London Collections: Men, Day 2

Famous names filled the schedule for Day 2 of London Collections: Men, including J.W. Anderson, who recently collaborated with Donatella Versace to launch the revived Versus brand, the simply philosophical Margaret Howell, fashion rebels KTZ and Katie Eary and British suiting masters, Savile Row. Notable collections include Rag & Bone and legendary label, Alexander McQueen, by Sarah Burton.

Rag & Bone Spring/Summer 2014

Rag & Bone have brought to men a modest collection that sneaks in eye-catching pieces discreetly. The technological colour palette almost hides the fact that there are organic elemental prints scattered amongst the collection. Despite the clinical feel to the collection as a whole, these ensembles can be worn exuding a cool and casual personality, as Rag & Bone is famed for achieving throughout their designs. Rag & Bone may want to up their game, as many designers are achieving this look with little to no effort. What saves the collection from negative feedback is their reputation for high-quality fit and material.

Alexander McQueen Spring/Summer 2014

The vision of the late Alexander McQueen has been kept alive by the commendable Sarah Burton, and it continues with their latest menswear collection. The warped idea of the male silhouette and style, as envisioned by the original designer, is accentuated throughout the collection. Feminine details are apparent as they are subtle, including patent leather ballet flats, Church-inspired printed coats and skinny trousers and corseted blazers. Hints of macabre also appear, the most obvious being the moth-eaten knits and spider-web panelled sweaters. Diversifying typical menswear pieces with feminine details may not seem new, but Sarah has most likely started a more classical approach to androgyny.

TO VIEW THE COMPLETE SCHEDULE OF LONDON COLLECTIONS: MEN, CLICK HERE

Images courtesy of Fashionising

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London Collections: Men, Day 2

With the unbelievable talent and skill shown in the designers' collections in Day 1 of London Collections: Men, Day 2 was sure to offer more than expected.

Day 2 included shows from Sibling, Mr Start, MAN by Shaun Samson, Alex Mattson and Matthew Miller. The best collections for me from Day 2 were from James Long, Katie Eary, Jonathan Saunders and Christopher Shannon .

James Long SS13

Minimalist sophistication can best describe James Long's latest collection - the calming tones of navy blue in different textures and patterns backs up the monochromatic trend for men. The attention to detail is astounding, especially on the kilts and the printed sweaters, making every garment or piece in the collection a piece of art worth having in your wardrobe.

WATCH THE RUNWAY SHOW HERE

Katie Eary SS13

Eccentric fashion design is often misunderstood, to me, it's about looking at each individual piece and how they can become a staple statement garment. Although the prints in this collection are based on vibrant sea creatures, there's no telling when they are so beautifully designed. The styling definitely reminds me of Givenchy by Riccardo Tisci, I think Jeremy Scott and Versace should have a run for their money with Katie Eary's creations for this season! 

WATCH THE RUNWAY SHOW HERE

Jonathan Saunders SS13

Fashion designers show true skill with their creativity when it comes to presenting their latest collections through alternative means. Jonathan Saunders showed his latest collection in an art installation - the models and garments seen as both sculpture and hanger. The installation is like a modern take on Pop Art, with the carefully detailed and coloured garments adding to the spectacle. The pieces from this collection present to us the modern man of colour, a man not afraid to show his true colours.

VIEW THE INSTALLATION HERE

Christopher Shannon SS13

Christopher Shannon is one of my favourite designers, and I have all the more respect for him since he has graduated from Central St Martin's in London, one of the most prestigious Fashion Design colleges in the world. Metallics, stripes, stitched denim and displaced prints defined his latest collection. Christopher's ability to turn the most basic of garments into most intricate is shown in his alterations of a simple corduroy shirt by adding a displace metallic print and adding a glimmer of stripes on the sleeve of a white collared shirt. In addition to altering simple garments, he creates toned down statement pieces which are wearable - such as the stitched denim shirt and the big striped trousers. One of my favourite collections for the coming Spring/Summer season.

WATCH THE RUNWAY SHOW HERE

All images courtesy of Vogue UK