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The Topman Blog is now becoming part of our digital magazine TOPMAN GENERATION. For all the latest in fashion, music and culture head HERE.

Valentine's Day Gifts For Him - Special Picks

Even if there’s no love in the air, look on the bright side…there can still be presents! Check out our Valentine’s gifts for him with our special handcrafted Valentine’s Day page. From romantic reds to all out Valentine’s themed gifts, there’s something for everyone (and all budgets) here with Topman. Here’s a few of our favourites.

 

Sock ‘N’ Roll

Our range of loved up socks are perfect for those not wanting to show off too much with their present this Valentine’s Day. And, after all, you can’t have too many socks…

 

Star Treks

Trek jackets are right on trend this season. They aren’t too thick, but still keep you warm on those chillier days in spring, and they bring out the urban outdoors look that’s set to be a big style this SS13. Nothing says 'I wuv you' more than not getting a cold. Awwwwww!

 

Taking The Mickey

Mickey and Minnie are still together after all this time, even after that brief fling with Daisy Duck. Wear your heart on your chest with this iconic Mickey sweatshirt.

 

Roses Are Red

Florals are big news this season, and this short sleeve shirt has been demanded by the Topman public since it was first previewed (we’re such teases) as part of the Southbank Skate trend. So, get it while you can!

    I Need A Dollar

Everyone knows red is the colour of love. Plus, if you buy him this wallet, technically the money he puts in it is yours. We’re pretty sure that’s how it works. Who said buying Valentine’s Day gifts for him couldn’t be beneficial?

Student Discount

With our very generous 20% discount offer for students under way, what better time would there be to invest in a Topman suit? From the staple navy suit to our unique heritage styles, we’re here to guide you through our on trend and timeless formal wear – and what shoes and accessories you can wear with them! So, better get shopping...it runs out 18th February!

 

 The All Purpose

Navy suits are the most versatile of formal wear as it’s acceptable to wear both black and dark brown shoes with them. This particular men's navy suit one is neither too light nor too dark, so can be worn to many occasions – formal and casual. So if you’re one of those guys who worries about what goes with what suit, we recommend this to make life easier. Also, as it's a three piece, you can add/remove the waistcoat and trousers depending on the type of event you're at!

Suit will cost £156 with the 20% student discount.

  Shoegestion #1

Loafers are as flexible as the navy suit. As these branded black loafers have a high shine, they can make a smart suit look extra cool, but can still be taken away from the outfit and worn with more casual bottoms like jeans or even chino shorts.

Shoes will cost £60 with the 20% student discount.

 

 

Check Mate

The heritage style grey check suit gets reworked with a slimmer fit. A truly classic design brought up to date. With the pattern saying a lot, wear with a solid block colour tie to keep the attention on the main attraction.

Suit will cost £140 with 20% student discount.

  Shoegestion #2

As the check suit is a darker grey, it would look amazing with these oxblood Oxford shoes. It would bring out the outfit’s potential more, but won’t overtake it as it’s a darker shade of red.

Shoes will cost £64 with 20% student discount.

 

Holy Shirt!

You always need a white shirt, but they can get tiresome. Go for this white Oxford shirt with black buttons for that little extra detail. Put with a suit or smarten up a pair of jeans with it - the options are endless.

Shirt will cost £16 with 20% student discount.

 Such A Square

Pocket squares, although very small, can add that much needed finish to an outfit. If you think your suit is looking a bit bland, simply incorporate a contrasting coloured pocket square and, hey presto, you’re outfit is alive!

Pocket square will cost £4.80 with 20% student discount.

Valentine's Gifts For Him - Little Things

It’s a well known fact that the best things come in the smallest packages. Rings, necklaces, Danny DeVito. That’s why Topman have made a collection of the greatest Valentine’s gifts to suit all price ranges. We have everyday essentials for those who don’t want to show they’re too keen and we have luxurious accessories for these who want to shout out about their love (get a room), and lots more…

Sweet Music

Do you hear music every time you see your other half? Well with this Icon Brand necklace you might literally, as it has a gold harmonica on the end of it. A truly unique present by a great up-and-coming brand.

