How celebrities and social media are shaping British men’s fashion

We all seek ways to stay on top of the latest trends – but who and what is inspiring British men today?  From formal looks to off-duty fits, celebrities are setting the tone for men’s fashion and British men are taking note. 

A new survey of 500 British men, conducted on behalf of M&S, reveals that celebrity influence is driving purchasing decisions. More than two in five men (46%) have been inspired to buy an item of clothing or accessory because their style icon wore something similar. This number rose to 63% among 25–34-year-olds. 

Where British men look to for style inspiration has changed. Once dominated by red carpet events and magazines, social media now influences this generation of style-conscious men. 

The survey found that one in three (33%) British men reference social media as a source of fashion inspiration, showing how platforms like Instagram and TikTok now shape buying decisions in real time. Only one in five (21%) selected TV and film, while just 7% said they still seek style advice from the red carpet.  

The survey crowned football personality, David Beckham, as the most stylish male celebrity, with 38% of respondents selecting him as their fashion icon. 

Mitch Hughes, menswear director at M&S, explainsBeckham’s enduring allure: 

“David Beckham has been at the forefront of men’sfashion trends for years. His ability to transition between styles, from smartwear to athleisure,makes him aspirational yet accessible for manygenerations – a true all-rounder when it comes to style inspiration.” 

While Beckham takes the top spot overall, the runners-up shift depending on age group. 16–34-year-olds rank singer-cum-actor Harry Styles second (43%). Mitch illustrates his recognisableaesthetic:  

“Harry Styles is celebrated for his bold, expressive, boundary-breaking style. He blends traditionally masculine and feminine elements, embracing fashion as self-expression. Think of the sequined jumpsuits he wears on tour or red carpet looks thathave seen him pair high-waisted trousers with a sheer, ruffled blouse.”  

Men over 35, however, favour actor Idris Elba (59%), reflecting a preference for classic sophistication. 

“Idris Elba’s wardrobe adapts seamlessly and is versatile. From a perfectly tailored suit with a subtle modern twist or structured casual in neutral tones like black and navy, Idris’ look is always polished and never overdone.”  

Undeniably, David Bowie has left a legacy on menover the age of 35. 43% selected the late singer-songwriter and actor as the most stylish male celebrity.  

According to survey respondents, confidence is what makes a male style icon. More than a quarter (28%) of British men believe that self-assurance defines great style. 

It’s therefore no surprise that both Beckham and Styles are admired for their self-assurance, with 42% of respondents crediting Beckham’s confidence as his strongest asset and 40% saying the same of Styles. 

Mitch comments:  

“Fashion plays an important role in a celebrity’s brand identity. Confidence is what separates those who wear clothes from those we view as icons.Harry Styles is a prime example of somebody whoinfluences trends through simply owning his personal style.”  

Made in England, a sign of quality – Brooks England

Screen Shot 2015-03-16 at 12.28.43Whether you’re a cycling enthusiast, maybe it was your Father, Grandfather or even any female member of your family, hey we’re not sexist here at Clothes-Make-the-Man, the likelihood is they will have heard of Brooks or possess one of their many, built to last, cycling products.

Brooks England Ltd. is one of the few survivors of the once-glorious British bicycle industry. In 2002 the company was acquired by Selle Royal S.p.A., an international cycling group headquartered in Italy, and has since been under new management whilst maintaining its production facilities in England.

Screen Shot 2015-03-16 at 12.27.07Rather than follow the route of other former British manufacturers, Brooks instead has flourished, doubling its workforce to 40 employees and raising its annual turnover from £1,000,000 to over £7,000,000 in just under ten years.

The Brand started life in 1865, when John Boultbee Brooks left his hometown of Hinckley in Leicestershire with just £20 in his pocket. He headed for Birmingham, where in 1866 he established a business in horse harnesses and general leather goods in Great Charles Street under the name JB Brooks & Co Ltd.

In 1878, the unfortunate death of Mr Brooks’ horse led to a stroke of inspiration. Unable to afford another horse, he borrowed a bicycle in order to get to work. He loved the new invention, but found the seat quite uncomfortable and vowed to do something about it. And so it was that on 28 October 1882, Mr Brooks filed his first leather saddle patent.

