WORDS BY BETH PEMBROKE

While the world gets over Christmas and saying a  good riddance to 2016, attention starts to move over to what the talk of the fashion world will be in the year to come! It’s always around this time that everyone starts discussing what the best and worst fashion movements of the past year, and predicting what will happen next year.

We love independent brands here. While there’s no denying top designers and big highstreets names give us a decent selection and choice, and provide us with most of what we need, independent brands give us that little something extra. Up and coming names provide us with something different – that not everyone will be wearing! 2017 is going to be another big year for some independent men’s clothing brands, because people are always looking for that extra something! So what men’s brands are going to dominate 2017…

Criminal Damage
This East London label was established in 1991, but it’s only been in the last few years that they’ve really started to take off. On a mission to add weight to the London streetwear scene, that is currently booming and gaining a buzz all around the world. Putting their unique take on streetwear, we can’t get enough of their collection of print T-shirts, sweatshirts and hoodies that covers the dark and sulky to the bright and bold. They are constantly evolving and receiving much acclaim from people for their forward thinking, affordable prices and fresh style.

Boy London
Founded in 1976, Boy London was loved by the underground, but frequently courted by an overground hungry for a piece of BOY’s trademark attitude. With a cult following, it returned in 2007 with its signature rebellious aesthetic printed across T-shirts and vests. It’s still a label that everyone wants in on. The purveyors of casual, cool style, Boy London build the foundation of a great off-duty wardrobe that will be a must-have in the coming year.

Blvck Clothing
Blvck Clothing are a lifestyle brand that offers simple, affordable clothing, and we predict 2017 to be its year! After launching in November 2007, founders Michael Yabut and Alfred De Tagle quickly acknowledged gap in the streetwear fashion market and developed a brand that underlined dark satanic imagery in its sweatshirts, tees, and hats. With designs inspired by religion, politics, identity and death, the brand aims to provoke a conversation between two people. After several celebrities having been spotted sporting the dark streetwear brand, it’s set to grow and grow this year.

Pieter
London-based designer Sebastiaan Pieter brings his assortment of contemporary menswear with a few subtle nods to gay culture. Men’s staples are decorated with gratuitous zippers and tongue-in-cheek slogans such “HH” (which we’re told stands for “high & horny”) – while a healthy dose of leather and nylon keep things masculine. Pieter describes his range as ‘a masculine look intended for a man who is aware of his body’. We expect to see it blowing up this year…

Off-White
Off-White has established itself as the go-to label for modern street fashion. Growing rapidly over the last year, Off-White bridges the gap between between the worlds of streetwear and high fashion. Founded by designer Virgil Abloh, Off-White studies concepts of branding and youth culture in the contemporary moment, translating timely inspirations such as typography and emotionally suggestive prints in his collections.