The joint initiative between TOPMAN and Fashion East returns to the catwalk with an exciting new line-up in June 2013. Since 2005 the pioneering initiative has been championing new London menswear talent, giving designers a showcase on schedule as part of London Collections: Men.
For the Spring/Summer 2014 show Craig Green returns for a second season following his stellar debut and is joined by newcomers Bobby Abley and Alan Taylor.
Editor of GQ Style and MAN panel member, Ben Reardon, says of this season’s line-up: “Extreme experimental tailoring from Alan Taylor, the wonderful world of Disney from Bobby Abley and Craig Green with his mind blowing constructions and raw seditionary-style pieces make up the always inspiring line-up of MAN this season. I can't wait to have my life changed for the better once again. #obsessed”
Craig Green
Craig Green graduated top of his class from Central St Martins’ highly acclaimed MA course in February 2012 and launched his brand that same year at the SS13 Fashion East Menswear Installations.
He quickly graduated onto MAN, making his catwalk debut for AW13. His ‘light and shadow’ looks went down the runway in tandem, walking the line between the conceptual and wearable. The collection made the cover of The Guardian and was picked up by Other/Store, Cement, KINK, Picture, W&M, SL, 4 and 12345.
Craig’s multidisciplinary approach has won him a strong following thanks to unique garment treatments such as raw cut anti-fray hems, placement prints techniques and dramatic sculptural showpieces. His conceptual narratives always surprise and delight and his second outing on the MAN catwalk is sure to be no exception.
Bobby Abley
Upon graduating from Ravensbourne College in 2010, Bobby Abley cut his teeth with Jeremy Scott and Alexander McQueen. His graphic, fetishized cartoon prints and leather accessories captured the attention of Nicola Formichetti who included Bobby in a NicoPanda invasion at Lane Crawford and commissioned him to create a unique headpiece for Lady Gaga.
Bobby made his LC:M debut at Fashion East’s Menswear Installations for AW13, installing a spaceship to showcase his cosmic collection. He has already dipped his toe into womenswear with a forthcoming capsule collection with Lulu & Co for AW13.
His aesthetic is unashamedly fun, typified by the bear motif which features on printed shorts, embroidered and quilted leathers and backpacks alike. With stores Nightvision, The Unconventional, Candy and Joyrich already stocking Bobby, he’s undeniably one to watch.
Alan Taylor
Dublin-born and educated, Alan Taylor graduated from BA Fashion at the National College of Art and Design in 2010. Having worked for Alexander McQueen, Agi & Sam and fellow alum/former Fashion East designer Simone Rocha, Alan set up his eponymous label in 2011.
His Celtic roots and London base form a unique melting pot for his sharp tailoring. Collaborating with traditional Irish mills, he weaves tweed and silk compositions for a modern take on heritage fabrics. For AW13 Alan took a Cubist approach to clothing, exploring the idea of a fourth dimension which saw tailoring doubled up in mesh.
His work has been featured by the likes of Style Salvage, W magazine, Vogue Italia, Hero and Dazed & Confused.
He has recently taken part in the 4 Fashion Shake exhibition in Athens, Greece and will be one of Selfridges’ Bright Young Things, making his catwalk debut hotly Notes to anticipated.
For further information please contact:
Denise Higgins, Account Director, Starworks London
denise@starworkslondon.com
tel: 0207 318 0400
Kelly Reed, PR Manager, TOPMAN,
kelly.reed@topman.com
tel: 020 7291 2721
For London Fashion Week Ticket Requests only
man@starworkslondon.com