London Collections: Men kicks off

London - The menswear spring summer 2016 season officially started with the opening reception at the Hospital Club on Friday. With LCM’s ambassador’s in tow, including GQ editor Dylan Jones, Formula 1 world champion Lewis Hamilton, model David Gandy and tv presenter Dermon O’Leary to name but a few, the opening was attended by the British Fashion Council, international press and buyers and industry heavyweights.

Boris Johnson, the Mayor of London, said: “I’m deligted to support London Collections:Men, which showcases some of the best menswear designers in the world. On the catwalk, in the shops and on the streets, there is no doubt that men’s fashion in London is a cut above the rest.”

With new statistics published by Mintel that 27 percent of the UK's male shoppers show a preference for purchasing British clothes, shoes and accessories, the feeling was upbeat amongst the many designers and brands hoping for commercial success this fashion week. Mintel’s Senior Fashion Analyst Tamara Sender stated: “The men’s clothing market has been growing at a faster rate than womenswear."

Dylan Jones, the chair of London Collections: Men said: “It’s with pleasure to welcome you to the home of menswear as we celebrate the seventh edition of London Collections Men. East season, for the last three and a half years I’ve been able to boast that the event has grown in important and size. Once again, London Collections has grown even bigger and better with 77 designers on schedule and 68 designers to the showrooms.”

With buyer and press attendance expected to be at its highest yet, Chinese attendance is up 185 percent, American attendance up 81 percent and European attendance up 91 percent, the international interest in London’s menswear is at the highest level it has been.