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London Collections: Men Rules

An opportunity to sit front row during London Collections: Men is a dream – liaising with celebrities, the endless parties, the finest clothes. But what would you actually do in that situation? Most of us would probably take too much champagne, ask the movie star next to us to ring our parents and say hello, take photos of everything and everyone every 5 seconds etc. Just in case you ever find yourself in this surreal situation and don't want to get chucked out by a trendy bouncer, we have provided some dos and don’ts when sitting with the fashion elite – prepared by fashion week veteran Simon Chilvers, Assistant Fashion Editor of The Guardian.

 

Topman Design AW12 - www.catwalk.com

 

1. Always ask celebrities or editors first before you take their picture – it's just good manners. There is nothing worse than being shouted at by a burly security dude in front of the FROW.

 

2. If you sit next to or behind a celebrity, try and look vaguely in a good mood. I was behind Tinie Tempah at a show once and he was papped to death, and the picture of me gurning in the background ended doing the rounds on the internet and I looked a right weirdo.

 

3. Just because a designer is hot-right-now doesn't mean you should wear their clothes if they're not actually your bag. Ditto the latest trends. There is nothing worse than spending a whole day at the shows in an outfit that you've picked out because it's a bit of a "look" but not really your look. I always mix a few new things with some old wardrobe faithfuls so there’s a balance.

 

4. Going backstage after a show and soaking up a bit of that atmosphere is one of my favourite parts of the job. I love seeing the model boards, which are basically all the outfits photographed on the models and pinned onto a board in the running order of the show. Another perk is talking to the designer about the ideas behind the collection, the fabrics they've used and so on. 

 

5. It's physically impossible to go to every single show or presentation during London Collections: Men, so you have to work out what you really want to see. I have to decide which shows I think are going to be good to report on for the newspaper as well as making sure I'm seeing new designers, things that I know will cement trends and collections that I think will have influence. Also, it's always worth going to one thing you think you won't like. 

 

6. In London, I'm always excited to see what the designers at MAN will do because so many of my favourite London menswear designers have emerged from this group show. Ditto Topman Design because it's important to see what trends the high-street is backing for next season.

 

7. Take lots of photos of things that excite you but not so many that you forget to watch the show itself. 

 

8. Don't be afraid to talk to the people who are sitting around you but also know when to take the hint if they're on their phone/emailing/writing etc. 

 

9. Never pass up a canapé. Ever. Ditto a glass of booze.

 

10. Go to the loo whenever you get the chance. There is nothing worse than drinking too much water/coffee/champagne and then being stuck in a queue/show that's running late/hideous traffic.

 

Topman Design’s show will be on Monday, 7^th January at the Topman Show Space at 12:00. For more information - http://tpmn.co/10T9Iq0 

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... 

London Collections: Men AW13

 

January is usually a terribly depressing month. No more parties, no more excessive meat consumption, no more dressing up fancy just for the fun of it. Well, if you’re looking for a cure to those blues, here it is – London Collections: Men.

 

Hailed as one of the greatest fashion events of the year by Prince Charles, GQ Editor Dylan Jones and an array of music moguls including Tinie Tempah, London Collections: Men returns January 7^th to showcase the highly anticipated trends for AW13.

 

Here’s a guide to some of the shows we’re most looking forward to. Move out the way, Christmas, London Collections is coming to town.

 

James Long

His knitwear collection for Topman is absolutely astonishing. Taking inspiration from his musical heroes including Keith Richards and the Sex Pistols, Long created a line of highly luxurious jumpers and cardigans (using the finest British yarn) with serious edge. Now he returns to show us what else he has up his extremely warm and stylish sleeves. Shop James Long knitwear now.

 

James Long’s show will be on Tuesday, 8^th January, at the BFC Show Space at 20:00.

 

                      Catwalk.com

 

Topman Design

We return to the catwalk with Topman Design to show our premium line. It will be one of the first major events to kick off the week and we never fail to impress. We have also just unveiled that you will be able to watch the show via the Web – with a 360 degree webcam view! You’ll also get to see what your favourite celebs are Tweeting on the front row, as they will be shown on your computer screen for you to read and interact with. Futuristic or what! We are one of the first brands to put on this innovative event in the fashion world, as we wanted to connect and get more involved with our audience. You can watch this unique show on our Facebook, official website and online magazine - Topman Generation. You can also enter a competition to win two front row tickets to the event from Wednesday, 19^th December, just head over to our Facebook page to find out more. We hope you enjoy the show.

 

Topman Design’s show will be on Monday, 7^th January, at the Topman Show Space at 12:00.

 

               Elisarolle.com

 

Nutters of Savile Row x Peter Werth

An extremely interesting collaboration to say the least, as the late and great Tommy Nutter is one of the most iconic figures of Savile Row. Creating new cuts and wider lapels that were completely unique in the Swinging Sixties, Tommy attracted everyone from the Beatles to the Rolling Stones with his avant-garde suit designs. Now that Nutters’ designers are working with Peter Werth, famous for their elegantly quintessential British styling, who knows what the outcome will be? Whatever it is, it’ll be the talk of London Collections: Men.

