As the line in Field of Dreams goes: “If you build it, he will come” – such a line sums up the phenomenal success of London Collections Men. The biannual celebration of men’s fashion in the capital is a permanent diary fixture that goes on from strength to strength. Now in its seventh season and newly expanded from three to four days – it’s a sign of the progress the men’s fashion week has made since 2012. Long may it continue.
Back then, the inaugural event featured shows from 46 designers and was considered an accomplishment itself. For this June, sartorial gazers will be treated to 77 designers, an impressive uplift, showcasing their latest collections. Hats off to the British Fashion Council for having the courage and providing the support to designers to get this all off the ground.
So what has Spring/Summer 2016 have in store for the fashion-conscious discerning gent? Plenty – in one word. LCM staples such as E.Tautz and Topman will have new collections to highlight, as well as fashion behemoths Tom Ford, Alexander McQueen, Burberry and Tommy Hilfiger – the latter making his debut at LCM this summer. Speaking of newbies, House of Holland and Christopher Kane should also be spotlighted for LCM firsts too.
One thing is for certain, male model David Gandy will be cutting his own discerning silhouette on the front row of shows as he continues to fly the flag as LCM’s official ambassador. Other worthwhile spots to take style cues from include David Beckham who should be on hand to launch his second collection for Belstaff, whilst Idris Elba has already previewed his upcoming line with Superdry.
So it’s all very busy for the discerning gent with an eye for fashion over the last few days (LCM started 12th June). Monday features plenty of fashion heavyweights as Paul Smith, Tom Ford, Burberry Prorsum and Saville Row Bespoke take to the runway. The fashion will be on the mark, the parties will be grand and the hangovers will last well into the rest of the week.
The full LCM Spring/Summer 16 schedule is available here.