It has been confirmed that one of Britain's most noteable designers, Matthew Williamson will be launching a menswear line to be stocked exclusively in Harrods and Matthew Williamson boutiques this February. The collection's instore date has yet to be confirmed, however we can also reveal that the designer, renowned for his use of exotic colour and print will be taking his entire womenswear collection online. Every piece from his most recent collection will be available for the public to buy from late November when the e-commerce site will launch, so we can get some Matthew Williamson beauties no matter where we are.
The latest style to invade our wardrobes this season is the menswear trend. From boyfriend blazers and tailored suits, to classic shirts and brogues, it is all about the boy. The easy glamour takes it cue from the laid back style of mens fashion. Chloe's creative director, Hannah MacGibbon says ''the focus is on an effortless and uninhibited attitude with luxurious fabrics borrowed from men's wardrobes.'' Stella McCartney is also known for her love of masculine tailoring, with classic cut blazers and elegant suits being her signature styles. She says ''I like to play on the masculine and feminine and try to find ways to modernise it.''
Lars Nilsson has had a tough time over the last couple of years. In 2006 he was replaced at Nina Ricci by Olivier Theyskens. Then in 2008 he was unceremoniously dirched by GianfrancoFerre and just as things were shaping up for him to take over Halston, Marios Schwab pipped him to the post.
His tenacity has however paid off as rumour has it that Nilsson will soon be manufacturing his very own Men's line in collaboration with an Italian tailoring manufacturer. By next spring Nilsson should hopefully be celebrating the launch of the collection at the Pitti Uomo in Florence.
New York cool kid Alexander Wang has been hitting us with his egdy, androgynous and sexy style for some time now - bowling us over with studded bags, leather skinnies and the only fringing shoe collection to be seen in for SS09. So now it's time for the boys.
For 2010, Wang is launching a small collection of men's tops, and although they are decidedly more modest than his ready-to-wear collection, they definitely still contain that Wang factor. Picture grey-marl tees with sawn off sleeves, white, loose fitting tanks with extended arm holes and assymetric seams, and dark hooded tops, which were born to be worn undone.
When describing the person he had in mind when creating the collection, Wang told WWD; "It’s a guy who doesn’t think he’s fashionable, but is just cool and has taste and style. That’s much more appealing than a guy who’s fighting his girlfriend for the mirror."
A video preview of the collection is available to view exclusively online at alexanderwang.com
This month, the Matthew Williamson team invited all of the big websites and online journalists into their head office to talk about everything from the brand's move to London for Fashion Week next month, as well as how the credit crunch has affected his design process. The event was in aid of the launch of the Matthew Williamson online store.
Menswear designer Michael Bastian is pairing up with American sportswear label Gant. Bastian is all set to design a 50-piece capsule collection for men's A/W 2010 that will be revealed later this year in New York.
The collection of colourful, affordable and stylish wardrobe pieces will feature tailored clothing, outerwear, wovens, knits, jersey, trousers, denim and accessories. Bastian will take inspiration from Gant's archives and history, and mix it up with a little of his own modern take on American sportswear. We look forward to seeing it this winter.
It's official. Stuart Stockdale is spoiling us. Since joining Jaeger as design director in 2008, Stockdale has had the fashion industry lusting over the brand's classic investment pieces. After showing at London Fashion Week for the past three seasons, Stockdale has certified the brand as the leader in affordable luxury.
But it's not all about women. Men, if like the rest of the world the current economy is pulling on your purse strings, look no further than Jaeger's new menswear bag collection for fall. Expect hardwearing satchels in black and brown with gold detail and classic laptop bags with a modern twist that will truly take you from season to season.
The versatile nature of the bags makes them as perfect for work as they are for a weekend break away and the unisex style makes them perfect for women too.
"It's important that our new men's bag collection is in keeping with the sleek handwriting associated with Jaeger," said Stockdale. "We have produced high quality pieces, which are designed to be timeless, practical and effortlessly modern".
The collection is available in stores this week and prices range from £299 for a messenger bag to £499 for a cabin bag.
For the past four seasons Alexander Wang has been spreading his magic in his womenswear and, as previously reported, the young designer is now branching into menswear.
Today, WWD confirmed that the collection will be released a lot sooner than expected. Try, this month! The menswear pieces will be incorporated into his T line, which is based around edgy women's basics.
If his past collections are anything to go by, expect these pieces to sell out fast.
Chris Liu and Tibor Matyas are two very literal representations of why London is known for its street style. All of the Chris&Tibor brand's men's bags are named after streets, areas and iconic figures from East London and the City. Care for a 'Hoxton' side bag or a 'Bank' laptop carrier?
Both Liu and Matyas are former design consultants for Burberry Prorsum (one of Naomi's and my favourites from season to season), and that tougher-edged aesthetic came through well enough to make Harvey Nichols add the brand to its spring must-have list. Another reason we love Chris&Tibor? We didn't think anyone besides Prada could make a backpack cool.
