Time to man-up?

Do we believe that “Men buy clothing not Fashion”?  The book “Fashion brands from Armani to Zara” declares that men do not pay much attention to the catwalk or mensweek, but are more inspired by male celebrities and sports figures in choosing their style.  

I for one don’t fully agree with this but may be biased by all the male fashion students I work with.  I agree that most males look at more public icons rather than the latest images from the catwalks, but believe that the growing popularity of men’s fashion week and a stronger media emphasis on men’s fashion means men have an increasing interest in catwalks and other male fashion events.

On the other hand the increasing popularity of using famous sports figures for campaigns may be a driving factor in this change.  The appeal of David Beckham or the appearance of Tom Daley must be having a significant effect to justify the costs involved – Tom Daley is sponsored by Adidas to the tune of £750,000.  David Beckham no doubt commands an even greater fee.    

So who should men turn to for style inspiration?  I think that any inspiration that leads to our men dressing well is more than welcome!   

Lauren's Class Act

The renowned American brand, Ralph Lauren, has recently pledged to fund one of Paris’ most famous art institutes, the École National Supérieure des Beaux- Arts, located across the Seine from the Louvre museum.  This two year modernisation project will be celebrated by hosting a fashion show in the schools courtyard to feature their autumn/winter 2013-14 womenswear collection.

The project will fund the renovation of the lecture theatres- maintaining the classical aesthetic from the 350 year old school whilst adding the latest technology. 

I think this project is a lovely idea- this classic institution reflects the aesthetic of the brand, will build a positive emotional bond with the public and provide a beautiful and elegant setting for Ralph Lauren’s first ever European show.

Trend Alert: Camouflage

Camouflage is the next big print trend!  And if you haven’t already noticed it has been popping up left right and center down our highstreets.  We’ve had original, artic and even pixilated! So just how far can we push the camo print?  Here’s some pictures…   

  

Make it British

Watching our carbon footprint has been a big topic in fashion for the past few years.  It seems that companies are looking more and more to produce products in Britain, with logo such as ‘Make it British’ being launched (at LFW in September) to identify what has been made in the UK.

Labels such as ‘Closet Clothing’, ‘She Likes’ and ‘The Orphans Arms’ are a few examples of brands which supply products made in Britain.  These labels may not be as cheap as fast fashion brands, but prices are not completely awful- for example, a tee shirt from The Orphans Arms comes to roughly £30, which I consider a reasonable price for a quality product with British provenance.  

Made in Britain is definitely a market which is becoming more and more appealing.  Highstreet brands have tapped into movement with Topshop bringing out a Premium Boutique line, Marks and Spencers introducing a ‘Best of British’ line for Autumn 2013 and River Island increasing British production by 50%- okay so this may not seem like much, but we are definitely heading in the right direction in terms of keeping green!   

Increasing British manufacturing may cost a little more but has to be easier on the mind than recent horror stories about child labour and unsafe working environments in distant lands where companies have no relationship with (or adequate responsibility for) their underpaid workforce. 

Rumor has it

Rumor has it that Andy Murray and his girlfriend Kim Sears could be the new face of Burberry!  Is it coincidence that he has been seen wearing the label twice in one week- shock, horror!?  First sighting was at the Wimbledon champions ball and then again when meeting David Cameron at number 10 Downing Street.  Okay, so this could just be people talking, but it would not be a complete surprise if the brand were to take on this couple as their new faces; in previous campaigns couples such as Sienna Miller and fiancé Tom Sturridge have been used, as have Cara Delevigne and Eddie Redmayne- Burberry loves an attractive couple!

It seems Burberry have cottoned that men and women are attracted to labels where they can relate to a ‘real’ and attractive couple, particularly if they have a high public profile.  Do famous celebrities draw us in more easily?  Certainly sports personalities sell well – think David Beckham running around in those tiny boxers!  Case closed.