CLOTHES MAKE THE MAN

Every season the fashion world tells us what’s next for men’s hair. But, which of those trends will actually make it off the runway and into the barber’s chair?

While some men will claim not to notice the trends from the shows, the looks have a habit of filtering down into everyday life. And few people see that happen in real time better than Guray Kesman, founder of Kesman Male Grooming. With two busy London barbershops, one in Victoria and one in Farringdon, Guray is on the frontline of where catwalk trends meet the man on the street.

Day in, day out, he sees which looks clients are genuinely asking for, which runway looks have real staying power, and which don’t. From softer fades and effortless texture to the growing confidence around colour, Guray shares the AW26 hair trends he believes will genuinely resonate this autumn, and which are likely to stay exactly where they belong.

1. The Undone Crop

“The big shift this season is away from anything that looks too finished. Soft, natural movement is what’s coming up again and again, and it’s exactly what I’m seeing requested in the barbershop too. Men don’t want a cut that only works for the first hour after they leave the chair. They want something with texture built in, so it still looks good on day three.”

2. The Rumpled Barnet

“There’s a real ‘bed-head’ energy about this season, hair that looks like you’ve barely touched it, even though it’s taken real skill to get there. Clients are asking for that same effortless look. It’s a harder cut to execute than it looks. Getting hair to fall naturally, rather than sit stiffly, takes a proper technique.”

3. The Matte Reset

“Shine had a moment for years, but matte is what men are asking for now. It reads as more grown-up and less try-hard. I’ve changed what I reach for on the finishing side because of it.”

4. The Bold Tint

“There’s a real confidence coming through around colour this season, nothing subtle about it. I’m not seeing men asking for anything too extreme just yet, but there’s definitely more openness to it generally, whether that’s a client wanting to cover grey with more warmth, or someone genuinely wanting to experiment for the first time.”

5. The European Flow

“This continues to be one of the biggest men’s hairstyle trends this season, thanks to its effortless movement, natural texture, and versatility. With soft layers and a relaxed finish, it suits a wide range of hair types and can be styled casually for everyday wear or refined for a more polished look. It’s the perfect choice for anyone wanting a modern hairstyle that looks stylish without trying too hard.”

6. The Braided Edit

“Braiding has become a real point of interest this season, and it’s a good reminder to clients that texture and detail aren’t off limits for men. It’s not something everyone will take to the barbershop, but it’s opened up more conversations about texture work generally.”

7. The Soft Fade

“There’s been a shift away from razor-sharp, high-contrast fades towards something softer and more blended. It’s a small technical change, but it changes the whole feel of a cut. Combined with more length on top, it’s giving men a much softer, more natural overall shape than we were seeing a couple of years ago.”

8. The Easy Edit

“Whatever’s driving the trends this season, the real priority for most men walking into a barbershop is still ease. And this season is actually good news on that front. Natural texture and softer fades genuinely need less daily effort than the sharp, sculpted looks that were popular before. It’s a season where looking current and looking after yourself line up.”

Every autumn wardrobe needs that one defining piece. The jacket that signals the change of season, bridges the gap between late summer and cooler days, and somehow manages to feel both familiar and completely new.

For AW26, Barbour is turning to one of its most recognisable signatures for inspiration, introducing Birchwood Dress Tartan as a fresh interpretation of the heritage pattern through a distinctly contemporary lens.

Tartan and Barbour have long been natural bedfellows, but this season the iconic British brand is moving the pattern beyond traditional country dressing and into a more modern, everyday wardrobe.

Leading the collection is the Barbour Tartan Blouson Showerproof Jacket, a relaxed take on the classic outer layer that feels particularly well suited to the unpredictable British transition from summer into autumn.

Cut in a contemporary blouson silhouette, the jacket combines the visual character of Barbour’s heritage with the practicality demanded by modern everyday dressing. Lightweight showerproof fabric makes it an easy option when the weather inevitably turns, while its relaxed proportions give it the versatility to work across a variety of looks.

And versatility is perhaps where the jacket makes its strongest case.

Thrown over a simple T-shirt and denim, it works effortlessly for a weekend out of town. Layered with knitwear as temperatures begin to fall, it becomes a practical autumn staple, while pairing it with tailored trousers offers a more considered approach for navigating the city.

It’s a useful reminder that heritage clothing doesn’t have to remain rooted in the past.

As tartan begins its annual return to the autumn menswear conversation, Birchwood Dress offers a more contemporary interpretation of a pattern that has enjoyed remarkable longevity. Rather than simply revisiting the archive, Barbour has used its heritage as a starting point, translating a familiar signature into a silhouette designed for the way men dress now.

