God I love a pun, and I love suede.

Suede offers a smart-casual alternative to off-duty looks. I’ve always had one or two pairs of suede boots in my wardrobe. Whether Chelsea, zipped or desert, they’re great paired with your everyday denim, though is the first time I’ve ever owned a suede jacket though.

“I’ll stop wearing black when they make a darker colour”

These were words I’ve long lived by. It’s become a running joke among my friends, about how much black I wear, but it isn’t something I’m ashamed of. Black is effortless; it can be smart or casual, sexy or sophisticated, and above all, it’s the ultimate post-work transitional colour to evening events.

But things are slowly starting to change. I’ve recently began adding (*gulps*) colour into my wardrobe; starting by diluting my standard ‘all-black-everything’ look with a little add white. It’s just an easy way to lift the look and I love the block symbol on the front of this ASOS shirt. Another fave from this outfit are the trainers, they are from the new Stamp’d X Puma collaboration and they’re amazing. So comfy, slip-on and just effortlessly cool. (Side note: a simple pair of white Stan Smiths are a winner, too!)

Style shoots are a new thing to me, getting in front of the camera isn’t something I’m overly comfortable with, unless it’s for a cropped-in selfie, of course. I have my confidence issues like everyone else, but after your responses to a more casual post I put up from Australia, I decided that maybe it was time to give it a shot, and I hope you like it. Be kind! But let me know your thoughts.

Take a look at a smouldering Sean O’Pry as he models for the NEXT Menswear Autumn/Winter 2014 lookbook.

Sean O’Pry is officially the world’s top earning male model, having succeeded David Gandy to the title, so it’s clear to see why everyone and anyone is trying to get their hands on this Canadian-born stud.

It’s a super slick campaign from next with some great essentials on offer than just urge you to go shopping. Using Sean was a smart move as his widely-known face is often associated with high-end brands and campaigns like Viktor & Rolf so he lifts the whole shoot to a new level.

The undeniably strong collection if grounded with some style basics, but it’s the knitwear and formal separates, especially that amazing navy coat with the contrast faux-fur collar that really makes the collection stand out on the high street.

I’m sold, and off shopping.

What do you guys think?

I can’t believe it’s the final day of LCM! IT has gone by too quickly and I’m already off on another adventure as I write this final review.

It was a chilled final day for me, which couldn’t have been better timed. Up first was Craig Green. It was pivotal collection for Green, who is pitted as one of the brightest future stars in fashion. A collection built around ideas of workwear and utility with strong influences Japanese culture and the samurai – seen in Japanese denim and deconstructed jackets. The large oversized knits complemented the collection, highlighting Green’s signature aesthetic of sculptural shapes – which was furthered by the wooden frames attachted to the model’s backs. Why it can be hard to see the commercial side to Green’s work, it is always impressive; he pushes the boundaries of what menswear is and can be and does so with a concise and strong vision.

Up next on the agenda was Baartmans and Siegels presentation. Now I am still quite new to the brand, having come across it last season for the first time – it was love at first sight. I think what resonates with me so much is this brand’s aesthetic, it just perfectly matches how my own style. They produce classic pieces with a modern masculinity, subtle yet indulgent details lift each piece and their fur-trimmed parkas are just incredible. For SS15 the palette was dark, which as a black lover was A-OK for me, with a rich dark mossy greens and navys on a blend on military and sportswear separates.  A mix of heay and lightweight fabrics were tailored to classic British weather with small pops on pattern on accessories for a rounded collection that was accessible.

It was then off to Katie Eary. This season saw the collection leap forward in time with futuristic cowboys with a 70s flare taking to the runway. There were more pop-ups from female models too who were covered in glitter for a space-aged look. Flared bell-bottoms and wide-collared silk-printed shirts offered kaleidoscope porn aesthetic – Eary took inspiration for Rodeo collection from the film ‘The Dallas Buyers Club’. A highlight of the collection was some luxury suede biker jackets with zipper detailing.

