I didn't get to any big shows at London Collections:Men, so was able to spend some time delving into the brands on display in the Designer Showrooms, both ready to wear and accessories. I find it very exciting seeing the creativity and enterprise on display among the smaller labels; some new, some not; some made in the UK, some not - all with great ideas.
There were many labels that caught my eye; here is a quick pick of their SS15 collections. I hope to write about many in more detail in future. Where possible, I have given the brand's website so you can contact them to find out more.
TOBEFRANK of England
A young brand priding itself on the traditions of British menswear. I met the founder, Frank Phillips, and a lady who knits her knitwear from wool from her own flock of Jacob sheep - what a great story, and one I'd like to cover in more detail soon. See Tobefrank's website.
INDEFINITELY WILD
This collection of British-made men's shirts will not appear until SS15, but the quality and design are superb. Again, I hope to tell you more soon. Meanwhile see the Indefinitely Wild website here.
I've spoken about this designer before - his beautifully tailored jackets, with clever and humorous twists on conventional designs, are a joy to behold. Look carefully at the lapel of this pinstripe jacket...
Well-established now, but a firm favourite of mine. See Universal Works.
GLOVERALL
An established British-made brand making a comeback - I hope to cover Gloverall in a future post.
I liked the clean lines and beautiful fabrics of this collection, about which I know little. I will remedy that and write more about them on the blog soon. I loved this wool and silk summer jacket (with matching trousers) in this rather poor iPhone shot, but hope you get the idea - it could have been made for me. See Mr Start.
An interesting young brand with some lovely beach/summer wear. I'm waiting to hear from them with more information and images, meanwhile, here's one from my iPhone that will give an idea. Website here, but seemed not to work when I last tried.
A favourite of mine and I've talked about them before. Outstanding design and British manufacture. See Marwood's website.
Alice makes beautiful men's accessories, in particular cuff links and pins, like the exquisite example below, in England using traditional techniques and her product design experience. See Alice Made This website.
CAMPBELL COLE
Campbell Cole's leather bags and accessories are objects of design and manufacturing perfection; beautifully-made and presented. A young brand that we will hear much more of. For more information, see Campbell Cole's website.
