The first ever menswear weekend has just finished in London and it was a great celebration of British men’s fashion, showing everything from established fashion houses to fresh, new talents.
A number of emerging trends were made apparent for S/S 13, and there is something that everyone can add to their wardrobe to be bang up to date.
Go Bold or Go Home
Bold prints were a trend that carried across the whole weekend from a number of brands and this season they weren’t just a small ode to the trend but it was fully embraced with whole outfits of bright, loud and interesting patterns. As was expected from the duo, Agi & Sam (showing during the MAN show) pleased crowds with their trademark bold, eye catching designs. They used modern, digitally created prints alongside more feminine florals and pastel shades with flashes of bright yellows and oranges to really highlight their eclectic view of men’s fashion.
Katie Eary is well known for her energetic and dazzling collections and this one was very much that. Using outlandish, symmetrical patterns on a range of garments and the odd female swimsuit, the designs were nothing but bold.
Bright colour blocking was also seen as the likes of Christopher Shannon and Oliver Spencer, so if pattern isn’t your thing, dazzle with some eye popping garments.
Grandma’s Net Curtains
Lace was seen on a number of garments during these collections and in a more powerful way than ever before in menswear. J.W. Anderson used a black lace pattern to create an ankle length shirt-dress style garment, and lighter laces to create shirts, trousers and cutaway vests; Astrid Andersen gave lace a macho twist, putting it over thick bomber jackets or in the style of an American sports jersey. Maybe not for the more refined man but even a little hint of lace can be added to a number of outfits for that nod towards this trend. Maybe it’s not one of the ones that will be taken on by the masses but it appears as though it will catch on with those that may have a more daring attitude to fashion.
Socks and Sandals-No longer just for embarrassing fathers
A style that has been embarrassed many and been mocked by many more for generations is now one of the biggest trends from the catwalks. Menswear designers were putting barefoot sandals with tailoring and suits for a short while now but Agi & Sam, Shaun Samson and James Long amongst others were going one step further by teaming socks with the sandals also. An easy trend for any man to follow, it really doesn’t take any effort at all, but maybe not for those that are too conscious of what others may say.
Death of the Gender Gap
Androgyny is a concept that has been working its way into menswear for a good few seasons and these current collections took it up another level. The line between men and women’s clothing was truly blurred by the mass introduction of feminine garments into the collections. Meadham Kirchhoff used a number of typically female garments and styles; sarongs, strong florals and feminine models with long hair tied in buns/ponytails all added to the androgynous feel of the collection. Culotte style shorts, oversized handbags and skirts were also seen from other designers across the weekend.
London Collections proved that London really is a big part of the fashion world and the designers here aren’t afraid to show exciting, daring yet wearable designs. The trends emerging from the shows are varied and accessible to all men whether they are fully embraced or just subtly acknowledged, S/S 13 should be an interesting season for menswear.
