FASHION - London Fashion Week (Man Day)

It seems that London Fashion Week's day dedicated to men's fashion has be coined 'Man Day' so from here on in I'm going to just go with that.

I managed to make it to one show which was Tim Soar's AW10 collection. It was shown in a rather dark, little, bare-shelved library with chairs that reminded me of being back at school. It was all very 'years gone by' in feel and atmosphere and the collection continued in that same mood. In the press notes it was described as 'late Victorian/early Edwardian menswear reflected in a disco mirror ball'. It was definitely quite traditional with camel coats, velvet, cashmere, wool, smart jackets and frock coats alongside pinstripe trousers and trousers with exposed seams.

My favourite piece was the blue velvet jacket which had a real richness of colour that stood out. Interestingly the shirts were long and fluid... I'm not sure that it's something that looks so good on the average man. A bit too 'period' and feminine for my liking. The Star-Trek-esque camel top was also a little much for my taste.

There actually weren't as many outfits as I expected so the collection seemed small and the show over sooner than most. However, the whole thing definitely made sense together, except perhaps the light denim jeans which I didn't find very inspiring. Although the setting was right for the collection, it wasn't the best place to show off the clothes with everyone craning their neck to get a good look. That said, almost everyone was on the front row, so what we did see was up close.

See the full length shots.

Thanks again to VitaminWater who invited me to the show as their guest. It made me giggle as I was leaving because the lovely older man sitting next to me was asking around making sure everyone had a bottle of Vitamin Water to take away with them.

The celebrities also came out in force for the men's shows with Kate Moss, Janet Jackson and Billie Piper all sitting front row at various shows. If you are wondering which other designers to check out then visit the links below:

• Menswear designer James Long talks to Simon Chilvers - Guardian UK
• The fashion week debut of Gieves and Hawkes - G&H blog
• Day six catwalk images and videos - London Fashion Week
• Carolyn Massey opens menswear day - The Telegraph
  

FASHION - Something For The Guys

London Fashion Week is in full swing and although the men's shows aren't until Wednesday I've seen a lot of stylish guys showcasing their fashion tastes at the shows. I spotted one photographer in a fabulous jacket casually thrown on with jeans. This effortless style is so much more appealing that the try-too-hard efforts of many others.

I've also seen a lot of things that I wouldn't recommend the average Joe tries. Like top-to-toe Chanel (women's) clothing and accessories. He had the figure for it, but even so. Some guys have definitely been making the effort in dapper suits and bow ties. I love this look and at a fashion event it looks great, even if it's not what you'd wear to the pub on a Saturday afternoon. I saw quite a few pairs of rolled up trousers, or trousers cut just a bit shorter than you would normally wear them too... something to consider for the summer maybe.

And how do you feel about stick-on body jewellery? The guys were in on the action at the J Maskrey show on Saturday. All very glitzy, perhaps a little too much glitter for the guys? I'll let you decide.

HAIR - Best Product Name Ever...

I stumbled across this fairly new hair styling range for men a little while ago. The first thing to note? It's called Beever *giggles*. Innuendo aside, you just have to visit the Beever website. Usually me and flash sites don't mix but this one loads quickly and it's worth the wait anyway. It's a rather surreal experience to say the least. The ever so slightly offensive adverts also make me giggle.

As for the hair products themselves, choose from matifying paste, gloss putty, shaping paste and moulding clay and be safe in the knowledge that this brand will always add kudos to your coolness.

NEWS - Hackett London Sponsors Lotus F1

Heikki and Jarno dressed for the track... and Monte Carlo

Lotus Racing has announced that Hackett London will be the team’s Official Clothing Supplier for the 2010 season. The two iconic British brands have signed a deal that will see the team wearing Hackett London’s distinctive clothing throughout the season around the world and you'll also spot the Hackett London logo featured on the Lotus Racing cars.

Team Principal Tony Fernandes says “I know a lot of hard work has gone in on both sides to make this deal happen, and I think it’s a sign of the power of the Lotus Racing brand that we have been able to bring Hackett on board. It’s a great marriage of two classically British brands and I’m looking forward to seeing the team bringing a bit of British style to the pit lane.”

“When I was growing up my imagination was captivated by the likes of Jim Clark and Graham Hill in those narrow looking Lotus cars resplendent in British Racing Green and epitomising a certain style and savoir faire. When the opportunity came to get involved with Lotus Racing I relished the chance to get involved.” says Vicente Castellano, Managing Director of Hackett.

Hackett’s sponsorship of The Boat Race, the Army Polo Team, the London Rowing Club, Klosters Snow Polo as well as the Aston Martin Racing Team give it a clear sartorial authenticity, be it for the banks of the Thames for the Boat Race, the West Stand at Twickenham, the Stewards Enclosure at Henley Royal Regatta, the changeable conditions of the Le Mans 24 Hour and the various F1™ paddocks dotted around the world.