London Collections: Mens kicked off on Thursday as parties hosted by Harvey Nichols, Paul Smith and Vman, brought the cream della cream of the mens fashion world together for five days of action packed shows, presentations and after parties. 

Friday morning saw the start of the four day long events to take place at the BFC venue and the Topman Show Space with shows by Oliver Spencer, Topman and recent winner or the BFC/GQ Designer Menswear Fund, Craig Green, to name a few. 

Here is a look at some of the best looks from the days shows. 


Astrid Andersen



The 2010 Royal College of art graduate has become a serious player in the menswear world having received support from Fashion East installations, MANSHOW and most is now showing at LCM as part of the NEWGEN sponsorship scheme. A leading lady in the sports luxe department her shows and desingers have gone on to inspire a trend for a young generation. Here the Adidas inspired joggers with the multi textured bomber jacket and oversized tee is a great ready-to-wear outfit. 

Barbour 



Hailing from the North East, this collection certainly stays true to its roots. Still based in South Shields, the brand’s original maritime heritage of providing clothing for fishermen and the constant influence of the adjacent North Sea are strongly referenced in our Spring Summer 17 showcase. This expert combination of colouring and layering with added details such as neckachief and bucket hat proofs that even on the high seas once can still look stylish. 

CMMN SWDN



Having worked under and set up Kanye's Paris studio, the CMMN SWDN duo consiting of Saif Bakr and Emma Hedlund, wanted to start their own label aiming to create hybrid quality wardrobe staples mixed with progressive standout pieces. Drawing inspiration from youth sub-cultures, fused with the elegance of classic sartorial menswear, CMMN propose a new image of masculinity. They have certainly created it with this 70's inspired collection.


Oliver Spencer 

With probably the best show of the week landing on the first day, I could only imagine the ticket for this were like gold dust. For the lucky few to nab a seat, including David Gandy, Nial Horran and Oliver Cheshire, they were certainly in for the treat. The Oliver Spencer show is always one to look forward to because his ready-to-wear pieces set the bar for how your wardrobe should be looking for next season. That is exactly why I couldn't pick just one outfit!  

Topman 


Again, due to the sheer size of this collection (it's about 4 collection in one show!) one outfit was not enough. When you're name is on one of the events spaces you most definitely have to put on a show. Embracing the wet look hair and a lot of tonal nudes they certainly shows us that short shorts are the way to go! Topman gives us an insight into how the high street will be looking like, although I do see some similarities in some outfits from past years and some of it did remind me of the Gucci cruise show. 

Universal Works

The furtherst away from the rest of the brands is Universal Works. A truly honest and British brand, that aims to create clothing that is internationally universal whilst embodying a distinctly British feel. The collections are always subtle and contemporary, never brash and outlandish but simple ready-to-wear pieces that will fit into any mans wardrobe



*all photos are via catwalking.com if you wish for me to remove any image please do not hesitate to contact me.

The Cap

My Fake A.P.C

The Essential Tees

The Risky buy that payed off

My Marble Floors

The Outfits

Men are most definitely the harder sex to buy for, no question. A women will hint from as far back as June as to what she would like for Christmas, 'ohhh, I like that ring, its so Christmasy!' So keep your ears peeled, lads I know walking and talking is hard but you actually have to listen to her once in a while to know what to buy her.....

Now gents are a bit harder, although we do love the mountain of socks we have acquired over the years sometimes we do like something a bit nicer and a bit more special.

So wives, girlfriends, sisters and cousins listen up because here are a few ideas for your man depending on his personalty.

These are some gifts I got last year that I loved and some I picked up throughout the year that may just be a good stocking filler.

The 'I love myself' Guy

There is one in every family. That one brother or cousin who thinks he is god's gift to earth and that he should have been the one lying in that manger many years ago. But he isn't. So what do you get these guys? Easy beauty products. Men's grooming products have changed over the last couple of decades from just a wet shave and a splash of cold water. There are now treatments for men that pluck, trim and wax in areas that shouldn't be touched.

Here are a couple of my daily products that I use and a couple are running dry "erghhum", Mother.


Let's start top left.

