In somewhat of a response to the lack of celebration of an alternative British designed and produced aesthetic that is not tailoring-led. Ada Zanditon and I partnered during the third ever season of London Collections: Men to launch Ada + Nik. As we're both industry veterans (to a certain extent), the response to what we created has been unparalleled. The Greco-Roman Punk inspired collection has been seen as a refreshing offering to what British menswear has fast become pigeon-holed as. In Paris or Milan, you'd never see a front-row of an on-schedule fashion week show in only tailored suits, there'd be some variation, an alternative angle, at least someone of note wearing Rick Owens, Givenchy or Commes des Garçons, which might be why a certain calibre of international industry personalities and buyers is still missing from LCM.
Ada + Nik features eighteen unique pieces bringing to life my adoration for a monochrome and minimalist luxe aesthetic and nodding to Ada's previous collections. The Spring Summer 2014 collection includes sheer and eel skin t-shirts, kilts, two pairs of leather detailed shorts, a leather detailed kilt, a statement biker jacket "Caesar", open back structured dress shirts and calf leather cape; with accompanying swimwear and tank tops - all ethically sourced and produced.
We had the honour of partnering with Rankin and The Hunger Magazine, along with Snow Queen Vodka and Philips to create a campaign and film starring the iconic Aiden Shaw and Zara Martin set in the heavens of the Greek Gods.
Endorsement for the collection has already come far and wide from GQ to the Business of Fashion, Rankin to talent such as Zebra Katz (who did the score for the film) and VV Brown (who performed at the show).
Let's hope that next season at London Collections: Men the regular front row faces such as David Gandy and Tinie Tempah make a concerted effort for change and take it upon themselves to wear Ada + Nik or Sibling - and represent a side of menswear that is just as detail led as traditional tailoring.