Money Talks

On a budget but still want to show off? Check out this Harris Tweed hand woven wallet. Small enough to be a first present, fancy enough to say a lot. A perfect Valentine’s gift.

Beanie, Baby...

It’s still pretty chilly out there, but with spring approaching you want to start adding some colour into accessories. Answer: the multi-coloured beanie. This hat is the ideal transition piece to go into warmer days, all the while avoiding a cold.

Skullery

For a really alternative gift idea, go for this mixed metal skull ring. The best thing about this is that it’s limited edition, so you won’t see many of them (if any) around!

Times They Are A-Changin'

Everyone loves a good watch. It’s something you can wear everyday without fail (therefore always reminding him of you, and that he is legally your property now). This brown leather watch has an eccentric multi-pattern face, brilliant for adding a little quirkiness to an outfit. 

Valentine's Day Ideas - What To Wear

Aww, the romantic Valentine’s dinner. Whether you’ll be in the latest, swankiest restaurant or on the sofa with ready meals for two, this is an occasion where you HAVE to dress nice. Here we bring you a guide on the smartest Valentine’s Day clothes, featuring suits, branded shoes and more. But we’ll tell you now - onesies are off the menu…

 

The Smart Casual

This grey heritage style blazer is great to wear if you don’t want to commit to a full smart style. You can wear it over a plain tee with some jeans and you’ll still look like a suave country gent. Get a pocket square in there for full effect.

  Never Defeeted

These blue brogues by Ben Sherman couldn’t be more amazing if they tried. First of all, blue is the must-have colour for the season. Secondly, brogues work well with trousers and jeans. Thirdly, they’re by a remarkable brand, but won’t break the bank!

 

 

In The Navy

We’ve chosen this navy suit because of its versatility. The colour allows you to wear more kinds of shirts and shoes than a black suit would, and it can be used in more situations than a grey suit, which can come off too casual sometimes. This men’s suit is truly unbeatable for a smart Valentine’s Day dinner.

  The Full Package

This nifty little male grooming gift set is ideal (and affordable) for getting ready before the big Valentine’s date. It has shower wash (good, because if it’s a first date, you’ll probably be ultra sweaty), hair putty for getting that mop into shape, and a pair of boot socks to top it all off. Voila!

Preserving Traditions With Savile Row

Fashionable places come and go. People moved away from Carnaby Street and already the buzz of Shoreditch is fading and moving towards Dalston. But there is one fashion location that has always remained inspiring and provocative – Savile Row.

Photo from gq-magazine.co.uk

Dressing London’s finest gentlemen since 1846, Savile Row’s influence has never dwindled and has always been the go-to place for superior suiting elegance. Although sales dwindled when the easier and more accessible ready-to-wear suits came into fashion, Savile Row bounced back and proved that there’s still an important place for iconic style and professional tailoring.

So how did they fare at London Collections: Men AW13? Topman took a trip down to Spencer House to view what they had to show with their English Gentleman line. Spoiler alert: amazing.

Photo from dailymail.co.uk

Spencer House is a grand old private palace situated near Green Park, and looking at it from the outside you wonder how anyone could put on a fashion show here.

Walking into the house you could clearly see that it wasn't just a show, but an actual real life presentation, which seen models dressed to the nines in formalwear, lounging in armchairs reading books and sitting at dinner tables deep in conversation. It was like an interactive Downton Abbey and an incredible innovation for London Collections: Men to say the least.

Some of the most intriguing pieces to stand out of the whole presentation were the military inspired costumes on display in the Palm Room. On show here were the works of Dege & Skinner, Henry Poole & Co, and Gieves and Hawkes, which consisted of regal outfits completed with medals, gold lace detailing, and even swords.

It’s incredible that even after 150 years Savile Row can still remain relevant with the same ideals that made them so special in the first place. Here’s to the next 150.

 

Get your classic look now with Topman’s wide range of casual and formal suits.

London Collections : Men - Topman Design AW13 Show

It’s that time of year again. Forget Christmas, London Collections: Men AW13 is the real celebration of the year. For this season, Topman Design created a stunning array of explorer themed pieces consisting of bright parkas all the way to double breasted blazers. The story follows a man travelling around the world who picks up an assortment of different cultural influences and incorporates them into his style.

