The venues of LC:M were barely cold after the excitement and throngs of stylish and creative folk and while a certain key British Designer was showing her Autumn/Winter 2016 collection, to rave reviews, I may hasten to add, a collaborative collection she had worked on prior was just hitting the stores and website of River Island. The designer in question, is Lou Dalton, the latest Great British luxury brand to work with the River Island Design Forum.

Synonymous with an impressive attention to detail and contemporary aesthetic, Dalton has established herself as a leading light of British Menswear who has the ability to develop exceptional well crafted garments that are both considered and thought provoking.

This collection draws inspiration from photographer Perry Ogden’s book ‘Pony Kids’ and films such as The Rat Catcher and The Selfish Giant, they all tell the stories of working-class children developing personal and working relationships with horses. Lou say of this collaboration;

“I’M A SUCKER FOR DETAIL AND FINISH AND IT WAS INCREDIBLY IMPORTANT THAT WE TRIED TO CAPTURE THIS THROUGHOUT THE CAPSULE COLLECTION. WORKING WITH SUCH A GREAT COMPANY LIKE RIVER ISLAND ALLOWED US NOT TO HAVE TO COMPROMISE, ALLOWING US TO DELIVER AN END PRODUCT THAT WAS A THOUGHTFUL ECLECTIC RANGE OF CLOTHING FOR THAT MODERN DAY FELLA”.

The 13 piece collection consisting of outerwear and tailoring infuse the modern with tradition and are among the hero pieces within the range, including a navy/ blue mesh technical Mac with nylon sleeves and oversized zip-pockets creates a modern contrast of texture and colour. Classic tailoring is highlighted in the navy twill blazer and trouser, which can be teamed with the white mixed panel shirt to create a smart separates look.