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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Lifestyle
Guardian fashion

London Collections: Men (1)

London Collections Thu: YMC London Collections
YMC
What are the inspirations and references for your collection? A typical jumble of ideas inspired by vintage kimono prints, early 60s west coat surf and late 80s casuals all incorporated into an unstructured and relaxed silhouette
If you could give men one fashion tip what would it be? Shave your beard off, assuming you have one
What makes London such a brilliant fashion capital? London is a multicultural hotch potch of ideas without boundries
Photograph: YMC/Guardian
London Collections Thu: Xander Zhou London Collections
Xander Zhou
What are the inspirations and references for your collection? My spring/summer 2013 collection is entitled Fleurdelism, it draws inspiration from the big outdoors, camping and scouts. Fleurdelism is derived from 'fleur-de-lis', the emblematic lily from heraldic coats of arms and the Scouts badge. It expresses the principles of environment, design and the great outdoors.
If you could give men one fashion tip what would it be? Make sure you have a loose-fitting trenchcoat!
What makes London such a brilliant fashion capital? I have the feeling London has endless opportunities, and it has a very young and edgy vibe. That's why new and young designers come here. Or maybe it's the other way around? Anyhow, it's also my first time in London, which gives the whole experience an extra brilliance for me personally
Photograph: Xander Zhou /Guardian
London Collections Thu: Superdry and Timothy Everest London Collections
Timothy Everest/Superdry
What are the inspirations and references for your collection? Inspirations have been taken from a multitude of places; a playful approach to Savile Row, colourful Jermyn Street and the heritage of Regent Street.
If you could give men one fashion tip what would it be? Clothing is an extension of the person wearing it. Subtle touches such as the way a guy might groom his hair or the sock he chooses, all help to enhance his look and personality. In this world of fashion confusion the only way to be modern is to be yourself.
What makes London such a brilliant fashion capital? Diversity. It's a series of villages with inspiration around every corner. I’m excited that so many visitors will get to see the city looking its best during the men’s showcase (which has been long overdue)
Photograph: Superdry and Timothy Everest/Guardian
London Collections Thu: Spencer Hart London Collections
Spencer Hart
What are the inspirations and references for your collection? Stylistically, my inspiration draws from film and music icons, with attitude extracted from the Rat Pack. It’s that 1950s soul, funk and jazz vibe that is in the DNA of Spencer Hart items. We have a very low-key aesthetic but use a full variety of textures. I’ve recently been motivated by Cuba so I have used a lightweight open weave fabric. It is this fused with British high street wear, to create a clean, fresh and modern look.
If you could give men one fashion tip what would it be? Less is more - but with a twist.
What makes London such a brilliant fashion capital? Innovation! Londoners have spawned styles based on music genres and vintage looks, such as indie revival. It's all about retro with a twist, anything goes as long as you wear it with confidence
Photograph: Spencer Hart /Guardian
London Collections Thu: Orlebar Brown London collections
Adam Brown/Orlebar Brown
What are the inspirations and references for your collection? Whether it's Evelyn Waugh’s louche Sebastian Flyte in Morocco, the explorers and adventurers of deserts and jungles or David Niven in 1960’s Cap Ferrat, the theme of 'Englishman abroad' provides the starting point. We have used references from all of these and more to conjure up the glamour and adventure of places such as the polo fields in India and the heat and exotic perfumes of souks in Morocco.
If you could give men one fashion tip what would it be? Will you be wearing it for autumn/winter 2013? Although we all like newness in our wardrobes, core items should be able to be worn for more then one season.
What makes London such a brilliant fashion capital? London offers something very international but always has that quintessential English spirit
Photograph: Orlebar Brown /Guardian
London Collections Thu: Joseph Abound London Collections
Bernardo Rojo, creative director, Joseph Abboud
What are the inspirations and references for your collection? The movie Drive, which had a bit of a 1980s feel, combined with James Dean as an American style icon during the 1950s in Los Angeles.
If you could give men one fashion tip what would it be? Show your individuality. Keep your style effortless.
What makes London such a brilliant fashion capital? The energy, talent and creativity. Also it is such a multi-cultural city that you can find inspiration by just wandering around the streets
Photograph: Joseph Abound /Guardian
London Collections Thu: Hackett for London Collections
Hackett
What are the inspirations and references for your collection? Spring/summer 2013 brings a new modernity to a nostalgic men's style and nods to the sartorial elegance of The Great Gatsby.
If you could give men one fashion tip what would it be? Actually I have borrowed this quote from Cary Grant but I believe it is still relevant today. The key to dressing is 'keep it simple'. I couldn't agree more.
What makes London such a brilliant fashion capital? Fashion in London operates on so many different levels, from Savile Row to Hoxton. The fashion colleges are a source of talent for luxury brands from all over the world. There is a sense of excitement and raw inspiration and a creativity that is spontaneous, which is why London deserves its title as fashion capital
Photograph: Hackett/Guardian
London Collections Thu: Martine Rose London Collections
Martine Rose
What are the inspirations and references for your collection? This season for me is all about Henry Moore, Benini and Barbara Hepworth
If you could give men one fashion tip what would it be? It's never about flip flops in a metropolis, sandals in the city are fine, flip flops...no
What makes London such a brilliant fashion capital? The people in it
Photograph: Martine Rose /Guardian
London Collections Fri: Christopher Shannon London Collections
Christopher Shannon
What are the inspirations for your collection? Hideous students on gap years, English rituals, tourist tat and British folk.
If you could give men one fashion tip what would it be? Stay away from fashion.
What makes London such a brilliant fashion capital? Booze
Photograph: Christopher Shannon/Guardian
London Collections Fri: E.Tautz London Collections
Patrick Grant of E.Tautz
What are the inspirations and references for your collection? The lives and wardrobes of Wilfred Thesiger and his friend Ras Tafari, medals of the British Army, and the costumes and colours of Ethiopia.