Hair Product: I use Soho Fish Texturising cream. I like it because I can put it into my wet hair and let it dry itself causing my hair to have a nice back flow when scraped back and it doesn't dry so I can keep re-working it. It doesn't pompadour too much either but gives it just enough bounce to make my hair looks fresh and healthy. £4.99

Alternatives: American Crew, Fudge, Kevin Murphy, Aveda, My Natty Pomade

Aftershave: Aftershave is a crucial point of a man's outfit. If he smells bad or cheap it can be a real turn off. You shouldn't be afraid to splash out on a good bottle of aftershave. One normal bottle should last 6-8 months. Now I must admit this isn't actually my favourite aftershave this is my back up. I was using Bleu de Chanel until I ran out and came across this Hugo Boss The Boss and do really like it. It's a real winter aftershave with the woody, gingery spice sort of smell definitely worth buying BUT I have asked for more Blue de Chanel this year. £36-£68 (depending on ml)

Alternatives: Chanel, Tom Ford, Acqua Di Parma, Dior, Hemers, Aramis Classic, Ralph Lauren

Moisturiser/Face washes: Moisturisers are a very important product, so important in fact I use two. I use the BullDog (£3.50) as a night cream as it is made of 8 natural ingredients that stops my face drying out but doesn't make it oily. Bulldog is good for tough, irritative skin as they only use natural products that don't harm the skin. The Neutrogena cream   (£4.19) is used as my day to day cream as it's oil free and it smooths and hydrates my skin for the day. For in the shower and bath I swear by Liz Earles Clean and Polish. Made of Eucalyptus Oil and Rosemary, its a quick facial scrub that cleans away dirt and excess oil that can block pores. This stuff is magic. (£15.50)

Alternatives: Khiels, Molton Brown, Baxter of California, Clinique, Lab Series

The 'Stylish' Guy

This brother, cousin or father is by far the hardest to buy for because the product has to be just right. My advise is look at something he wears a lot and see if it's wearing thin, see if his watch strap is starting to look tatty or his wallet is falling apart. Does he only have a couple of belts and needs a few more to chop up some different looks?



The Wallet: A crucial accessory to any man as he needs to somewhere to keep the hard earned cash he is going to spend on you this year. At the moment card holders are all the rage due to the sleek design that older wallets don't have that used to result in a brick-like shape bulging from his pocket. Yeah, he ain't happy to see you, that's his Christmas shopping receipts making that bulge! Shown is a classic Mulberry Card holder that has a thin, sleek design to it with a 2 split card holder that can hold 4-6 cards and a space on the other side to carry a couple of notes. (£95)

Best wallets to buy at the moment are by: Mulberry, Aspinal, Commes De Garcon, Lotuff, Corter  

The Watch: I love a good watch, an outfit is not complete without one These are my two everyday watches, the brown Hugo Boss - I have worn the strap down to within an inch of its life - and the black one I bring out on more special occasions or nights out. Now some watches can be very expensive, especially dress watches but everyday wear watches and sports watches aren't so much. So if I were to pick the top 5 watches to buy this Christmas they would be : Larsson and Jennings, Shore, Daniel Wellington, Komono and Timex.

Now obviously if you do have the money or it is a special occasion then look at Omega, Rolex, Patek Philippe, Tag Heur, Hublot, Panerai Rodiomir but if you do buy one of these look at it as an investment and buy either a vintage or one that is expected to increase in value over the next decade or so.

Jewellery: This can be a hard department to buy for because some can, let's face it, look tacky. Unless you have a signet ring you are passing down, rings can be a sensitive area but I have found a bit of a loop hole. The one shown in the photo is actually a women's ring I wear on my pinky. I bought it from an online store called LVNDR that is run by fellow blogger Em Sheldon. She does some great jewellery so, boys, if you're reading check it out. If your man does wear rings, I found that women's rings are less heavy and brash, they are more subtle plus they are a little cheaper sometimes.

Jewellery to buy for men are mainly bracelets, rings and necklaces. The best stores to buy from are: Miansai, Thomas Sabo, Acne Studios, MKI, Le Gramme.

For the businessman or older gentleman a good old pair of cufflinks is always a good shout. Nothing brash maybe just some plain silver or gold ones like these from Kingsman.

Sunglasses: Maybe not the time of the year to be wearing them but they should all be on a nice little sale rack somewhere. Also for any skiers out there a pair is a must. I find sunglasses are like dogs, not just for Christmas but for life. I good pair will last forever and the right style will be timeless meaning you can wear them now or in 2020.

Best sunglasses to buy are: RayBan, Taylor and Morris, Carrera, Persol, Spitfire, Oliver Spence, Prada, Saint Laurent

The 'Sports' Guy

Nothing shouts sophistication more than a perfectly tailored camel coat. Whether you wear this over a suit or with a denim shirt and a white tee underneath you will ouse power and superiority.

Now camel isn't exactly a new colour. It has been around since...well...I'm not going try know exactly how long camel hair has been used as a fabric but lets just say a long long time. I think my grandad has a camel overcoat stashed away in a his loft somewhere.

Anyway back to the point. Camel was associated with high class city men who would wear it over their Savile row suit but today thanks to fashion houses like Burberry and Prada the camel coat is now a young mans game.

Back in 2011 GQ did an insane photo shoot with Brooklyn rapper Theophilus London, showcasing how to wear the coat in a more casual manner but still have a powerful city slick look.