Screen Shot 2015-03-16 at 12.29.15His invention was soon a roaring success, and by the late 1890s Brooks was already producing a full range of saddles and bags for bicycles and motorcycles. Over the following decades, Mr Brooks filed hundreds of patents for saddles, bags, and many other products, including clothing and accessories. By the first half of the 1900’s, Brooks was offering an astonishingly broad range of saddles and other products such as tool bags, panniers and cycle luggage, car trunks, picnic baskets, motorcycle leggings, hat cases, cycling shoes, galoshes and ponchos, even bicycle mounted cigar trays and holsters for swords and rifles.

By the 1950’s, Brooks was the largest saddle manufacturer in the world. At this time the Brooks Family decided to step out of the business. By then, the luggage division had grown so large that a new company, Antler Ltd., was created, and another division, making office furniture was sold under the name of Evertaut Ltd. These businesses survive independently to this day, while the business supplying the cycling industry continued under the family name.

J.B. Brooks & Co. Ltd. continued making leather bicycle saddles and other cycling related products, but the product range gradually shrank, and by the late 1900’s Brooks’ manufacture of cycle bags and accessories was a distant memory.

Today, Brooks England Ltd. once again draws upon its rich heritage to create a diverse offering for cyclists. Reviving the original ‘Saddles, Bags, Etc’ slogan, Brooks has re-introduced a range of cycle bags and other accessories inspired by the company’s patent archive. The new products include both reissues of original models and new designs jointly inspired by the early patents of the company’s predecessors and the needs of today’s cyclist.

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Tattoo-Do’s or Tattoo-Don’t – Tattoos in Fashion

Fashion has always been one of those objective industries where what looks good is purely a matter of opinion, with different things suiting each and every single one of us. Accessories range from bags through to scarves and many more, however many of you will have a more permanent style of accessory, in the shape of a tattoo. It’s estimated over 20 million Brits have a tattoo somewhere on their body and they are just like fashion trends, whether you have a British Bulldog on the back of your leg or some barbed wire around your arm or even your name or something equally profound in some  ancient language you have followed a trend to obtain it.

Now a new group of young tattoo artists are taking over showcasing and new range of styles so could more people want to get tattoos? Let us know your thoughts below!
One of the most recognised shops from around the world is Bang Bang NYC this shop contains some of the most in demand artists in the world all in one place and with 2 million current followers on Instagram we are sure you can imagine the waiting lists. With artists such as Mr K and Dr this doesn’t really surprise us.

The current trend in tattooing is small and dainty designs found randomly placed on the body, however you only have to look at individuals such as David Beckham and Robbie Williams to see the transformation that this industry has taken in the last 20 years. Big Tribal pieces are now rare to say the least! Now people like Brooklyn Beckham are showing the new key styles of tattooing today with many people copying this aesthetic.

Heard of Sound Cloud rappers? They are taking tattoos to a different place (not the best place we must say). People like Post Malone, lil Xan and aren’t starting in the usual places such as their arms they are just going straight for the face, Yes we did just say face!! It’s a 2018 trend which has been discussed over and over however as we said earlier it’s objective, your body, your rules!

Let us know your thoughts below, are you a tattoo fan? Have any drunken ones from a holiday in Spain? Drop them in the comment box down below!

Celebrating 100 Years Through Design – Bang & Olufsen

In 2025, Bang & Olufsen—Danish purveyors of design and acoustic excellence—mark their centenary, a milestone as bold as it is artful. Like the latest Atelier Art Deco Limited Edition range, this anniversary isn’t just a celebration: it’s a living homage to the very era when Peter Bang and Svend Olufsen first opened their doors in 1925. With a century of innovation to their name, B&O refuse to settle for mere nostalgia; instead, they fuse past and present in a tribute to craftsmanship, materiality, and sonic poetry.

The pièce de résistance of the centenary lineup is the Atelier Art Deco Limited Edition. Reimagining two flagship pieces—the Beolab 28 and Beovision (Beosound) Theatre—this curated duo channels the geometric rigor and sculptural elegance of the 1920s  

Rich materials and contrasting tones: Deep rosewood panels paired with natural and chestnut‑toned anodised aluminium evoke the drama inherent to the Art Deco movement  .

