Last week the long awaited collection by British designer James Long was physically unveiled for the first time at Topman’s General Store in Shoreditch. With publications such as GQ, Clash and a hefty amount of blogs reporting on it prior to the event (and even more after), it’s no wonder the preview was packed with people wanting to get their hands on the special garments.
For those who don’t know about the collection (where have you been?!): exclusive to Topman, Long’s luxury knitwear pieces echo his roots by being crafted in Britain using British yarns. His iconic work boasts multi-colour tartans and oversized polka dots, with inspiration being taken from some of his favourite musical legends – Sex Pistols, Keith Richards and Bobby Gillespie. An extraordinary line unlike anything else out there, so be sure to get a piece soon…they won’t be round for long.
The General Store was the ideal setting for this knitwear. Put against exposed brickwork and coupled with odd vintage trinkets such as doll heads and artwork of anatomy, the location added to the individual feel of the collection. And with a DJ and drinks supplied by Asahi, the place felt more like an art exhibition rather than a shop.
Also at the event was the man of the hour himself – James Long. Wearing one of his own pieces, he happily admired the turn out to his collection preview, receiving an earned and heavy amount of praise wherever he stepped.
Completing his MA at the Royal College of Art, Long’s ethos is that ‘British menswear is unique as it includes new ideas mixed with the traditional.' Well, James, you’ve set the bar high for young designers. Who wants to take him on? Shop the James Long for Topman collection now.
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