 Here we have Tinie Tempah, Kanye, Oliver Cheshire, Nick Grimshaw, Labrinth and David Gandy showing us a diverse range of how to wear a camel coat from an awards nights, with a suit or even just walking the dog. This coat defines versatility.

High Street 




On the left is the immaculate double breasted 'Kanye' coat from Reiss. This coat would go well with a suit underneath such a grey or navy but would equally look well with a roll knock and denim jacket underneath to give a cool casual look.

The american apparel  in the middle is more of the winder bulky coat for the classic casual look. You would throw on a checked flannel shirt or thicker roll neck for those cold winter days. 

What would a high street look be with out the king of the high street Topman. The coat is quite a thin coat giving it the advantage of being able to be worn right up until spring. With an added detail of a black collar it gives the coat a bit more of a 60's/70's feel.  Undoubtably an advantage because this can go fantastically with a dark suit but will also sit well with dark trousers, possibly tartan and a roll neck or jumper.

I hope I have enticed you to go out and invest in a quality camel coat as you will be able to wear one from the next decade of winters I think.

As always I want to hear from you. Do you already have a camel coat? What do you wear with? Do you agree with me?

Tweet, email or Instagram me anytime.

Sam

Seen as though we have pretty much spirited our way through 2013 and have somehow arrived in 2014, lets kick off this 30 day blog challenge with 'What you should keep from 2013'.

Due to last year going so quickly, you may feel as though you are behind the times a little bit when it comes to what to wear.

You may be the guy thats wants to wear what he has seen on the latest catwalks but sometimes you have to think 'If it still looks good, why not wear it?' Who cares if it was part of an AW13 collection! I have loads of stuff from winter last year that I am certainly not going to give up just because i bought them last year.

For example Camel coats where part of AW12 and they are still flying off the shelves.

You should always want to stand out from the crowd with your own subtle style and sometimes wearing an old piece can just do that!


1. Denim Jackets

I remember buying my first denim jacket back in autumn 2012 just before I set off for university and thinking 'Christ can I pull this off?'

The one I bought was a light wash denim, very jazzy! At this time the denim jacket had just started to break it way back into the high street.

I have worn my denim in every season. In autumn and winter I wear it it dark dark jeans, casual dark flannel checked shirt and a light plain tee underneath and boots. Sometimes if it really cold you can throw a pea coat over it and it blends in well (make sure its a dark coat).

 In summer and light tee, polo or lightweight flowery shirt with chinos or shorts and boats shoes and you are good to go.

Topman                  Source unknown                        Asos

2. Patterned Shirts

 If you want to add a bit of something that will make you stand out patterned shirts are the one!

If you are going to wear a real eye catcher make sure that is the only thing you wear that will stand out. Keep everything else simple.

If you are going to wear something like a red and blue paisley wear it with dark jeans and a pea coat. Or if you want to wear one to the office, try a polka dot shirt with a grey and navy suit it allows your shirt to take centre stage.

Nick Wooster is great with bold colours. He wears dark suits with bright yellow shoes. You're thinking 'What!?!' but trust me this man pulls.it.off!

Clockwise from top left - Paul Smith, Unknown, All Saints, Chuck Bass (Gossip Girl)

3. Boots

There is not much I can say about boots other then...I love them! I love them whether they are chelsea boots, biker boots or another kind of boots. Other than ugg boots!

In early 2013 boots were everywhere thanks to our delightful weather.

Chelsea boots are huge right now especially suede, although dark tan leather ones were on many peoples feet this year at Mens London Fashion Week.

Boots can be worn on all occasions and more recently with suits. Being a student I tend to wear mine very casually. Mainly with things such as dark or black skinny fit jeans, loose tee shirt and checked flannel shirts with a coat or jacket over the top.

Don't just stick with the conventional boot mix it up with brogue or leather walking style boots.

When wearing boots, mainly chelsea boots, I like to see what Harry Styles wears his as I am pretty sure he sleeps in chelsea boots. He is always wearing them!

Harry Styles                                Prada*                                 All Saints

These are a few of the things I think you should most definitely keep from 2013. Don't always let the catwalks dictate what you think you should wear.

As always I would like to hear from you. Do you guys think I have missed anything? What else are you going to keep wearing from 2013? Or am I completely wrong?

Don't forget to email or tweet me and we now have Instagram-@Mens_Trends1.

Sam

*property of GQ Magazine. If you wish for me to take it down do not hesitate to contact me.

You get asked the question 'What colours do you wear in Autumn and Winter?' You mentally scan you 'Winter' wardrobe and immediately think black, grey, navy etc. Dull colours. Autumn is your chance to mix some colours up and stand out from the crowd. Enter Orange.

