SEVERAL A/W15

Upon arrival to the presentation of Several AW2015, guests were greeted at the door with English tea in polystyrene cups and the strong (if not aggressive) smell of clams sitting on ice. Then, heading up the ramp of The Wolves PR office, an impressive display of a sea boat, netting and other fish catching equipment was the set of a photoshoot. Creative director, Graeme Fidler was inspired by Chris Killip's photographic series 'Skinningrove', which captured an intimate glimpse into a working class community in Britain during the late 1970s and early 1980s.

The collection carried a spirited youth of subcultures, mixed with the rugged working environment creating an intense friction between the nature of personal style and the hardline necessity of function and survival at sea.

With its firm roots in British sub-culture, Several offers an engaging edit of references to serve an informed man with understated clothing that focuses on quality, craftsmanship, and subtle luxury. Several combines traditional wardrobe pieces that are made of new, wearable and relevant items with modernity and detail, which are at the soul of the clothing that it creates.

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Photo Credit: Final 3 images by The Wolves 

MAHARISHI A/W15

 A few blocks away from Oxford Circus at The Old Sorting Office was Maharishi's A/W2015 runway show. The collection focused on the present; in an era of escalating surveillance from government agencies and corporations, the collection seeks cover and look for inspiration in the way of the ninja - the ultimate weapon in stealth. Maharishi interpreted the functionality of the garments of preparedness to combat in combination with 21st century utility suited to the needs of the international traveller.

The deigns integrated a version of the Bonsai Forest house camouflage pattern. Natural and organic shapes, accentuated with a dotted pattern; a common method of 21st century pointillism to disrupt video surveillance systems. Traditional ninja and martial arts uniforms inspire elongated silhouettes, including above-the-knee length crew sweats and extended pants, as well was dropped crotches, fitted calves, built in mittens and integrated fitted hoods.

Continuing the martial arts theme, another option to obscure the face is a baseball style cap that can be pulled down and worn over the face - with mesh eye allowing perfect vision for the wearer. The collection features Emerald green and super black, where a fleece backed reflective glass material is used for the outerwear, which returns white light to its source, so that night-lit CCTV cameras are unable to fully record the wearer's identity. Maharishi combines traditional ninja stealth and a combination of 21st century utility to deliver killer style.

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BARBOUR X WHITE MOUNTAINEERING A/W15

Sitting on Endell Street in the heart of London was Barbour x White Mountaineering's highly anticipated presentation for AW2015. The luxury English fashion brand teams with the functional Japanese outdoor clothing brand, White Mountaineering to create a collaborative collection of heritage, style infused with utilitarian technology.

The presentation was filled with fashionable guests (and it was rather nice to bump into a few of my friends from last season), who were greeted with delicious champagne at the door and the sound of cameras clicking and chatter filling the air. The guests, all crowded around the models, who stood speaking to each other. Often the boys were distracted by the sneaky sounds of cameras clicking 'click!' and flash before them.

The collection primarily showcased three colour stories of navy, olive and brown, all established Barbour favourites. The wax cotton jackets were combined with a subtle and sophisticated use of tweed in collars, hoods, shoulder and elbow patches. At the core of Barbour's design DNA are cord and cotton, which were used in trousers to complete the look of heritage and tradition of the brand.

With a Japanese influence on the collection, features of dark olive and navy were combined with black and white highlights. The exclusive print was used throughout the collection on jackets, shirts and trousers. The collaborative collection between Barbour and White Mountaineering perfectly combines the luxe heritage of Barbour and the intricate and detailed work in White Mountaineering's aesthetic.

Designer of White Mountaineering concluded "I grew up with an understanding of Barbour and from our first collection together, I believe I have created collections which incorporate both White Mountaineering's design and Barbour's original functionality."

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