table for fortune telling. We worked our way along the street, stopping by Coach (it was a bit early, but just after we left Bond Street, Gwyneth Paltrow and David Gandy made an appearance), Louis Vuitton where the au pairs kept their blow-up pooches on a tight leash (the waiters/models were admittedly more delicious then the lemonades they served and the Speedy bags), Dior, Vivienne Westwood (where I got asked for whom I was shooting for. Zee blog bien sur!) and a whole slew of boutiques, enjoying not only the free refreshments but also soaking in the ambience and the fash scene. The stylistic atmosphere was so colourful and individually creative that I couldn't help but admire from a distance. I kept an eye out for fab shoes for most of the time though, and saw plenty of Jeffrey Campbell Litas, YSL Tribtoos and Christian Louboutins. Goyards seemed to have been the bag de nuit because everywhere I looked, somebody had one in whatever incarnation. For the most part I coveted and lusted over pieces I couldn't afford even if I break my bank account, but what I did get was a lot of great new tips for my fall wardrobe. Little pieces have inspired me to assess what I want to rock this fall. 

Chanel-O!: Vogue's Fashion's Night Out London (Part Une)

After finally managing to attend my first Vogue's Fashion's Night Out last night in London, I have to say...

...it was FABULOUS! Everyone was out, bloggers, fashionistas, celebs and plebs alike, altogether celebrating a night full of style, creativity, free cocktails and a whole lot of goodie bags. It was great to see and take part in an event that is totally inclusive and not intimidating. Having said that, it did took me a good half hour to let my hair down and enjoy the ambience. The air was heavy with high energy, colourful vibes and live music. At one point, I had to stand still to take a moment to breathe it all in. It was absolutely surreal being there, especially since I have only ever read about the event and seen photos online. Being present and experiencing the excitement and the temptation to break my bank account first hand was definitely so much better, and I can tell you now, it has only just begun. 

Now in terms of what we actually did, and by 'we' I mean me and my friend Mimi, let me give you an account of how the evening went down for us. We set off for Harrods to see the Chanel 'Une Promenade' exhibit to have a look at what Alex Loves described as 'Disneyland but in Chanel'. It was spectacular. Photography wasn't allowed inside the exhibit, so I'm afraid I don't have a photo right next to the gargantuan 2.55 bag, but I do have one blowing kisses at the Chanel Aslan. On the third floor, search for any person wearing  the iconic Camelia to lead you through a curtain of pearls. Beyond this cascade of shimmering beads lie the magic that is Chanel. The exhibit was divided into different sections; one room showed a video installation of how the Classic 2.55 Bag is made, while another showcased the ubiquitous Numéro 5 Parfum and its historic faces. Unkle Karl (or at least a cutout of him) stood in one section, inscrutably looking at visitors while the iconic Harrod's Stuffed Bear lounged around the next room, clad in Chanel tweed suits. What made me giddy and super fluttery though was the couture installation, where they had mannequins dressed in some of the most beautiful couture dressea I have ever laid my eyes on. Never mind the huge boxes that come with the apparel when you order them (cue Carrie Bradshaw and her Vivienne Westwood moment!). Along with my photos I am putting up some of Alex Loves as well, so you too can get an idea of what it's like and to prompt you to get off your ass and go to see for yourself.