After Katie Eary, Burberry presented their menswear Prorsum collection in their usual setting of a Royal park under canopy. It was an extraordinary collection from Burberry in an eruption of colour. Inspired by the work of Bruce Chatwin, there was also heavily typography prints and detailing, rich mixes of texture - denim under trench coats on top of woolen, coloured cropped trousers. There was also the quirk of felt bucket hats with wide floppy brims and rainbow trainers - it’s interesting to see this trend work backwards - trainers-with-anything looks began on the street as part of the revolt against heels (for women) and formality for men and have worked their way into the shows of the biggest labels. Model walked the rainbow runway with large leather totes in vibrant prints in an array of colours offering a refreshing palette for the new year.

We were back in the 70s for the next show, Tiger of Sweden, where the 1979 film ‘The Warriors’ acted as the inspiration. Creating a ‘Tiger Gang’ in homage to the lifestyle presented in the film. I am a huge fan of Tiger of Sweden – their collections are always strong, masculine and easily wearable. They create clothes that are understated but full of subtle detailing. This season was no exception with a collection of classic-with-a-twist separates including contrast-sleeved bomber jackets, iconic slip suits and newer loose shapes. Blurred leaf prints, long overcoats and baseball jerseys all added to the gang-like feel with models taking to the runway in single, double and trio forms – leading up to a whole gang walk for the finale.

It was a whirlwind final two stops for me with quick visits to see the Chester Barrie presentation before making a stop at the Berthold party to congratulate the eponymous designer on his latest offering.

Chester Barrie unveiled another success story, with exquisite tailoring and craftsmanship on fresh and modern madras smoking jackets, blazers and above-the-ankle trousers. Dubbed Rivera Visited, the spring-summer was truly at home in this collection, with two looks taking from, one a relaxed holiday aesthetic with more softer edges, knits and prints and the other a classic Barrie tailoring offering.

At Berthold, SS15 was all about avant-garde sportswear luxe. Inspired by his favourite artists, Berthold produced a collection that was a functional, modern take on streetwear. With a coat, which can become a bag ‘functionality’ was definitely the buzzword of the collection. Outerwear is particularly strong this season with prints designed in collaboration with Tara Langford.

OK, so day two is over, I may already be slightly bleary eyed too – just through lack of sleep… honest. It was a crazy day for day two with lots of tube jumping all over London for some of the biggest shows of this season.

It was an early start over at the Orlebar Brown Floral St Store but one that definitely brighten up any morning and for a multitude of reasons. The order of the day was six=packs and puppies. A winning combo in anyone’s books – four models with a dog – which corresponded to the shorts they were wearing, Bulldog, Dane Setter and Springer - each stood in the window of the store in all their muscle glory to showcase their bodies the new collection to perfection.

The ocean, and everything in and around it, inspired the collection; coral-inspired prints and colour palettes were complemented by digital beach scene prints. There was also a heavily practical element to the collection with toweling used to create crisp polo shirts and shorts. The orange separates were a personal favourite… I’ll take one of them and the bulldog to go.

After that it was time for a morning pick-me-up over at Hunter Gather. The presentation was held in its Wigmore Street store over coffees and croissants.  The collections it’s self was much brighter than we’ve seen from Hunter Gather before, with dual inspiration in the form of 70s dance hall and the new Cut Out Matisse exhibition at the Tate. Entitled #Move, the collection was presented on a base of jelly sandals – similar in style to the Agi & Sam show (new trend!). The silhouettes were loose and free, outwear sleeves were pushed up the elbow, trouser lengths were wide and cuffed jogging bottoms where pulled up to three-quarters. The multi-coloured cut outs and bold floral stencils gave the collection a unique energy while the pastel blue suede bomber jacket was an all out winner.

After Hunter Gather it was back over to the Old Sorting Office for Oliver Spencer. Oliver Spencer has always been a favourite of mine and was actually one of the first shows I went to at the very first LCM. The SS15 offering didn’t disappoint with a strong collection that featured Spencer’s signature tailoring with a sportswear element thrown in. Everything was effortlessly wearable and doused in Spencer’s trademark cool. Truly bringing the part to the Collections, Oliver Spencer was inspired by Mexican architect Luis Barragán and showcased the collection to the backdrop of a live samba band. Just incase you were still lost as to the collections themes the finale featured a line up of fully costumed dancers with headdresses galore. Fun in fashion – it’s how it should be.