 

Nutters of Savile Row x Peter Werth’s show will be on Wednesday, 9^th January, at W1: 1- 3 Coventry Street at 18:00.

 

 

                       Catwalk.com

 

J.W Anderson

His range for Topshop was massive. As soon as his collection came out, it was only a matter of hours until half of London was carrying a J.W. Topshop bag. A hint at what to expect, Anderson has this to say about his work’s cultural influences: “We look a lot at different movements, within youth subcultures. You need to know what is happening in the world to be able to evoke a reaction in garment format.” With past collections providing some of the most creative and intelligent deigns to come from a young designer, London will be expecting big things – and he will be sure not to disappoint.

 

J.W. Anderson’s show will be on Wednesday, 9^th January, at the BFC Show Space at 10:00.

 

 

For more information, visit the London Collections: Men website.

 

Nobody Does It Better

The suit makes the man. It’s a fact. Throughout history, the most iconic men – real and fictional – have donned a good suit.

We run through some of the best men ever to wear a suit: from the classic to modern, and formal to outrageous.

 

    Photo from A Man Of Style

The Icon

David Bowie is to have an exhibition dedicated to his costumes at the V&A. That’s how influential his style is. In his heyday he wore some borderline mental outfits, but he also knew how to counter that and incorporate boundary pushing style into his formal attire. It was the same with his music, it was almost bipolar the way he could switch from piano ballads, to funk, then to punk. There has never been anyone like Bowie, and there probably never will be again.

Going for the bright look? Try this purple blazer.

 

 Photo from Secret Circle

The Modern Gentleman

 Ed Westwick as Gossip Girl’s playboy/bad boy Chuck Bass has to be the most stylish TV character ever. You might have missed this show if you haven’t been forced to watch it by your girlfriend, but the suits and the Upper East Side decadent lifestyle are worth watching.

Going for the New York elite look? Try out this Peter Werth suit.

 

Photo by Kooples

The Romantic

Pete Doherty has a bad rep. If he went on a puppy stamping spree (probably in The Sun tomorrow), it really couldn’t damage his image anymore than his ultra rockstar living already has. But the Doherty of the papers and the Doherty of the actual fans are two different things. Everybody (mostly the tabloids) loves a villain, so the character is distorted. We’ll probably never know the real Pete, but his dabbling into fashion design and his love of vintage wear has made him one of the most stylish indie icons ever, regardless of his personal mishaps.

Going for an indie look you can play down? Try this grey Nottingham slim suit.

 

Photo by Ken McKay

The Classic Brit

Dermot O’Leary may seem like an odd choice, but the X-Factor host epitomises classic British elegance through the simplicity of his suits. Low slung waistcoats and flawless navy shades; Dermot plays it safe, but his appeal lies in how he pulls it off so well.

Wanting to add some sophistication to your suit? Try out this navy satin two piece.

 

  Photo from Fine Art Diner

The Screen Legend

The scene in Casablanca where Humphrey Bogart looks so solemn in his white dinner jacket and bottle of booze is iconic. Bogart was the definition of masculinity, if you cut him open he bled nails and bourbon. He also wore his suits like a man – confident, no messing.

Wanting to add some golden age allure to your outfit? Then this black skinny tux if for you.

 

 

 

The Music Man

Shopping for other people is hard. It’s not like shopping for yourself, is it? Quite often, that’s what it turns out to be. Admit it, you’ve gone present hunting before and ended up with more stuff for yourself than for other people. We all do it. What you need is a starting point, and we’re here to go through every type of person you need to buy for this Christmas.

We start off with one of the toughest ones: the music mogul. Stuck on what to buy the person who just listens to records? Well, forget the boring and impersonal download vouchers, we are here to give you suggestions that’ll be music to their ears (PUN ALERT).

 

What better way to show off the band that you love than wearing it right on your chest? Here we have a few examples for every type of music lover. For the indie guy we have a white Kasabian tee, for the hip hop obsessive we have Run DMC T-shirt, and for the classic rocker we have a unique Jimi Hendrix printed stubs T-shirt.

 

Plain black earphones are a bit boring, so why not spice up your ear drums with a set of lightening bolt earbuds? There’s a pun to be made here somewhere, but after the earlier one we’re just going to leave it.

 

 

Don’t be a music hog and social pariah, share your music out, greedy! This cassette earphone splitter is the ideal way to show other people what you’re listening to without giving up half of your audio quality.

Mumford & Sons are the band of the moment and they love to dress smart. It’s hard to get the country gent look without looking like a farmer in the big city, but with these Harris Tweed waistcoats you’ll look effortlessly cool.

 

2013 Pirelli Calendar Unveiled

It's that time of year again, the 2013 Pirelli calendar has been unveiled. As tradition goes these calendars normally like to show off a lot of skin, but this time round that isn't the case.

