The Next Spring Summer 2016 Press Day

Craig of That Dapper Chap attends the Next Spring Summer 2016 Press Day and previews menswear coming our way soon.

Mannequins dressed in SS16 attire

The latest Next press day was held at the beautiful Victoria House in London's Bloomsbury. A grade II listed building built in the 1920's, Victoria House has played host to a huge number of events, and I have been here on a few previous occasions attending events as part of London Collections: Men

Yours truly in full selfie mode

Spring 16 menswear sees a real shift in trends. The smart casual look that has reigned for many a season is now a thing of the past. Formal and casual have returned to heir rue forms with much more individual identities to differentiate that work to weekend wardrobe.

A classic black briefcase

White soled brogues with contrast inserts

Formalwear takes a new direction for spring with key changes in colour, texture and silhouette. 'Past Modern' is Nexts sharp, hard edged tailoring story inspired by the rebellious attitude of the Teddy Boy and the rock and roll music. What would otherwise be a dark colour palette of charcoal greys and inky blues is given a fresh new slant with stones and neutrals.

Beautiful food was served throughout the day

When it comes to pattern, checks remain strongest; with prince of wales and windowpane still prominent, a micro gingham is introduced this season to add a new dimension. Neps and slubs are key yarns and can be seen in suiting and separates so attention to detail is a must with tailoring.  

THIS jacket! Say goodbye to the bomber jacket!

Spring greens. A big colour for SS16

'The Revivalist' is the second formal story, think quintessentially British dapper gentleman. With a colour palate of fresh but earthy tomes, browns and taupes are grounded with pale blues and shades of grey. 

The new menswear display at Victoria House

Hues of blues in plain and stripes 

The formal trouser continues to be a key item and the pleat makes a welcome return but now as much more of a styling feature on a slim, ankle grazer cut. Team these with the reinvented blazer in a new textured fabric to give a timeless yet modern look.

Suede moccasins are big for SS16

Now down to the footnote, loafers are the must have shoes for spring. Whether its high shine leather or a soft suede, tassels or saddle detail - Be sure to complete your outfit with a pair of these.

Bacon ice cream anyone?

Casually styled mannequins at the Next SS16 press day

This season we have a return to a true casualwear with laundering and washing across all product areas. 'Neutrality' sees a utilitarian based story given an urban feeling. With a predominantly navy, black and grey colour palette this makes a great transitional story, adding highlights of oatmeal and tobacco to give it that fresh update for spring.

Suiting for spring is a staple from Next

Neutral and natural shades make a smart look

Print is a key focus, from geometric jacquards and stripes to clean texture and blurred polkadots on everything from knitwear and tees to casual shirts. 

On legs the five pocket jeans are the go to style but with greyed off tones and ecru added to the mix. It's all about layering for 'Neutrality', the bomber silhouette in outerwear, knitwear and jersey is paired with longline knits and tees to create this look. 

Next were showing off their floral displays at the event

A suede bomber jacket over a grey shirt

New style shoes and accessories for SS16

'Shoreline' demonstrates the emphasis on blue tones for spring. Ranging from deep dark navy, to indigo and bleached out pale shades it's the colour of the season. This story has a real coastal influence, with the Breton stripe being of huge importance, seen in all variations of width and paired down with an ankle grazing turned up chino.

Next continue to make a huge dent in the market with their suiting

Just a look I threw together

Harrington jackets are thrown over the shoulders for those windy beach days and the boat shoe is no more. It's all about a driver on the casual footwear front this season.

Yes gents, you can order flowers from Next! Who new!

mannequins in monochrome mood

Press and bloggers tweeting while enjoying a coffee

The latest casual shoe from Next

More marshmallows waiting to be dipped in chocolate

White soled shoes and boots continue next season

Guests saw their tweets displayed on the big screen

The menswear collection from Next for SS16

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That Dapper Chap Wins Fashion Blog Of The Year

Craig of That Dapper Chap attends the Next Blogger Network awards and collects the first prize for fashion blog of the year.

When I received the invitation to the Next blogger network event and award ceremony, I never thought for one second that I'd win an award. I know that's probably what you'd expect me to say, but it's the honest truth!

When people suggested that I might win something I replied "Maybe I'll get nominated or at a push I may get a runner up prize, but I won't win" little did I know!

As always there were great nibble available at the event

This years event was an all day affair and was held in the very swish Soho Hotel in London. Arriving just before 10am (it was a whole day affair) I was looking forward to a coffee and finding out what the day held in store for us. Soon after I arrived other bloggers from across the UK arrived, the level of chatter increased and coffee and tea was poured as we all caught up with each other and also made a few new friends who we hadn't had the pleasure of meeting before. 