It all starts off quite neutral with soft whites and paler colours that take over parkas and turtlenecks, signifying the start of the journey.

Photo By Dan Hasby-Oliver

But as the journey goes on, the story intensifies and turns into warm burgundies and navy hues, which stand out in key pieces such as the fur coat and double breasted blazers. This is where the travelling comes to an end.

Photo Taken By Dan Hasby-Oliver

It was definitely in the details that made this exploring collection so special. Compasses and hip flasks hung from backpacks to give the piece a real authentic and classic look. This was all topped off and complimented by some amazing high hiking boots.

The show was deemed a huge success and trended worldwide on Twitter, with the Topman 360 app (which allowed you to view front row style with a 360 degree angle) going down a storm with online fashion lovers.

Photo From entertainmentwise.com

At the event were a number of special guest Tweeters that included journalists, bloggers and designers: @TheSTStyle, @HenryHolland, @_lulukennedy, @TheChicGeekcouk, @lsofd, @simonchilvers, @charlie_porter, @helenseamons, @individualism, @DetailsMatt. Also at the event were a number of celebrities including Tinie Tempah, David Gandy and Ronnie Wood. All of which you could interact with via Twitter by using our unique app.

 

Now it’s time to sit back and relax. Just joking, on to SS14…

Blood Red Shoes

Musicians have forever remained at the height of style. Mick Jagger, David Bowie, Lou Reed, Paul Weller, Alex Turner - the list goes on. To celebrate the looming London Collections: Men, we have spoken to some of today’s most style conscious artists. First we talk to Steven Ansell, drummer from heavy rock two piece Blood Red Shoes, about his leather jacket clad icons and why music and fashion have always been intrinsically linked.

 

Blood Red Shoes - Picture From lostinconcert.com

 

How do you think fashion and music relate?

I guess, from the beginning, the rebelliousness of the rock ‘n’ roll thing wasn’t just about the music, it was a presentation thing; presenting yourself in a way society thought wasn’t the standard way to look. It was a rebellious gesture in the way that making music was a rebellious gesture. So since that point there’s been a correlation between the two.

 

Who do you think the best dressed musician of all time is?

Of all time? Hmm, I’m trying to think of ones that didn’t end up looking really lame later on in life. Laura (shouts to Laura, the other half of Blood Red Shoes), who’s the best dressed musician? It’s tricky, because everyone ends up looking really bad at some point. PATTI SMITH! She’s maintained herself androgynously; it’s an interesting style that’s not common.

Patti Smith - Picture From huffingtonpost.com

 

Do you think artists have stopped caring about fashion as much compared to the times of Bowie and Reed?

No, a lot of bands care way more about style. I mean that not just in terms of how they dress, but in terms of their music; quite stylised overall – before they’ve actually figured out basic stuff like how to be in a good band, or write good songs, or get some good chemistry going with the people in the band.

 

Not to cause arguments, but who would you say is the best dressed out of Blood Red Shoes?

Laura! I just stick to leather jacket and jeans all the time – I’m sticking to the classics! I just want to look like I’m in The Clash.

The Clash - Picture From last.fm

 

Are you keeping your leather jacket on in even though you’re in Australia at the moment?

No, I took my t-shirts out of my suitcase and cut all the arms off and I rolled my jeans up to my knees because I don’t own a pair of shorts!

 

What’s the fashion in Brighton like? We imagine it to be a clichéd ‘mods and rockers’ kind of scene.

It’s crazy and eclectic; really old school mods and people that are really into old shit. Like women into ‘30s and ‘40s dresses, and guys who go out in really old school moustaches, suits and pipes as a look. Guys that are like 25. There’s a real trend for that in Brighton – real old eccentric British. I don’t see that so much anywhere else. There’s also an art university in Brighton that has insane art kids that come out with their own fashions that look like some sort of post modern hybrid of any element of fashion of the last 50 years.

Blood Red Shoes’ new EP ‘The Water’ is out Monday, January 21^st on V2 records. They will play London’s Shepherds Bush Empire on Tuesday, January 22^nd.

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 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.