Words by Chris Hobbs and Simon Chilvers
The fashion spotlight is gleaming on London for the next three days as the capital’s menswear designers kick off a new season by showcasing their latest collections for autumn/winter 2014.
Burberry SS14
Now in its fourth season and growing in stature, London Collections: Men will see the likes of AlexanderMcQueen and Burberry take to the catwalk alongside presentations from the likes of Jonathan Saunders and Christopher Kane. Meanwhile established tailors such as Richard James appear on the increasingly packed schedule alongside shoe talents Nicholas Kirkwood and Mr Hare.
Richard Nicoll SS14
London Collections: Men has established itself as a unique showcase that allow fledging labels to flourish – see Richard Nicoll or Christopher Raeburn – while also providing excellent exposure for up and coming talent. The MAN show, which gives three new buzz names a platform, has delivered the likes of Agi & Sam, new to MATCHESFASHION.COM this season, to the increasingly creative menswear scene. Plus, with the British Fashion Council confirming visitors from 37 countries attending this season, the global reach of British menswear continues to expand.
Christopher Raeburn SS14
What to expect? Catwalk theatrics – see McQueen whose outdoor cobbled runway featuring atmospheric dry ice and models with wet look hair was a highlight last season - are likely. As are boundary pushing ideas – see J.W Anderson who showed men’s halter-tops for SS14 on his catwalk. There might also be a smattering of A-list celebrities creating soundtracks – last season Idris Elba played the records at Oliver Spencer’s show. Meanwhile collections are likely to include inspirations by the great and probably the British – Burberry’s Christopher Bailey named his muses last season as David Hockney and AlanBennett.
As the AW14 collections are unveiled, follow all the action with the MATCHESFASHION.COM team via @MATCHES_MAN on Twitter Facebook and Instagram #MATCHESshows