Sent a tweet and get a treat at the Next NBN event

New friends were made and selfies were taken

More great food on offer at the Next NBN event

Yours truly engaged in conversation 

Bloggers mingles and swapped stories at the event

Soon after we were all informed of what the day would hold and we were then ushered into the auditorium where guest speakers waited for us before they shared their own stories and valuable insights in to the world of professional blogging. On the panel was Danielle from Idle Lane, Sammy from Beauty Crush, Jen Stanbrook from LoveChicLiving and lastly Rosie Fortescue from Made In Chelsea and At Fashion Forte

Guests took their seats for the talks from established bloggers

The panel shared knowledge and answered questions

After the talks we once again found ourselves back in the main room eating mini burgers & chips, bowls of delicious pasta and finger foods to tempt every palate. The anticipation built as the time came for the awards and people speculated about who they thought would win.

Guests in the main room, enjoying the lunch

So once again we poured into the auditorium and took our seats. As each runner up and winner was announced for the various categories their face appeared on the big screen alongside a picture of their website.

Then came 'Best Fashion Blog' knowing that the attendance was predominantly female I was sure that the winner wouldn't be a guy. How wrong was I! After the runner up was announced Gemma, our host, began describing the winner "We've known this guy for 2 or three years now". "Oh" I thought, "It's a bloke!" and I started to work through in my head how many other guys they had worked with for that period of time. Gemma continued "He loves a suit and he's recently been on holiday".

"I've recently been on holiday" I thought "And I do love a suit!" 

Then it happened "The winner of Best Fashion Blog of 2015 is Craig, of That Dapper Chap" It took a split second to realise it was me and I'm pretty confident that I emitted an expletive at that moment! 

Then it was my face on the screen and a shot of my web site. The music started and the spot light found me as I made my way to the stage to collect my award from Made in Chelsea Star and blogger Rosie Fortescue.

Me, collecting my award and goodie bag from Rosie Fortescue

Also representing menswear at the event were British footballer and blogger Richard Offiong and Akash, one half of A Savvy Gent. Both of whom won an award. Akash accepted one of the runner up prizes while Richard won Best Photography. It was great to see the guys represented so well in such a female dominated arena.

Of the four guys there, three won an award. Akash, Richard and myself

Following the awards it was time for cocktails. Blinis, and passion fruit and vodka cocktails were most welcome and I can safely say that I enjoyed one or two!

The official photographs were taken and following consumption of cocktails I had my picture taken. I then immediately proceeded to drop my glass award on the floor. As the room gasped in the anticipation of shattered glass and embarrassment, it luckily bounced and remained in one piece. Phew!

I blame the Blinis for my loose fingers

My official winners photograph

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What I Wore Today #41 - Monochrome in Primark

Craig of That Dapper Chap shows us what he wore today wearing a monochrome look from Primark

This look was entirely built around this simply styled coat from Primark. With it's micro check and slim fit design its a coat that's going to look great through autumn and winter but will also take you into spring.

The coat is 31% wool and is fully lined. With a simple collar, two flap pockets at the hip and a breast pocket it has a very classic design and could have been purchased from any high end men's store. 

I kept the styling simple to reflect he uncomplicated design of the coat and went for skinny fit jeans, boots and a slim fit white cotton shirt with black buttons.

WHERE IT'S ALL FROM

Boots: Primark £15.00

Skinny Black Jeans: Primark £10.00

White Cotton Shirt: Primark £10:00

Coat: Primark £35.00

Grey knitted gloves: Primark £1.00

Sunglasses: Primark £2.00

Belt: Primark £3.00

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What I Wore Today #40 - Autumnal Shades

Craig of That Dapper Chap shows us what he wore today, taking inspiration from the changing autumnal landscape and showing off his new boots from Chatham Footwear

Autumn is well and truly here, the leaves have turned a mixture of stunning ochres and deep reds, the nights have got darker and colder and it's time to pull out your winter coat.

I bought this coat last autumn from Zara while on a trip to London. It's still great for this year with its slim fit and classic military shape. As often with Zara they added a twist to this classic, and used a very contemporary fabric, making it stand out from other coats on the high street. Unfortunately it isn't available this year but there is an equivalent in a large black and grey check. It's also available in a blazer too, and it's something I've added to my Christmas list.

Think of layering I chose a floral shirt with a very autumnal colour scheme and wore this under a cardigan with hues of burnt umber. The tie is vintage and helps to bring the colour scheme together while making a bit of a statement against the floral shirt.

Footwear has to be substantial at this time of year so I opted for these beauties. These are the 'Stornoway' tan leather and tweed boots from Chatham. I recently listed my top five pairs of shoes and boots from Chatham and these were number one in my list. See the article HERE

Where It's All From

Stornoway Leather and tweed boots - Chatham

Wool check trousers - Topman

Floral print shirt - Burton

Brown cardigan - H&M

Vintage diamond check tie - Ebay

Coat hanger tie clip - Stitches of Style

Wool check coat - Zara

Leather gloves - Zara

Sunglasses - Primark

Leather suitcase - Vintage

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