With 'London Collections AW13: Men' fast approaching, we take a look at the hard working and dedicated Topman Design team that pulls it all off and makes it such a success.
From pattern cutting to drawing, we see how Topman Design garments are brought to life for one of the biggest fashion events of the year. It's not all about champagne and parties, y'know.
First up is Knitwear Designer Eleonor Schoelkopf - who tells us how crazy the lead up to the big day is, and why spinning plates is an important skill in her role!
Introduce yourself and what you do!
I'm the knitwear designer for Topman, I design all knitwear for the brand- main range collections, Topman Design and Topman LTD. I also work on any Designer knitwear collaborations.
What have you been busy doing in the build up to London Collections?
The process of creating the show evolves over a number of months, we work as a team on the concept and then I design the knitwear for the show. It's quite a time consuming process as each piece needs to be perfect and we only get one shot at each garment. At this stage I am chasing the factory for the samples so we can start to style the show, right now its the calm before the storm, the few days leading up to the show will be crazy, last minute changes, lots of hand finishing and late nights. That's the really exciting part - all working together to make it happen.
Who do you hope to see?
We usually have a great mix of people at the show, its nice to see young, cool celebs who are excited about the collection. I think we attract a young yet sophisticated audience. Personally I get really excited when we have great fashion journalists at the show, they are the people who really count, it'd be great to get Anna Wintour in the front row.
What can we find you doing on the day?
I'll be watching the show, not back stage, my work is done and its left to the stylist and back stage team. Its great to actually be able to relax and enjoy the show, that's the most exciting part, seeing your work on the runway. I'll also be attending other shows, I always make sure I go to see the MAN show, Fashion East Installations and James Long.
What’s been the most exciting part?
The most exciting part is watching the show, getting to see your designs on the runway. A lot of love and attention to detail goes into designing each piece, so seeing it styled up on the runway is really rewarding.
Who’s the one person you’d want to see in Topman Design?
I love the fact that Alexa Chung wore TMD SS12 to the last catwalk show, just because its shown on a guy doesn't mean that only guys can wear it. That is what's great about the London Collections show- anything goes! The menswear shows are where you see the most diverse selection of people and creative ideas.
What advice would you give for someone wanting to get into your role?
Work hard. Always use your intuition, there is no right or wrong in the fashion world, if you believe in an idea strongly, stick to it. Make it happen- it'll never be an easy ride but if you persist you never know where you might get to.
Finish this sentence: “Doing what I do, you have to be very….”
... good at spinning plates! There is always a multitude of things going on. In one day I could have around 20 jobs that need to get done so its working out how to do them simultaneously while meeting my deadline.
You will also be able to interact with bloggers and celebrities through our innovative London Collections: Men app and get an incredible 360 degree view of the show. See you on the front row...