It was a quick jaunt of map for Hackett’s presentation. Now known for its grand locations, this year’s show was held in the Honorable Artillery Company in East London. Entitled ‘Gentlemen’s Sport’ the collection focused on the British male sporting spectator with an array of looks to support watching sports such as the Regatta, cricket and equestrian events. Hackett’s synonymous tailoring lead throughout on modern slim-fit suiting, there were some looser shirting separates for summer with crisp tailored shorts in bolder colours, matches with suede loafers. A master class in effortless dapper dressing, the collection closes with Jeremy Hackett himself walking the runway with model in the British Army Polo uniform (which is sponsored by Hackett) – luckily they were fresh off a win!

From East to South London next for one of my most eagerly awaited shows, Jimmy Choo. For the first time Jimmy Choo would be presenting their collection in a full runway show. Hosted in County Hall, the runway was held on a round catwalk and the collection boasted a wide range of inspiration. The Jimmy Choo man is on the move, seeking adventure; the collection blended the old with the new, from traditional hand-touched styles with technical finished as well as classic designs such as brogues sitting next to modern, metallic high tops. A new J Boot style was also introduced – a slick hybrid combat-style trainer that mixes sportswear with artisanal sensibilities. The collection was fresh and unfussy and focused on the finer details of design. Denim featured heavily, underpinning the fabric as part of today’s urban uniform.

It was back to central next doe the Duchamp presentation. Held in the stunning, and I mean STUNNING location that is the Rosewood hotel, the Duchamp SS15 collection was mightily impressive. I do have a soft spot for this brand, I love their style and I love what they stand for, Duchamp is an effortless, accessible brand for all men, something I try to make my blog, and to wear their clothes is simply an education in style. Gianni Colarossi split the collection into three sections, the Elegant English Gentry (the modern businessman – workwear), Contemporary Rivera (Summer by the sea – out of office attire) and Summer Eveningwear (what it says on the tin).

It was a sartorial hat trick for Duchamp, the modern workwear was impeccable with some innovative and original ideas – I particularly loved the blue trouser/waistcoat/detailed jacket suit, it was as dapper as hell and something really new for the office. The evening where was as sophisticated as you’d expect from Duchamp, plush silks and velvets combined for an effortless cool aesthetic. The final runway hit was the introduction of seersucker blazers into the Contemporary Rivera range. Finished in unstructured silhouettes with pastel shades, this range offered assured style for any outdoor social engagement.

After Duchamp, Sarah Burton presented her latest offering for Alexander McQueen. It was a radical progression for the label’s menswear offering, which so often looks to the past for inspiration. Starting fresh, Burton still produced the usual immaculate tailoring and craftsmanship that is synonymous with the brand  but this season injected a new vigour into the collection. Inspired by Kabuki masks, the collection feature bold, asymmetric tri-tone palettes on suiting and separates. The models all walked in converse-esque trainers and the long overcoats were fastened with high chest bands.

My penultimate stop for the day was one of the biggest shows on the LCM schedule, and one of the most awaited – Moschino. It’s first time showing in London and Jeremy Scott’s first menswear collection (there was a good handful of women’s resort in their too) the collection was an explosion of irreverent fun. Proving that nothing pops quite like fizzy pop, the opening looks, moving on from last season’s MacDonald’s, were emblazoned with Coke-a-Cola branding. A tongue-in-cheek collection, it played on the idea of designer fakes with the word ‘fauxchino’ monogrammed on casual separates. It was logo mania across the board; dollar signs, playing card/Louis V-style, checkerboard logos, and the smiley face all combined to create a riot of colour – there was also a pair of short dungarees that popped up that by God I will own!

My last port of call was back in Waterloo for the Harvey Nichols Presents #BEENTRILL# launch. Held in the awesome venue that is the underground tunnels, the collection is a collaboration between the hashtag-favouring LA collective and seven of Harvey Nichols brands including, Kim Jones, Hardy Amies, Gareth Pugh, Shaun Samson and A. Sauvage, Mr Hare and Linda Farrow. The collection is awesome - it’s a melee of looks in which the randomness is part of the charm, it’s totally conceptual with some great sculptural separates coming from Gareth Pugh. The main line doesn’t drop till December, but to celebrate the launch Harvey Nichols released a collection of special edition t-shirts designed by each designer - all of the staff working the event donning them to showcase on the night… lucky shits, bet they got to keep them. #Jealous. 