Geometric precision, century‑long memory: Aluminium surfaces feature a finely etched motif, within which 100 discrete strokes are hidden—a silent nod to a hundred years of sonic innovation  .

Limited and luxurious: Only 100 systems have been made globally (with 55 units initially)—each commanding a premium price around US $65k .

The Beovision Theatre adds kinetic grace: its motorised stand rotates the soundbar, casting lively light patterns across interiors while underscoring B&O’s belief that sound should be seen as well as heard  .

Centennial celebrations unfold not only through objects, but through immersive heritage too. Gold-tier members have been invited to pilgrimage to Struer, Denmark—where it all began—to tour the headquarters, walk through historical archives, and experience firsthand the studio, factory, and museum spaces that embody Bang & Olufsen’s timeless design DNA  .

Additionally, global design weeks, including New York, have served as stages for unveiling these Atelier editions—underscoring B&O’s ongoing dialogue with the design élite and influential tastemakers  .

From humble beginnings in 1925 to the Beosound Theatre’s sunburst stand, B&O’s 100th anniversary is more than a look back. It’s a manifesto that great design withstands time—and evolves. The Atelier Art Deco Limited Edition doesn’t merely resurrect 1920s aesthetics; it reinterprets them with modern materials, precision engineering, and a narrative that spans the decades.

As Bang & Olufsen strides into its second century, the message is clear: design is not disposable, and sound is never simply background. These limited editions—rooted in history—are also invitations to the future: living pieces, meant to be heard, seen, and felt in homes that value permanence over product churn.

Intrigued? Whether you’re chasing the rare 100‑unit release or simply curious about B&O’s future lines, stay tuned—because if their centenary tells us anything, it’s that Bang & Olufsen’s next chapter will be as considered, artful, and acoustic as their first.

A Slim Profile with Serious Substance: Bellroy’s Take on Everyday Essentials

imageIn a world awash with fast fashion and fleeting trends, there’s something quietly reassuring about a brand that focuses not just on how things look, but how they work. Enter Bellroy—an Australian-born accessories brand that’s made it its mission to refine the objects we carry every day. From impossibly slim wallets to elegantly understated tech cases, Bellroy strikes a rare balance between functional design, sustainable materials, and the kind of thoughtful craftsmanship that elevates the daily ritual of reaching for your wallet, keys, or phone. This isn’t just about carrying less—it’s about carrying smarter.

In today’s post, we take a closer look at what makes Bellroy more than just another lifestyle brand, and why their gear might just deserve a permanent spot in your pocket—or your conscience.

As a brand they understand how truly essential, the wallet, is as an accessory everyman can’t live without and our relationship with it is. Bellroy exists to ‘slim your wallet’ working with an international network of creatives, they aspire to produce elegant products made from the three main types of leather – Naked, Dressed and All-Weather. Constantly looking for new ways to condense our everyday items, Bellroy have developed a plethora of different styles, to fit the life of every man. To help guide men to the suitable choice, the collection is divided into three product categories – Everyday, Travel and Elements.image

Travel – Product made for the stylish man on the move – Passport Sleeves, Travel Wallets which come with handy compartments for your passport, house key, sim card, cards and a mini pen for immigration forms.

Elements – This collection is suited for the Active outdoors type, consisting of four styles including a new phone case, all the styles are made with all-weather leather and water-resistant zips. Designed to keep out all the elements, rain, snow, sand and grit. Saving guys from the fanny pack or zip-lock bag.

Everyday – For the day to day, these are full grained vegetable tanned wallets, ranging from card sleeves, coin pockets to wallets that can hold upto 12+ cards.

imageEach one well researched, considered, and tested to provide the best solutions for different lifestyles. The result is a collection that covers the needs of many searching for ‘better ways to carry’ and looking good whilst doing it.

The new Carry Out is the latest releas, an addition to their Everyday Range, the Carry Out can zip up your life into a single wallet, fitting almost all global currencies and passports and of course most types of smartphones.

Ideal for those who want to carry a lot, then a little, there’s a removable, slim wallet inside when you want to head out with only the essentials on board. Other features include organized access and storage for cards, a SIM/Pin pocket, a designated pocket for coins, and a slot for a pen.

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