Menswear Ready to Rock London Fashion Week

As London Fashion Week is well under way, men who have their eye on the fashion ball should be ready to start taking notes on Wednesday as the fashion designers for menswear get ready to show the world what they’ve got!

Kicking off the day will be young Irish designer J.W. Anderson who likes to mix and match between womenswear and menswear, creating an eclectic mishmash of fashion tailored to suit both sexes, adding a touch of femininity and sensual overtones to his collection. This is a designer who focuses on youth, individuality and creativity and is definitely one to watch.

Straight after J.W. Anderson is the much talked about MAN catwalk show which is a collaboration between Topman and Fashion East to introduce some of the UK’s hottest bright young things to the catwalk. This year’s talent comes from Agi & Sam, Astrid Andersen and Shaun Samson. It should be interesting to see what new and innovative trends these young designers can come up with for menswear.

Next up is Liverpudlian Christopher Shannon whose designs, by his own admission, are still evolving and experimenting but do expect to see plenty of 80’s inspiration and vintage styles along with sweatshirts and knitwear as Christopher is big on casual wear for men. Shorts featured heavily in London Fashion Week 2011 so it’ll be interesting to see if he sticks with this or offers something completely different.

The Topman show follows Christopher Shannon and then we move onto James Long, a veteran of the fashion world having worked in New York and London for Virginia Bates before striding out alone with his own James Long label. Knitwear is also a special favourite of this designer along with leather pieces to give a strong, masculine feel. His Autumn/Winter 2011 collection was awash with chunky knits combined with tight leather trousers and long overcoats for a very casual, urban feel.

Towards the end of the day the audience is treated to Oliver Long, who already has a popular London store and is a recognised name within designer menswear. He has a busy year planned with yet more retail stores and a brand new website to boot. If you like smart, retro fashion then Oliver Long is the man for you.

The day is finished with RAKE who are already internationally known and whose outfits are stocked at Harrods as well as Matches. Their inspiration is inspired by 70’s Hollywood glamour, especially in their new collection to be showcased at London Fashion Week titled RAKE LOUNGE. Expect suavity, charm and plenty of James Bond wannabes.

It’s a great week for fashion and the menswear catwalk day promises to be full of surprises with some fresh new talent and plenty of talking points!