On the first weekend of January, London Fashion Week Men’s was already up and running. Want to know the upcoming menswear trends? This is exactly where you need to be. And from pleated skirts to big, bold skirts, there was definitely something for everyone. Here's our round-up of the show highlights, and best trends.
BELSTAFF
To go forward, one must always look back on their history. And that’s exactly what Sean Lehnhardt-Moore did for his debut presentation at Belstaff as Creative Director. ‘The roots of the Belstaff brand are firmly in Britain – going right back to Stoke-On-Trent. Our history is about this country and how it takes you to other parts of the world,’ Lehnhardt-Moore told ELLE UK on why homecoming was the focus of his debut collection, coincidentally playing into the political moment of Brexit.
Lehnhardt-Moore hasn’t lived in Britain for the last 15 years and said it's 'very exciting to come back and see how diverse it is', confessing that his decision to show at the brand’s flagship on Bond Street was much more personal.
Belstaff has been synonymous with travel and adventure, a symbolism that’s become part of the house DNA. So it comes as no surprise that women like Amelia Earhart, Amy Johnson and Claire Foy are at the heart of the brand and pose as muses.
Lehnhardt-Moore’s interpretation of the Belstaff woman is someone, ‘that everyone aspires to be: an independent soul with an adventurous spirit and a love of travel inside and outside of the city.’
CHARLES JEFFREY LOVERBOY
Before you even enter the entrance doors at a Charles Jeffrey LOVERBOY show, you know there will be some theatrics. Whether that’s a blue-face painted bride model or an all green one, it’s in his nature. For his Autumn/Winter collection, Jeffrey took the fashion set to Wapping Hydraulic Power Station, where a man played the piano outside around a camp fire (though more smoke than fire).
Inside, Jeffrey flooded the room with models in tartan suits, netted knits, contrasting stitching. Oh, and the shedding of books (including a Bible found on the floor post-show).
CRAIG GREEN
Craig Green’s show had one of those moments that you would later see all over your social media: plastic covered models in an array of primary colours. Mixing wear-ability and one’s own expression of art is what he does best: oversized deconstructions combined with matte fabrics and cargo pants. His tenth show was symbolic of his strength in the industry and among consumers.
THE SEASON OF SKIRTS
From pleated to belted denim, skirts are all the rage this season. What once used simply to be costume for the likes of Troy, 300 and Gladiator is now a celebratory staple piece only worn by the brave (nods to Jaden Smith, Marc Jacobs and even Vin Diesel). You can now start saving for your own with a little help from Iceberg, Charles Jeffrey and Art School. It’s the trend that’s gone from taboo to nonchalant.
WRAPPED AROUND
Winter scarves are back, bigger, bolder and longer thanks to the likes of Bobby Abley, Kent & Curwen, A-Cold-Wall* and E. Tautz. It’s all about channelling your best impersonation of the Olsen twins hiding under their scarves when papped. The silk scarf has been done and dusted, it’s the season to burry yourself in a wooly neck warmer.
