LONDON FASHION WEEK MEN'S DAY: CHRISTOPHER SHANNON AW12- AN EVERYDAY MAN

Guest post for Fashion Editor at Large by Joshua Drew

Christopher Shannon AW12 (photo: catwalking.com)

Receiving the NEWGEN MEN sponsorship in just 2010 Christopher Shannon has propelled his label to new heights in only a matter of years. This Central Saint Martins graduate should be hanging up in every man’s wardrobe by next season, and you don’t even need to be a fashion frenzied animal to adorn a collection suited for you, me, them and us.

His collection shown Wednesday was inspired by Matthieu Kassovitz's gritty 1995 film La Haine, and Sinèad O’Connor. An unlikely blend that worked by making icons of key pieces in the Shannon wardrobe, namely easy to wear pieces such as Harrington jackets with beautiful paisley detail, parkas with monochromatic prints and great bomber jackets with pristine white lace back panels. 

Key looks from Shannon's AW12 collection (photos: catwalking.com)

“ The boys modelling in the show were actually street cast, and when I saw them in my clothes I thought to myself, 'wow, the Christopher Shannon man is real, and accessible',” the designer told me post show. I couldn’t agree with him more. These clothes were not catwalky crap, it was proper gear for guys. The new season demonstrated sports aesthetic with functional cuts and large zip detailing. Shannon pieces were wearable, functional and most of all perfect for any man who simply appreciates good technique, impeccable design and continuous consistency. Here's to next season Shannon! 

This outrageously interesting backpack is at the top of my menswear wish list.

FRED BUTLER AW12: SUSHI PASTELS AND CATCHY TUNES

Posted by Bethan Holt, Fashion Junior at Large

Fred Butler AW12

Fred Butler is a clever girl- she's created a niche for herself amongst the plethora of designers competing for attention over the fashion week schedule. On Monday afternoon, Fred presented her latest collection of out-there shoes and accessories. Although she mostly works on commissions for editorials and shoots, Lady Gaga being a recent client, Fred uses the LFW platform to show the potential of her creations. For AW12, that's sushi. Yes, that's correct, the Japanese rolls of raw fish, vegetables and rice. Add to that obi belts and kimonos and you'll see that Japan is a major theme here; that's not surprising given the that Butler's aesthetic probably has most appeal for cool kids who are already massively influenced by Japan.

Lady Gaga wears Fred Butler headpiece in the Telephone video (from guardian.co.uk)

Shoes by Rosie Nicholas (image from red bull.co.uk)

The collection is called 'Tank Top-Ranking Tongue Tied and Twisted'. The name gives some indication of all the knots and plaits which Fred has incorporated into that sushi theme so that end result is a collection of origami-like 3D creations in the sweetest of colours which make the wearer look like they may have walked straight off the set of  a souped up fashion version of Star Trek.

A high collar gilet 

This harness which looked like a string of marshmallows was my favourite

This presentation wasn't just about the amazing pieces on show. Butler has teamed up with singer Charli XCX, together they have worked on a track which accompanies the collection and which Charli performed during the presentation. Red Bull brought the two together as part of their Catwalk Studio project which brings together young musicians and designers. Charli explained that Fred had already began working on the Japanese theme when they met so she used Taiko drum sounds as the starting point for the track. The pair spent plenty of studio time together which means that the whole project is a true collaboration as well as being an exciting way to do a fashion show, after all fashion doesn't exist in a vacuum but is created from all manner of cultural references. 

Fred Butler and Charli XCX (image from red bull.co.uk)

I loved that there was nothing literal about this presentation. The song was catchy and the accessories certainly didn't immediately bring to mind a tray of sushi- thank goodness!

Any pop stars/ performers/ lovers of exuberant costume reading, take note, Fred Butler should be on your wardrobe radar!

Backstage at Fred Butler AW12 

An obi/ origami belt