House of Fraser Blog

Men’s catwalk fashion is always hit or miss. Because if you push the boundaries it’s unwearable, if you play it safe you’re branded as boring, for a menswear designer you are not only restrained by the usual furore, but society’s conventions as well.

Of course you will always have someone play with conventions, and at London Fashion Week’s Men’s day there was the good, the bad and the downright ugly.

The Good

For exciting, well tailored designs b Store has the edge. With its roots in Savile Row, b Store continues to push boundaries whilst still remaining wearable. The catwalks for Spring/Summer 2010 had a real geek chic feel to them. b Store went for a Great Gatsby inspired look whilst Carolyn Massey had a real Brit abroad with a twist feel. This was mirrored by Christopher Shannon who went for a more sportswear based collection. Above the knee shorts, bumbags and anoraks are key… told you it was geek chic. Wintle was fun with tie-dye suiting and balloon shorts.

But there were some really wearable pieces spotted, and it’s definitely worth investing in tailored shorts, short sleeved collared shirts and a shorter length anorak jacket.

The Bad

Tim Soar failed to impress with his high shine PVC trousers, and the organza dressing gown, sorry trench coat, is unlikely to have many men running to the shops. Off schedule show Child of the Jago, seemed to be having some sort of highland fling with crazed patterns and butchers aprons, not one to be tried at home.

The Ugly

Sadly there will always be crazy designs, and although there will be numerous men that will love these, it’s fair to say that the majority won’t. J W Anderson certainly has skill, but Lycra skin-tight dresses for men? Need we say more?! Designers have been trying to push skirts on men for a while now, but we can’t see it taking. As for Katie Eary, maybe some men will love shredded PVC shorts, and gold crocodile variations. But as for wearability, that went out the window.

Being on trend without being a fashion victim

Firstly understand what suits you, menswear catwalk trends tend to be filtered and watered down before they hit the peg. Men’s fashion is more about fit than women’s, where as women will belt things, pin things and do god knows what with things, men you should be looking at well fitting pieces.

Pick out a trend you like, and work it into your existing wardrobe. Don’t buy into a trend head to toe, just because Calvin Klein says you should be wearing a neon suit with neon shirt, don’t fall for it. If you like a look, adapt it to your own style.

Simplicity, men can get away with a great shirt and jeans, so invest in key pieces, good shoes, a great coat and accessories. Once you’ve got a strong wardrobe base you can always remain looking sharp and on trend.