What a day! Four of the biggest shows on the program done, I am spent. Off to bed to rest…

…yeah, right.

Find out what happened on Day Three.

So London Collections: Men is here again and it was a rather exciting first day of the SS15 calendar. Keep reading for my show reviews from day one.

Since Summer 2012, London Collections has gone from being the ‘fast becoming event of the season’ to the  ‘it’ event of the menswear calendar – and this year that statement was cemented with the arrivals of more menswear heavyweights in the form of Moschino and DKNY, more on them later.

First on the agenda was Lou Dalton. I’m a huge fan of Lou Dalton, her collections offer a masterful blend of wearable items with a wild twist that keeps them on the side of trend-setting fashion. This season the message was a lot more subdued than previous collections, but it didn’t disappoint. With a strong focus on tailoring, Lou’s strength and background, we were presented with a collection of slick suits in bright whites and pale pink jacquard. There were hints of motorcycle references in the biker-style jackets with zip detailing. The collection progressed into navys and greys with deeper reds in technical coats and dual-tone knitwear pieces. Overall the collection was pure class and a clear conveyance of Lou Dalton’s vision and direction her brand is heading.

Richard Nicoll’s SS15 offering was a bag full of effortless styles that carried his synonymous aesthetic or sporting style with a technical finish. Colour was intriguing, with browns outshone by bold yellows while metallic silvers complemented pale blues. The outerwear was particular strong with sharply cut jackets offering an easy-route into the brand’s style.

The collection of BFC/GQ Designer Menswear Fund winner Christopher Shannon was an eagerly awaited show - and it didn’t disappoint. Bold and brash with a hit of sexy, the models walked the runway with knotted Miley/Gwen/Bjork-inspired hair. Firmly placed in the sportswear circles, the collections featured jersey in every from, sweatshirts, shorts and trousers, all imbued with bold hand-designed graphic prints. Techincal coats provided a strong outerwear offering with technical shirting featuring colour-framed cutouts, showcasing the body beneath. Shannon dedicated the show to his mentor, the late Louise Wilson.

Agi & Sam are becoming quite the fashion duo; with a collaboration with Topman already under their belt, they are fast climbing the fashion ranks of success. For spring/summer 15 Agi & Sam headed east to create a Japanese-inspired collection. The impetus of the collection’s design narrative was the concept of the traditional suit not keeping up with modern times. While not outright rejecting the notion of a formal suit, the pair highlighted how the classic suit was not suitable for modern activities – you couldn’t ride to work in a slim-fit suit and you wouldn’t make a move from boardroom to bar in your staple pinstripe. So the collection moves to create a modern suit for modern means. This is wear the Japenese influence comes in with iconic silouhettes and features including Kimono-inspired outerwear and necklines, plus socks in (UGG) sandals, all with an unstructured nature. There was a heavy presence of pleating too, while it feminised many looks, and didn’t work as strongly on the large maxi trousers, the pleated back to bomber jackets was fresh and wearable – offering breathability and lightness.

My last stop of the day was Gieves & Hawkes and it was probably my favourite of the day. With three royal warrants to it’s name Gieves & Hawkes has quite the heritage behind it. The presentation was held in the White Cube gallery, a crisp and almost clinical setting for such a traditional brand – but it worked to their advantage. As the brand begins to expand with global domination on it’s mind, the collections has modernised and developed into a larger lifestyle brand. While classic suiting, impeccably tailored I should add, remains its bread and butter, the addition or more relaxed blazers, suede footwear and accessories gives the collection a rounded feel. The models stood on plinths around the space across two floors showcasing thirty-five looks. It was a brilliant set up, the genius lighting, plus the obviously stunning models made for am intimidating sight, but one that was utterly impressive. It made the clothes look like works of art, and the models, like Grecian statues. This collection goes to the top of my list of brands to invest in for next season.

Even on day one there were lots of trends starting to appear - one, as you can see was the colour white. Looks like SS15 is going to be a white out!

Bring on Day Two!