London Collections: Men begins its fourth season of shows today – with a schedule that looks more enticing than ever before. The three-day event features an array of established British brands, as well as emerging talents in a bid to raise the profile of the country’s leading menswear lights.
And while British menswear is fast becoming an influential part of the fashion map in its own right, we’ll be keeping an eye open for hints of what to expect from the womenswear shows – which kick-start next month – as the menswear collections are often good at providing a few clues. Burberry, Tom Ford, Alexander McQueen and Christopher Kane (who has been benefitting from Kering investment for over a year now), will draw in the international press, while Agi & Sam (the recipient of the British Fashion Awards’ 2013 Emerging Designer accolade), Man and Fashion East will give us a taste for London’s future design stars. We’ll also be focused on the JW Anderson catwalk, his first show since selling a minority stake to LVMH. E.Tautz and Hardy Amies will put their unique stamp on Savile Row tailoring, while Jonathan Saunders will offer more of his graphic prints and colourful knits.
Radio 1 DJ Nick Grimshaw is the star face of autumn/winter 2014′s line-up, having been named its latest official ambassador. He’ll join Tinie Tempah and David Gandy – both of whom hold the same title – so expect to see him on many a front row. Harry Styles is also a likely show-goer, especially after being voted the country’s most stylish at the 2013 British Fashion Awards.
And what would a fashion week be without a glamorous party or two? This week’s festivities started last night with Dolce & Gabbana’s soirée attended by Kylie, with brands such as Mulberry, Tommy Hilfiger and James Long following suit in the next coming days.