For the last two years the last day of London Fashion Week has been designated Men’s Day. Each season the line-up gets stronger, and young designers like Christopher Shannon, Tim Soar and Cassette Playa are ensuring that the capital’s cool, masculine offerings are ranked alongside the best on the international menswear scene. We know what you’re thinking – why are we discussing them? Because some of the designers are branching out and dipping their toe into the world of womenswear, and that means that there are some names you should know.
First up there’s JW Anderson, whose eponymous label may already have crossed onto your radar. The Irish youngster set up his business while still studying at Central Saint Martins, as well as styling various celebrity men, including Rufus Wainwright, along the way - this is clearly one designer who like to be busy. He earned his place on the LFW schedule back in 2007, and to great excitement from the ladies in his audience, debuted his women’s pieces for autumn 2010. We’re already obsessed - check out the crocheted sweater, dip-dyed floral skirts and printed trousers from the new season’s offering and you’ll see why. In his spare time he also has another job - he’s the creative director of men’s heritage brand, Sunspel, and he’s just designed their first ever womne’s pieces. Oh, and on final bit of info, the JW stands for Jonathan William.
Next is Katie Eary, the blonde bombshell who’s conquering the men’s world with her signature brand of street couture. The Royal Academy of Art graduate has been on the men’s schedule for three seasons now, and technically has already produced her first women’s collection. She was the first designer to secure full funding through catwalkgenius.com (a site where you can buy shares in the businesses of emerging designers) and she made a collection for its online store. But, come February, she’s set to introduce the first women’s looks into her men's show - and we’ll be sitting front row to see what she has to offer.
Finally, keep your eyes firmly focused on James Long. His long-time mentor, Fashion East founder Lulu Kennedy, has not only been championing his label since it first began, she’s also been bullying him to do something for the ladies - and he’s finally caved. At the upcoming London Fashion Week he’ll be on the much-watched Fashion East line-up with his first offerings. Given that we’d happily assimilate most of his menswear into our wardrobe, we can’t wait to see what he comes up with.
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