Fashion is art and fashion week is the vernissage.

The reigning fashion capital, London has long been known for its creativity.  Although it is only the second season where menswear has been given its own individual platform separate from London Fashion week, London has established itself as a city with opinions worth listening to in the realm of men’s fashion.

Savile Row has long held the crown internationally for its traditional men’s style. Here on The golden mile of tailoring anyone is welcome to have a bespoke tailored suit made to perfection, provided they can foot the bill.

Re-inventing and contemporising the traditional idea of tailoring are the brands Orschel-Read, Oliver Spencer and Jaewan Park. Whether it’s Jaewan Park’s Surrealist touch or Orschel-Reads jacquard prints and bold colours, the heritage fundamentals are still present and make these brands the ideal choice for a modern day gentleman.

Jaewan Park and Orschel-Read

Oliver Spencer in particular is a master at dressing real men. While most fashion shows feature models who have entered the fountain of youth with cheek bones that could cut bullet-proof glass, his casting was far more inclusive of the varied types, and ages of men.

Oliver Spencer

Another brand which illustrated diversity with casting (even featuring a smartly dressed beagle) was Agi and Sam. Well known for their witty prints, colourful plaid and snappy tailoring they will be a name to remember. This season they have taken the traditional English Countryside attire, rolled it through East London and the result, bohemian aristocrat.

Agi and Sam

Taking inspiration from the unique personal style of John Waters, designer James Long has created an idiosyncratic take on men’s casual wear. His collection featured lavishly embellished jumpers, densely worked knits and quilted leather bomber jackets using deep yellows, greens and browns.

James Long

Pushing the boundaries is not something London designers are afraid of. That being said, J.W. Anderson’s collection saw the gender line and sprinted across it. A brilliantly bold collection featuring men dressed in bandeau tops, ruffled shorts and dresses also featured more wearable coats, jumpers and trousers.

J.W. Anderson

Orange is a colour seen in almost every collection. But for those who prefer a minimal look, Lee Roach is a designer worth noting. Buckle details on the otherwise unembellished black, white and navy collection suited the slender aesthetic. Even from a distance the focus on quality is evident.

Lee Roach

To summarise the second London Collections: Men’s is difficult. In London there is a constant dance between safe and unsafe, heritage and contemporary, street style and high end, yet always a focus on quality and that is why it is the fashion capital. Unlike London’s neighbours on the mainland, people aren’t afraid of fashion. Whatever your taste, London has something for you.

(All images courtesy of British Fashion Council)

Posted By: Emma Pulbrook