Its all over: as we speak the menswear crowd are boarding planes to Milan for the next set of shows. But didnt London go out with a bang?
The final day of London Collections: Men began with Agi and Sam, who wanted to mix workwear with traditional African clothing. Using a monochrome palette they layered shrunken blazers over tunics and long shirts and cropped trousers, mixing fabrics and textures. It really worked.
Over at E Tautz, Patrick Grant conjured up a truly brilliant collection, the perfect blend of traditional tailoring and modern elements. From the brocade trousers and voluminous overcoats to baggy trousers and embroidered wool biker jackets, it was a modern dandys uniform. And are we the only ones who thought it would make the perfect uniform for Benedict Cumberbatchs Sherlock?
Katie Earys punk-themed offering was anything but understated. With models sporting either yellow and red mohawks or huge moulded plastic Mickey Mouse heads, they stomped down the catwalk in zipped PVC trousers, animal print suits overlaid with bondage harnesses, mini kilts and graphically printed T-shirts.
The notes for the Sibling show explained that the trio had been looking at working men, and almost gave the impression that the clothes would be functional and practical. The reality? Leopard print jogging bottoms and denim hooded overalls, mohair striped cardigans and lurex knitted shawls, all in the bright, colourful and tongu-in-cheek vein that has become their signature.
As ever was the biggest production of the three days. Suki Waterhouse, Jamie Campbell Bower joined this weeks perma-front row, Nick Grimshaw, Tinie Tempah and Dermot OLeary, to see what Christopher Bailey had to offer. He continued his artistic theme from last season and, inspired by the likes of Lucian Freud and Duncan Grant, he knotted silk scarves across the shoulders of Arts and Craft printed shirts, the simplest of macs, shearling bikers and blanket coats. He even managed to make string vests look like a viable clothing choice. Now thats an achievement.
The general consensus is that LC:M gets bigger and better every season. And now? Its only a few weeks until the womens shows start (eek!). We cant wait.