The result is a jacket that sits comfortably between countryside and city, heritage and contemporary style, practicality and personality.

Because the best seasonal pieces aren’t necessarily the loudest. They’re the ones that quietly earn their place in the wardrobe—and the Barbour Tartan Blouson looks designed to do exactly that.

There are few footwear brands that can claim quite the same combination of authenticity, craftsmanship and longevity as Red Wing. And when one of its more elusive styles makes a return, particularly in a distinctive colourway, it is worth paying attention.

For Autumn, the Red Wing 8180 Moc Toe is making a welcome comeback in limited numbers, bringing with it the rich Kangatan green leather that has made this particular version something of a cult favourite among Red Wing aficionados.

Originally introduced as a limited-edition release, the 8180 has gone on to become one of the brand’s most sought-after Moc Toe styles. Now, its distinctive green leather returns for another special release, offering existing fans the opportunity to revisit a classic and those yet to discover it a chance to get their hands on a rather special piece of Red Wing footwear.

At its heart, the 8180 remains reassuringly familiar.

The unmistakable Moc Toe silhouette is retained, complete with Red Wing’s signature construction, white Traction Tred sole and durable Goodyear Welt construction. It is the Kangatan leather that does the talking, however, giving the traditionally rugged shape a distinctive finish that feels particularly well suited to the arrival of Autumn.

And that green is rather good.

It’s understated enough to remain wearable while offering something a little different from the familiar brown, black and amber tones that dominate the world of heritage footwear. Pair it with faded denim, heavyweight chinos or some relaxed fatigue trousers and you’ve got a combination that needs very little else.

That’s perhaps the beauty of a Red Wing Moc Toe.

It doesn’t need to shout.

The design has remained remarkably consistent because, quite simply, it works. There is something reassuring about putting on a pair of boots that has been designed around durability rather than fleeting fashion trends. The 8180 may have a limited-edition status, but the thinking behind it remains resolutely Red Wing.

And there is plenty of history behind that name.

Red Wing Shoe Company was founded in Red Wing, Minnesota, in 1905 by Charles Beckman, establishing a philosophy centred around quality footwear made to work hard and last. Over the decades, the company has developed some of the most recognisable styles in American footwear, from the introduction of the Gloria, its original women’s boot, in 1926 to the arrival of the now-iconic 877 Moc Toe in 1952.

The company also acquired the S.B. Foot Tanning Company in 1987, bringing even greater control over the materials and craftsmanship that go into its footwear.

Then, in 2007, came Red Wing Heritage, building upon that remarkable archive with lifestyle footwear that celebrates the company’s history while remaining relevant to a new generation.

That balance between heritage and contemporary relevance is precisely what makes the Kangatan Moc Toe so appealing.

This isn’t a boot that has been artificially aged to look authentic. It comes from a company that has been making footwear for more than a century, using premium materials and construction methods designed to stand the test of time.

The Goodyear Welt construction is a case in point. It’s a traditional method of attaching the sole that has long been associated with durability and repairability, while the Traction Tred sole provides the comfortable, practical foundation that has become synonymous with the Moc Toe.

In other words, this is footwear designed to get better with wear.

And that feels increasingly refreshing in a fashion landscape where so much is designed to be replaced by next season.

The Kangatan green leather adds just enough individuality to make the 8180 feel special without compromising the fundamental character that makes a Red Wing a Red Wing.

For those who already know the brand, this will probably need little introduction.

For everyone else, consider it a rather good excuse to discover why Red Wing has maintained such a devoted following for generations.

Limited edition. Properly made. Built to be worn.

And with Autumn just around the corner, the timing couldn’t be better.

In fashion, heritage is a word used so frequently it has almost lost all meaning. Every brand claims authenticity. Every collection references craftsmanship. Every campaign speaks the language of timelessness.

Very few however can point to more than a century of genuine history.

Founded in Manchester over 100 years ago,  Barney’s Originals has quietly built one of Britain’s most enduring reputations for accessible leather outerwear, specialising in pieces that sit somewhere between classic British utility and modern urban dressing.

And crucially, the brand has never attempted to become something it isn’t.

While many heritage labels either over-commercialise their archive or disappear entirely into nostalgia, Barney’s Originals continues to evolve its identity with a refreshingly contemporary confidence. The latest collection demonstrates exactly why the brand has remained relevant for so long.

Leather Outerwear That Feels Modern Again

Leather jackets have always occupied a unique position within menswear and womenswear. Few garments carry the same cultural weight. From Hollywood rebellion to British subcultures, from rock icons to minimalist luxury, leather outerwear constantly reinvents itself while somehow remaining timeless.

