Today was a good day for the fashion savvy man. In pursuit of the London Collections that happened yesterday, a host of genius displays took centre stage today, with many a wearable outfit on show.
Although not my specialty point (this is something I hope to change in 2013) menswear has, for me, always stood in the shadow of womenswear, with imagination often prepossessing wearability. Just today I visited a certain menswear presentation with no clue as to how the clothes would transfer from the stage to the real world. Because that is who these clothes are designed for right? Those men that take the tube in the morning, work hard during the week and socialise on Saturday? Perhaps I am totally wrong on that account but in some cases, I fear designers are losing sight of their market: those that will wear and buy their clothes. Neoprene jumpers with rigid sleeves, pink wicker hats and super wide-set trousers are fanciful for the catwalk, but how will the modern man translate this for his wardrobe?
Known for his traditional yet innovative approach to womenswear, Jonathon Saunders today presented a wonderfully wearable and practical collection with colour blocked, ombre hues on woollen jackets, tailored separates and slim fit trousers all making the cut. Fashion pioneer Christopher Kane also chose simplicity, working his favoured animal print into coats, short-sleeve shirts and city shorts. The essence of Kane's collection sparked vision of the everyday man, with the black velvet slippers and bold motifs providing a little extra something for those with spunk. It is the colour, fabrication and cut of such collections that makes these clothes right for now; never mind the oversized head pieces and fur breasted jumpers.
On a brighter note, Topman Design decided to raid the tropical fruit bowl at their show yesterday with layered citrus yellows, brilliant oranges and burgundy hues making a perfect clash with pillar box reds. Although bursting with shades, the clothes themselves remained wearable - a key consideration for a global commerce like Topshop - with fur-trimmed parkas and double breasted jackets the main focal point. The industry is noticeably making steps away from seasonal dressing and is flipping fashion on its head, providing summer apparel in winter and vice versa. This transition brings a fresh feel to the collections and offers a new sense of wearability, with little compromise on the every man's wardrobe.
As can be the case with fashion it is all too easy to get carried away; while this is still evident in some womenswear collections, it is hard to dispute that commercial sells. With a big push from the Government on menswear fashion, it will be interesting to see how the collections develop over the next few seasons. As long as each garment masters cut, masculinity, wearability and precision, I don't think designers can go too far wrong.