Taking a different approach this time round the calendar's models were chosen specifically for their extensive charity work, and it was thought that nudity might dilute this message. Check out a few of the 2013 photos below...

Source: High Snobiety

For more photos head HERE.

Get With The Times

Woody Allen’s successful comeback film Midnight In Paris got us thinking: if we did end up in the past…would we stay there? The roaring ‘20s were a golden age for innovative and stylish fashion, silent black and white films, and jazz music - everything was new and exciting. But then there’s also the fact they just came out of a devastating World War, which wasn’t so exhilarating. Therefore Topman offers a guide to you; one that will get you dressed, groomed, eating and reading like you're Ernest Hemingway himself (minus the severe depression). You don’t even have to buy a Delorean and get up to 88mph, which is always a plus.

Dressing

Men's suits back then are pretty much what suits are based on now. They’ve just gotten a bit slimmer, that’s all. Even the poorest of people wore some sort of smart attire back then, so you’ve got no excuse. An example of classic style can be found in the double breasted navy hopsack suit. Traditionally adorned by gangsters in most TV shows and movies, but has always been the epitome of class.

Other popular items that will show off the gentleman lying dormant in you is the Topman Design fur coat, an ideal purchase for your winter wardrobe. A fedora hat is also a welcomed addition to any smart outfit, which if put with some paisley braces, works wonders.

Eating

Camden’s Blues Kitchen offers good ol’ fashion Cajun food like gumbo, jambalaya, and soft shell crab burgers, all served in an authentic New Orleans style environment. A fantastic place for a gig too, as big names such as Pete Doherty, Tribes and Blur’s Damon Albarn have performed in the intimate setting.

Reading

Ernest Hemingway’s A Moveable Feast is an absolute spellbinding account of a Paris we all want to visit. Not a major story within the book, just an account of a man reliving the start of his legendary writing career with the likes of other icons such as Scott and Zelda Fitzgerald. Laden with some of the greatest descriptions ever, you can almost smell the coffee, baguettes and frogs. Ahh, trés bien.

Grooming

Whether you’re fully shaved or have a neatly trimmed moustache, every man must know the pleasure of a proper grooming session. Murdock in Shoreditch offer a great shave, haircut and other masculine essentials (which they do in dashing attire; waistcoats and all). However, we can’t always have a fancy shave in a shop. For those other times, visit our grooming section for alternative affordable luxuries, such as shaving gel, body spray, and our fine premium fragrance - Distil.

 

 

Here Comes The Spring/Summer

Although it may be winter, Topman are already getting ready for the summer. We showcased our Topman spring/summer 2013 collection just off Bond Street on November 14th, where a sea of eager fashion journalists came to see what forthcoming trends will be hitting the high street in the New Year. So take a glance at what 2013 holds…we’re sure you’ll be impressed.

There is an air of sophistication here and it’s sticking out of the showroom proudly like peacock feathers. Being introduced in March 2013, this line is all about luxury. Through modern shapes and high end fabrics, Topman have produced a collection that’s elegant in every way. Key features of this preview were leather products, including a biker style jacket and a selection of bags.

Also amongst these smarter pieces were a number of suits. One necessary style is the two piece green suit with matching tie and pocket square, which will be a perfect starter for lightening up your wardrobe after the long dark winter ahead.

A trend present in the showroom definitely incorporated classic surfwear with sportswear for a very West Coast Californian look. Standout pieces are the acid wash jeans and the tie dye tees, ideal for the warmer days whether you’re a skater or simply a stroller.

Presence dominating bright statements also make an appearance here through short sleeve shirts and knitwear, dazzling with high energy kitsch prints and primary colours. You certainly won’t miss these in stores.

Taking inspiration from the desert and city street style for a mash-up like no other, this look is sure to be absolutely massive in the summer. Amongst leopard print tees are a cool array of leaf print shirts and vests. There’s also a collection of unique eye-catching suits that really are a must have for the ultra diehard fashion lover.

Can't wait for your next fashion fix? Satisfy your craving with our current winter collection on Topman.com now.

James Long For Topman - General Store Preview

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.

James Long x Topman Knitwear Illustrations by Mr Gammon

To celebrate the upcoming launch of the James Long for Topman collaboration we've teamed up with stylist and illustrator Mr Gammon, to produce some one off drawings of the knitwear collection. As an illustrator his traditional approach to drawing is to draw what he sees in front of him at any one time.

Check out some of his drawings for us below...

To see more of Mr Gammon's work head HERE and HERE.

The James Long for Topman collection will be available from 12th November HERE.

Our Instagram Web Profile is Now Online

Instagram announced earlier this week that it would bring one of the most viewed social media apps to your favourite web browser. With this addition it is now easy to see photos on a large scale, scroll through past posts and comment on users imagery.

Follow our profile for all the latest on competitions, behind the scenes plus much, much more!