The challenge for modern brands however is making it feel contemporary without stripping away its character.

Barney’s Originals handles that balance particularly well this season.

The new collection leans into elevated silhouettes, refined proportions and sharper detailing, while maintaining the beautifully crafted leather and suede finishes that have become synonymous with the brand. Hardware feels cleaner. Fastenings feel more considered. Shapes appear subtly updated without chasing transient runway trends.

Importantly, the collection avoids over-design.

There is restraint here. Jackets designed for actual wardrobes rather than social media moments. Pieces intended to age naturally and become part of someone’s everyday uniform rather than existing for a single season.

That practicality has always been part of the brand’s appeal.

Accessible Luxury Still Matters

Perhaps the most interesting aspect of Barney’s Originals is its continued commitment to accessibility.

Luxury fashion increasingly feels divided between ultra-premium designer pricing and disposable fast fashion with very little existing in the middle ground. Barney’s occupies a space many consumers are quietly returning to: quality-driven investment dressing without the intimidation or absurdity of luxury mark-ups.

The use of leather and suede at more attainable price points gives the collection genuine relevance in the current market. Consumers are becoming more selective with purchases, investing less in trend-led excess and more in versatile pieces capable of longevity.

That shift plays directly into Barney’s strengths.

The latest offering spans menswear, womenswear and unisex styles with a focus on effortless daily dressing rather than heavily stylised fashion narratives. It feels wearable in the best possible sense of the word.

Not basic.

Just intelligently designed.

The Rise Of Functional Style

Another notable evolution this season comes through the expanded accessories offering.

Alongside outerwear, Barney’s Originals introduces updated bag styles ranging from understated everyday essentials to more statement-led finishing pieces. Again, functionality appears central to the design philosophy. These are accessories designed to integrate into real life rather than exist purely as aesthetic props.

That practicality reflects a wider movement currently shaping fashion more broadly.

Consumers increasingly want versatility. Pieces that transition between work, travel, social settings and everyday routines without requiring complete wardrobe changes. The post-pandemic era has accelerated demand for clothing that feels adaptable, comfortable and quietly refined rather than overtly performative.

Barney’s Originals appears to understand that instinctively.

Manchester Roots, Contemporary Relevance

There is also something particularly refreshing about the brand’s continued Manchester identity.

British fashion conversations often revolve overwhelmingly around London, yet regional heritage brands frequently possess a far more grounded understanding of how people actually dress. Manchester’s industrial history, music culture and working-class style legacy have long influenced British outerwear in subtle but important ways.

That sensibility still runs through Barney’s Originals today.

The collection feels urban without trying too hard. Refined without becoming inaccessible. Heritage-driven without becoming trapped in the past.

And perhaps that is ultimately why the brand continues to resonate after more than a century.

Because while fashion constantly reinvents itself, genuinely well-made outerwear never really goes out of style.

In the world of high-stakes espionage, the tools that matter aren’t off-the-shelf—they’re engineered with intent. That same philosophy underpins Byzek, a one-of-one commission from Arkansas-based design and engineering house Helderburg Defenders. While it retains the iconic silhouette of the Defender D110, this build marks a decisive shift away from traditional restomod culture, positioning Helderburg as a creator of fully proprietary automotive systems.

Inspired by the enduring legacy of James Bond, Byzek operates in a space where elegance meets mechanical precision. Every element is conceived as part of a unified, in-house ecosystem—eschewing the typical reliance on aftermarket upgrades. Founder Paul Potratz approaches each vehicle not as an assembly of parts, but as a cohesive system, engineered from the ground up.

That philosophy is most evident in the reworked drivetrain, developed entirely in-house. The result is a refined, linear power delivery that replaces the Defender’s traditional character with something altogether smoother—closer to a Grand Tourer than a utilitarian off-roader, yet without losing its commanding presence.

Visually, the Bond influence is equally pronounced. The bespoke Arctic Grey finish—formulated within Helderburg’s own lab—shifts tonally depending on light, moving from a soft blue-grey to a deeper, more assertive charcoal. It’s a subtle but striking detail that reinforces the vehicle’s cinematic sensibility.

Inside, the narrative continues. The cabin evokes the quiet sophistication of an English library—an intentional contrast to the rugged DNA of the Defender platform, and a clear expression of Helderburg’s design ethos: balance, restraint, and control.

With commissions starting at $350,000, Byzek isn’t positioned as a modification—it’s a statement. A signal that Helderburg Defenders is operating beyond the conventions of the restomod space, redefining what a legacy vehicle can become when every detail is engineered as part of a singular vision.