Words Chukwunwike Obi Pictured HRH the Prince of Wales with the BFC's Caroline Rush
Luxury menswear is growing fast. By fast I mean a 14 percent annual growth rate compared to 8 per cent in womenswear (Bain&Co). This fact resonated at the launch for the inaugural London Collections: Men’s (LC:M) weekend, a three-day event spearheaded by British GQ editor Dylan Jones to showcase the best in British menswear via catwalk shows and presentations.
The launch, hosted by HRH the Prince of Wales at St James Palace on 14 June, attracted the cream of the menswear fashion set, including Christopher Bailey of Burberry (whose menswear arm just reported a 26 percent rise in profits), Tommy Hilfiger, Tom Ford, Tinie Tempah, Dame Vivienne Westwood and Joe and Charlie Casely-Hayford.
Guests were greeted by models on plinths showcasing knitwear brand Sibling, J W Anderson, Nicole Farhi and other London design stars. The Prince greeted and spoke to attendees with charm and ease, before making his welcome address, in which he mused about being a fake fashion icon, his love and appreciation for Savile Row tailors, and the massive potential of LC:M.
“I left feeling like it really was the start of something great," said Charlie Casely-Hayford, "a chance finally for our menswear to be recognised on an international stage". The celebrations continued into the night at the Tommy Hilfiger event at legendary club The Scotch of St James.