Clockwise from top left- Folk clothing, Carhartt, River Island, Belstaff, Marc Jacobs, Levis

Is it just me or has this year gone stupidly fast. I mean its 84 days till Christmas! With the year flying by its hard to keep up with trends as seasons are coming and going faster than Chelsea managers.

Winter can be a bit tricky as you need to add a bit of colour to your apparel without it being over the top. This is the time to stick to the a dark burgundy or a British racing Green to give you that colour boost from your blacks and greys.

Now summer has ended its time to pack away those short sleeve shirts, shorts and light weight loafers. Its time for a big change to the wardrobe. Being British born and bread I know that a coat is the most important garment I shall own this season. Coats can be a tricky ordeal depending on the occasion you are in. For work on rainy days you want a smart, sleek rain mac that can keep your Savile Row suits clean and dry. Once out on the town hopping from bar to bar you want a light weight bomber, leather or canvas, that doesn't make you too hot when sipping the muddled wine.

As AW13 hits us hard, what should you have in your wardrobe?

The lightweight trench coat is a must this season BUT you must get the colour right. We are just hitting Autumn, you don't need those blacks and greys weighing you down. Beige and Navy are a must, although I have seen a bit of racing green knocking about.

The kings of this piece is obviously Burberry and if you have the money defiantly buy one but if you are a student like oneself they are out of the question. High street giants like Topman, River Island, House of Fraser and M&S all have fantastic ranges of coats at low cost prices.

Topman £140

River Island £70

You have your coat but now what do you wear underneath it? Its time to go back to the 50's and 60's so dig out that old roll neck at the bottom of your wardrobe. Roll necks have been making a massive comeback in the past few years as they can been worn for all occasions be it under and suit, with a jacket and jeans but lately we have seen them sneaking through the tops of shirts.

If you don't have one of these Ralph Lauren's are fantastic. Again if you don't want to splash out Asos is the place to look at. With the colder months creeping upon us I would suggest a thicker knitted version. Other brands to look out for are Acne, Selected and Fred Perry.

Ralph Lauren £115

Asos-£20

As the rain begins to fall and the leaves overpopulate the pavements the correct footwear is in order. One word-Boots. Predominately hiking boots, these bad boys have been all over the runways this season with Topman designs really pushing these forward.

Personally I love them. Yes they are a little bit clumpy but worn in the right way they can really enhance your look. In terms of using them to increase your look I would go for a dark brown pair with maybe a little bit of red lining somewhere be it the laces or a bit of tweed detailing just to add some colour. Buy a pair of thick winter socks like a woven black and white pair , pull them just about the top of the boot and roll your jeans up so you can see the whole boot and a little bit of the sock. These go tremendously with the trench coat and roll up, finish off with a fisherman style rolled up knit black hat.

Topman £100

Merrell £160

Sam

This years colour for guys is defiantly blue. From catwalks to high street, the colour blue is being incorporated into all outfits. This can range from shirts or jackets to little accessories of blue socks or blue coloured soles of shoes.

Okay so blue isn't exactly a new colour to dominate male clothing but it had made a huge presence this year within the fashion world and designers have really explored with it.

Fashion houses like Burberry have really experimented with blue within their SS13 Prorsum collection.



Adding to their some what different metallic collection they made some statement pieces. Such as the blue trousers on the right or the mac in the middle. Although these are extreme pieces they have created some great pieces with the 'trim' of the metallic blue. For example this wool coat with a metallic blue caban collar that adds to the piece well.














This is certainly a statement maker accessory that would defiantly make you stand out from the crowd.


Now to the wearable 

Okay so they where the extreme runway pieces we see each year, but lets see how designers and high street brands have been able to use this inspiration in their own pieces.

Ted Baker

Now Ted Baker have really taken blue in their stride in their SS13 collection. From suits to lining of shoes they have really taken blue well in their new collection.



 Reiss 

I am a big fan of Reiss especially their wool collections. They have pulled out some really good pieces this season, especially their jackets.














Current Pieces to have

When I wear blue I don't tend to go over the top with it as I have a lot of blue pieces mainly darker blue. I would tend to wear on main piece being blue either a pair of chinos, coat or a tshirt mixed with pastel. So for a basic summer look I would wear blue skinny fit chinos with a pastel yellow or chalk light weight tshirt and a pair of light coloured suede chinos.

Topman £120

H&M £39.99

Asos £85

Zara £18

Levis £20

Asos £28

Urban Outfitter £60

Topman £24

Asos £30

Zara £49.99

Trickers £335

Casio watch £22

Paul Smith belt £69.99

Carlo Riva £35

 These are just a few idea that can be incorporated into smart outwear or just a casual stroll around town. I would say that you can match these blue with mainly whites, reds brown and some pastel colours. Don't be afraid step out your comfort zone because you may find yourself liking different looks.


Sam