If you could give men one fashion tip what would it be? Eat less, drink less, ride a bicycle and spend what you save on clothes.
What makes London such a brilliant fashion capital? London is less constrained, less stuffy; we have more fun with our fashion
Photograph: E.Tautz /Guardian
London Collections Fri: James Long London Collections
James Long
What are the inspirations and references for your collection? Josef Albers, Kung fu cowboys, Alan Vega, John Baldessari and Abacuss felt tip pens.
If you could give men one fashion tip what would it be? Enjoy fashion and clothes.
What makes London such a brilliant fashion capital?
The people, the teachers, the personality, the history, the mix, the art, the press. There is a noise that is very particular to London, creatives are encouraged to form an individual vision. Overall we get excited about stuff!
Photograph: Guardian
London Collections Fri: Jonathan Saunders London Collections
Jonathan Saunders
What are the inspirations and references for your collection? A sharp, tailored, eccentric gentleman. Expect strong references to David Bowie, op-art prints, a play on classicism and a focus on soft tailoring and knitwear.
If you could give men one fashion tip what would it be? Don’t be scared to make a statement! Adding colour or print to a classic silhouette can make such an impact, even a printed shirt can make a real difference.
What makes London such a brilliant fashion capital? London has long been a brilliant hub of creativity, not just for fashion but for art, culture, design and more. In terms of fashion specifically, it’s one of the few cities in the world where you’ll find a real wealth of independent retailers willing to take a chance on a new young designer while still maintaining the values of experienced and long-established heritage brands
Photograph: Jonathan Saunders/Guardian
London Collections Fri: Katie Eary London Collections
Katie Eary
What are the inspirations and references for your collection? California and the 80s skate scene.
If you could give men one fashion tip what would it be? I went shopping for one of my friends the other day and I was shocked by how so many stores there are selling such awful fashion to hopeless men with no clue! It should be made illegal. So my tips are as follows: avoid boot cut jeans like the f**king plague, as well as over-worked T-shirts... Also Aviators... *bin*
What makes London such a brilliant fashion capital? The 'I will wear what I want' attitude - it's so diverse and interesting. Each area code with its own dress code. I love it!
Photograph: Katie Leary/Guardian
London Collections Fri: Matthew Miller London Collections
Matthew Miller
What are the inspirations and references for your collection? The irony of real luxury.
If you could give men one fashion tip what would it be? Be who you wanna be! It's your life.
What makes London such a brilliant fashion capital? Multiculturalism
Photograph: Matthew Miller/Guardian
London Collections Fri: Sibling London Collections
Sibling
What are the inspirations and references for your collection?  Arab Spring, Brick Lane youth, Bonnie & Clyde, Paris May 1968, protest, Occupy, Sportswear/Olympics, Jubilee, Lord Of The Rings, clean clear colours. Oh and the usual SIBLING glitter and sparkle.
If you could give men one fashion tip what would it be?
Don't be afraid to wear a flash of colour, start with socks and work up to a bright pink sweater, maybe? Have fun with what you are wearing. Dip into the joy you had as a child or a teenager with clothing. We aren't suggesting that you dress up as a tiger or a punk when in the boardroom but perhaps at the weekend :-)
What makes London such a brilliant fashion capital? Because it's fun, it's often tasteless, always fearless and one of the most creative and supportive places in the world
Photograph: Sibling/Guardian
London collections final: Belstaff London Collections
Martin Cooper of Belstaff
What are the inspirations and references for your spring/summer 2013 collection? At the heart of the collection, we were inspired by the romanticism of travel, but the collection also carries very strong Belstaff archival references.
If you could give men one fashion tip what would it be? To know thyself! Know what works for you and don’t be tempted to be someone you aren’t fashion-wise. But wherever your fashion comfort lies, choose great pieces that amplify who you are.
3. What makes London such a brilliant fashion capital? The fact that modern fashion evolved out of the UK’s music scene. Fashion and the energy of great music are inseparable
Photograph: Belstaff/Guardian
Oliver Spencer London collections
Oliver Spencer
What are the inspirations and references for your collection? My inspirations for spring/summer 2013 have come from the modern use of colour, also referencing early 20th century furniture with industrial design.
If you could give men one fashion tip what would it be? Shoes are where it all starts, and for autumn/winter, its all about knitted jackets.
What makes London such a brilliant fashion capital? It's innovative, creative, eclectic. It's got a great energy
Photograph: Oliver Spencer/Guardian
Topman London Collections
Gordon Richardson, Topman Design
What are the inspirations and references for your spring/summer 2013 collection? The rebellious paintings of the Basquiats meets early skate and surf culture, with an 'East meets West' theme.
If you could give men one fashion tip what would it be? Look to other men whose dress sense you admire for clues as to what works. And remember that well-cut stylish clothes will always outlast fashion trends.
What makes London such a brilliant fashion capital? No other world capital has such a courageous and visceral sense of style that stems from its unique melting pot culture
Photograph: Topman/Guardian
Lou Dalton London Collections
Lou Dalton
What are the inspirations and references for your collection? The starting point was what being fixated with perfection can lead to in terms of state of mind. I think all creatives can relate to this. I also re-watched old favourites such as Taxi Driver, Erazer Head and Breaking Away with Dennis Quaid. The narrative of the underdog is something I'm pretty obsessed with.
If you could give men one fashion tip what would it be? Do not wear flip flops in town. A sandal yes, but not a flip flop.
What makes London such a brilliant fashion capital? Compared to other global cities London feels very open and very diverse
Photograph: Lou Dalton/Guardian
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