London Collections: Men - Day 1

Craig of That Dapper Chap takes us to the shows and presentations on day one of this seasons London Collections: Men

I can't believe that it's been six months since the last London Collections: Men. With new designers and new locations I was excited to once again be a part of it.

My LC:M started on Thursday night with the Noose & Monkey pre LC:M party where they showed off their new collection. Check out my blog post on it HERE

So, on Friday morning we rose from our slumber, enjoyed a hearty breakfast (you just never know when you're going to get to eat again at LC:M!) and jumped on the tube, ready for the opening event: The Topman catwalk show.

TOPMAN

wearing my Topman stone linen double breasted suit, I made my way to my seat. The lights dimmed and video screen on the ceiling tilted and shone light onto the catwalk. Time for the show.

This collection for SS17 was a celebration of Britain and its beautiful seaside towns. With a nostalgic vibe there were influences from the teddy boy and mod era. The 80's vibe continues too but given a sharp British twist and we saw a slim, narrow silhouette.

London Collections: Men - Day 1

Craig of That Dapper Chap attends London Collections: Men as an accredited blogger and takes us through the events of day 1

Once again all the build up and anticipation of the largest menswear event in london comes to fruition and on Friday 8th January London Collections: Men once again opened its doors and showcased all that the British menswear industry has to offer.

This season saw me with a packed itinerary so I unfortunately had to choose which shows I wanted to see more as a lot overlapped or were logistically impossible to reach in the time between shows.

Stylists, press, editors and bloggers line up to sign in to this seasons LCM

After signing in at the stunning Victoria House in Southampton Row, this seasons LC:M hub, I took my official book and lanyard, pinned my badge to my lapel and made my way to the Barbour presentation. 

Barbour

Barbour never disappoint. The inherent quality comes through in every piece and they offered us everything that we'll need for AW16: heavy knitwear, their iconic wax jackets and a collection of great shirts and accessories.

Very accessible and easy to wear I've been a Barbour fan for a while and I really like the new collection.

Chunky textured sweaters continue to be a staple items

Beautifully tailored shirts in some great fabrics

Casual styling by Barbour to keep out the cold

The latest style Barbour coat

The classic Barbour wax jacket

Another great collection from Barbour

Cottweiler

After a quick coffee break I made my way to Marylebone to see the Cottweiler show. Designers Ben Cottrell and Matthew Dainty showed us a range of intelligent and futuristic designs in metallic fabrics and sheepskin-like woollens.

Moody models in fields of wheat from Cottweiler

Futuristic designs in metallic fabrics

Fashion folk flocking to see the new Cottweiler collection

Modern fabrics in relaxed design

Impressive designs with a real edge

The new Cottweiler collection

Universal Works

Leaving the Cottweiler show it was a hop and a skip over to Blandford Street to see what Universal Works had to offer. I've always enjoyed the Universal Works show and they always offer up an interesting concept.

This season was no different and we walked in to a virtual fairground, complete with 90's dance tracks and 'all the fun of the fair' Guests enjoyed mushy peas with mint sauce and popcorn while we perused the collection.

Unstructured, relaxed and comfortable clothing for the cool and youthful won the day, and they again showed a very British and very wearable collection that could be enjoyed by anyone.

Time for the Funfair with niversal Works

Prizes for everyone at the Universal Works funfair

Relaxed but stylish

The classic funfair goldfish, its all in the details

Casual footwear from Universal Works

I enjoyed the mushy peas and they certainly filled a void in my stomach

Unstructured and easy to wear

The new Universal Works collection

Private White V.C.

So leaving the sights and sounds of the fairground behind I legged it, in the rain, over to Mayfair to the Private White V.C. store on Duke Street.

Upon entering the store I was immediately welcomed by Brutus the Bulldog who took an instant liking to my trousers, pressing his nose against my calf and following me around the store. Apparently he likes the smell of my cats!

Private White never fail to impress and I was already converted way before I stepped over the threshold. The nod to classic wartime tailoring didn't go unmissed. Designer Nick Ashley continues to offer us some great pieces and I very much need to get some in my armoury.

Arriving at he Private White V.C. store in Mayfair

Classic styling from Private White V.C.

The new Private White V.C. collection

My new buddy Brutus

I'm in love with this heavy shearling collar coat

rails of clothing from the new collection waiting to be browsed

The models take their place in the store

More elegant clothing from Private White V.C.

I managed to snap designer Nick Ashley at the event

Guests mingle, drink cocktails and enjoy the canapes 

So after a fun filled day with very little to eat, cold and slightly wet, I called it a day and made my way to my London home where I had set up base for the weekend. Day one was a success on many levels. I met some great people, reconnected with my 'LCM Buddies' and saw some great menswear.

Roll on day two I thought. That was a success too and I'll report on that very soon so watch this space.

Thanks for taking time out to read this. Pop back again soon!

Universal Works At London Collections: Men

That Dapper Chap takes us back to LC:M for a look at the new collection from Universal Works

Universal Works

Universal Works aims to create clothing that is internationally universal whilst embodying a distinctly British feel. One that is passionate, whilst having a sense of humour; garments we want to wear. With the onus on contemporary fit and functionality, whilst being confidently understated, we offer clothing that defies the whims of fashion and reflects the personality of the owner.

Guests watch the show on the giant screen

The new SS16 collection

Since its inception Universal Works has striven to create real, honest clothing that works; always looking towards improvement in a constant process of review and refinement. We create garments we love, based on the things that make us who we are.

Models line up wearing the SS16 collection

More of the UW SS16 collection

Universal Works started in late 2008 with the debut collection launching in the Autumn/Winter of the following year. After initially selling to ten retailers, we have gained a substantial following of advocates and are now stocked from Los Angeles to Seoul.

Not Another catwalk

After last seasons 'Pass' presentation I wondered if Universal Works would be able to top it. This time at LC:M Universal Works and Alan Buxton, a Nottingham based film maker and web designer, gave us 'Not Another Catwalk' a stop motion animation to show off the Universal Works nw SS16 collection.

Universal Works first worked with Alan in 2014 when they produced two short films to release their denim line and they were very excited to team up with him again for this quirky and very unusual approach to showcase their new collection.

   

THANKS FOR READING