So that's is it, London Collections: Men is over for another year (well for another six months).
It might have ended this week but that doesn't stop me discussing my favourite presentations and highlights of this season. Following the recent success showcasing the Autumn/Winter 2016 menswear at London Collections: Men, I was completely blown away with most designers so picking my favourite presentation has been challenging but, we know it must be done.
Here are a whistle stop tour of my highlights:
AW16 Collection
Velsvoir announced an exclusive collection for London Collections: Men AW16. The inspiration behind this season is based upon the notion of modernité and the responsibility to resonate the fleeting experience of life in the city.
The series of looks embodies luxury in shades of forest green, charcoal grey and camel tones. The presentation was held at the Lights of Soho art gallery and members lounge formed the setting for the live presentation, exploring elements of modern art and design in an evolving landscape, which is very much reflective of the latest Velsvoir collection.
Designers & Brothers (Zak Timol & Talha Timol)
(Verna Taylor-Barker, Fryderyk Szydłowski, Najat Dati & Prince Cassius)
Thomas Pink AW16 Collection
The new season takes inspiration from the romance and refuge of the British coast and countryside, uniting city-dwellers with the urgency for rural escape. It extracts inspiration from local architecture, industry and environment - exploring built and natural elements we Brits have cultivated on our island nation: from royal retreats to the homespun craft of village industry.
Frederik Willems, Head of Design at Thomas Pink, says; "The collection takes us on a sartorial journey around the UK, visiting some our best-loved coastal towns - from Brighton with its resplendent Royal Pavilion, to Padstow and the Isle of Skye with their rugged coastlines." Colour plays a hugely prominent role in Thomas Pink's Autumn/Winter 16 collection, and to highlight the five key hues of the season - cranberry, navy blue, forest green, mustard and turquoise - the modern British shirt maker showcased looks against impactful block colour screens in corresponding colours.
Florence Torrens, Creative Director at Thomas Pink, says; "The inspiration for this season's show comes from architect Luis Barragan. Block colour in different planes was a feature of many of his buildings and designs and offered an interesting solution to displaying the collection against the highpoints of colour which run through the season."
(Danny Cipriani & Prince Cassius at the Thomas Pink AW16 Presentation)
Town & Country - Simon Carter AW16 Presentation
This season the irrepressible Simon Carter unveiled a versatile collection that was bursting with English charm and fully conversant with the demands of sartorial sophistication for bothTown and Country.The range encompasses; outerwear, suits and jackets, shirts and ties, shoes and socks and accessories including; watches, cuf inks, wallets, bags and jewellery.
Prints are a focal point of the collection, from underwear to ties, shirts to the jackets, Simon Carter's love affair with pattern is impossible to ignore. The "conversation prints", as Simon calls them, range from the iconic paisley, to more eccentric repeats of shoes, polar bears, feathers and root vegetables! In addition to the array of patterns, there is an exquisite selection of textures and fabrics that bring the collection to life, from tweed and slub cotton, to velvet, pony skin and silk. A discreet 1970's reference was seen both in colour and print.
(Below: The handsome and Talented Simon Carter)
( Prince Cassius & Ariane Kahn)
Pretty Green x Hendrix collaboration Presentation
The AW16 Hendrix range is not only a tribute to Jimi's style but a modern interpretation of the way he liked to dress. Unique prints have been developed from original garments worn by Hendrix himself. The words 'are you experienced' form a new signature paisley as a reference to the legendary debut studio album. Statement shirts and graphic t-shirts featured in luxury fabrics each with a unique print technique, all items feature Jimi's signature and an authentic Hendrix trademark.
In Green Label the use of bold prints continues with the signature paisley evolving out into a large disruptive pattern. Psychedelic influences continue throughout the collection through prints and a striking colour palette. Outerwear is key with Parkas headlining the collection, the use of technical fabrics and ergonomic cuts informing the detail and silhouettes.
(Prince Cassius & Verna Taylor-Barker)