Highlights – Day 3 London Collections: Men

Mr Porter AW13

Last night MR PORTER announced its exclusive collections of top London designers Christopher Raeburn, J.W.Anderson and Agi & Sam at London Collection: Men with an impressive garden party at the In and Out Club. On entry, guests were presented with a fresh Gelato and the impressive food and drink in the garden didn’t fail to disappoint. This stylish and sophisticated event combined with the attendance of the hip and the glamorous served as a fitting reflection of the exclusive and stylish designers on show.

J.W.Anderson’s casual collection consisting of a knit and two graphic t-shirts are both exciting and modern. Worn with jeans they are the perfect way to approach the current and ever unpredictable English summer weather.

Agi & Sam’s three piece collection for MR PORTER stood out. Its’ aim to portray heritage and tweed offset against white made for a strong and desirable look.

Christopher Raeburn’s military styled jackets idealised as stylish but functional are without a doubt destined for every mans summer and winter wardrobe alike. The fact that Raeburns collection is Individually numbered as well as being limited to only 50 pieces worldwide offers a sense of exclusivity whilst retaining a classic look.

| By Millie Driver – Fashion Writer

Marwood

Ah, accessories: what would we do without accessories? Truth be told, We simply couldn’t live without them – their individuality, the classic sunglasses, the silk scarf, the white bow tie, the chequered socks – they allow each of us to put our unique stamp on what would otherwise be a lack of personal expression and worst of all: conformity. After a career that has taken Becky French from London to New York and back again, the designer found herself leaving wanting more. Feeling the need to create something that would last she set up Marwood. Cole Simmons sat down to talk to the English rose on lace ties, Ralph Lauren and the business of fashion.

Through a career that has seen her work for established British and American brands including Ralph Lauren and Aquascutum and now with her own brand, Marwood, Becky French has designed fashion accessories for consumers that are as confident and daring with colour and prints as she is.

“This collection was inspired by contrasts, mosaics and time-decayed surfaces, particularly having come across the book “Interiors” by photographer, Orri” says French of her design process. At Marwood, “I have tried to design for someone who is looking for unique items that are beautifully crafted and made to last. The hand-made lace ties and bow ties were built around this idea.”

With Marwood’s international success, particularly in Japan, London and most recently the United States, it is important to note the British influence of the label. “London is inspiring and British fashion encourages individuality. I particularly love this about London fashion, design and art.” says French.

Whether its Harvey Nichols in Hong Kong, Maxfield or Union in California, Liberty in Mayfair or anywhere else that offers exceptional textiles and bespoke suits Marwood is here to stay.

But French admits that it is always nice to come across someone wearing a Marwood tie and appreciates the customer purchase. In an ever-global marketplace where people want fast fashion and same day delivery and buyers and editors shop at a relentless pace, French seems unbothered by the pressure within the fashion industry “walls”.

“It has to be a natural progression. I am enjoying building the label gradually and working with the right people along the way. I have learnt from my experience at places like Ralph Lauren and appreciate his business and what he has built from scratch, although it is far bigger than what I aspire to! I definitely value the customer at the end of the day. They can’t drive the creative direction but they enable a brand to have longevity so I want to listen to them.”

The strategy can be viewed as a slow-motion model in an industry where new designers are constantly being offered an injection of capital by big corporations like LVMH (most recently Britain’s Christopher Kane accepted such an offer) all one needs to remember is if building a business brick by brick is how Ralph Lauren amassed his fortune and is still in creative control of his brand then so can British designers.

“I think from a sales perspective the wholesale and retail aspects are both just as important for Marwood. I hope they both continue to grow steadily each season.”

For Marwood accessories visit:

Liberty, Fenwick, The Dark Room, 3939 Shop

| By Cole Simmons – Fashion Editor