CLOTHES MAKE THE MAN
The extraordinary mens blog for the modern man
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The Buyer’s Guide to Spring 2014 – Adrian Gibson – Harvey Nichols

imageOK, OK I know it feels like Spring might be a bit premature but I promise, if we really think positive thoughts, I’m sure it’ll come. Anyway, the subject of today’s Buyer’s Guide has over 20 years’ experience buying for luxury Department Stores, having worked at both Selfridges and Harrods. During his eight years at the ‘Town House Boutique’, Harvey Nichols, he has bought a repertoire of Menswear for the retailer. Harvey Nichols as a retailer, currently has stores in London, Leeds, Birmingham, Edinburgh, Manchester and Bristol in the UK and internationally Dublin, Riyadh, Hong Kong, Dubai, Turkey and Kuwait. The London flagship store is located in the heart of Knightsbridge, London’s most fashionable and exclusive shopping district. But, more importantly back to the  person in question, Mr Adrian Gibson, today he specialises in the Casual and Diffusion Collections, while continuing to introduce new and innovate brands into the Denim Gallery. So what is his top buys for Spring 14 ?

imageThere have been a lot of Animal themed prints in the last fewseason but I think this one is cleverly executed and is a great accessible price point by A Question Of

imageThis beautiful laser cut trench is from New brand to HN for SS14 Herno who produce understated but technically brilliant outerwear from Italy

imageHN (Harvey Nichols) welcomes back Versus Versace for SS14 starting with singer MIA’s collaboration which is printastic with the main collection arriving shortly.

imageThe move on from the Tiger this season at Kenzo is the Waveas shown on this knit … although we still have plenty of Tigers in new colour ways if you haven’t got one yet

imageThis Canada Goose jacket is in collaboration MulitmediaArtist Eepmon who designed the elaborate lining to this jacket.  Only 150 of the jackets made worldwide and the jacket is Exclusive to HN in the UK

imageI am a total sneaker collector and these McQueen Skull & Lace plimsolls are definitely on my list for Summer  ‘14

imageThe homage to super brand Givenchy continues … Love this update of the Star print with Summer Rose print

imageWe adore the quality and perfection of the Psycho Bunny Polo and this time finished off in attention grabbing Large Gold Bunny … Exclusive to HN in the UK is going to get you noticed

imageSweatshirts are my garment of choice at the moment and I think Neil Barrett’s are one of the most desirable … Colour blocked and sporty

imageBrand new in to HN but also Bang on trend … Amazing design and practical efficiency by Kris Van Assche

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Form an orderly McQ for this range – McQ

image003McQ was founded by the late and great visionary of British Fashion and true genius, in the creative artistic sense, Lee (Alexander) McQueen  in 2005. The range finds inspiration in street culture and sub-cultures, offering individual pieces that fit perfectly into the modern wardrobe of not only die hard McQueen followers but can be adopted by any and every stylish individual. It follows the main signature of the house collection, including structured tailoring, the nipped-in waist and of course, tartan, these are all distilled into wearable pieces that are distinct and evoke a quiet confidence but always hold a little piece of McQueen DNA. McQ collections often reference uniform and the military, drawing inspiration from Britain’s rich heritage and often reflect the emotion and raw energy often exhibited in his signature collections and Fashion shows.  Traditional British techniques and fabrics are used in contemporary ways, creating pieces that are both functional and beautiful.

After Lee’s untimely death in 2010, Sarah Burton undertook the unenviable role of Creative Director of not only the main range but McQ as well, to which she has more then rose to the challenge and excelled. With particular reference to McQ she has offered collections of youthful, modern pieces that draw on the unique design archive of Alexander McQueen. Sitting in parallel to the mainline, that remain loyal to the brand’s house codes yet are designed to be worn every day.

For Spring 13 she offers a continuation from the more elevated AW12 McQ collection, the new season features soft, washed military pieces realised in shades of khaki and moss, alongside modern interpretations of classic street wear staples, like the military parka and the cotton drill military shirt.

The influence of luxe sportswear trend can be found throughout the collection, on everything from aertex jumpers and tracksuits to polo shirts. Almost as a juxtaposition, a make do and mend feel begins to emerge, with several pieces featuring sewn-on patches and several fabrications in one garment. Pieces feature ghosting detailing under lapels and of course the McQ tartan comes in camouflage colours, to tie in with the ubiquitous military undertone of the collection. That famous Gothic fingerprint of McQueen is evident in the insect and animal prints which appear on pieces.

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the McQueen of the Castle

Never one to do things by convention, the brand and house of Alexander McQueen has long been known for its dark, gothic and unusually beautiful nature in how it produces garments for both Womenswear and more recently menswear. After the untimely death of its namesake, figurehead and dare I say Spiritual leader, Lee McQueen who tore up all of the fashion protocol and did things very much his way. Still in keeping with Lee’s spirit and producing equally jaw dropping collections Sarah Burton has taking McQueen’s mantle and completely ran with it, to her credit.

For the Menswear Collection for Autumn 2012, the brand has produced a short film to showcase the range, which is directed by Marlon Rueberg, with music by John Gosling, The film very much captures the essence of McQueen and truly what the brand is all about.

www.alexandermcqueen.com