This season again, with the support of the British Fashion Council, (Fashion East} and Fashion Scout, young talents made-in-London were given the opportunity to present their fashion designs to an international audience of press, buyers and fashion insiders. In this context, London Collections: Men put Charles Jeffrey and Wales Bonner under the spotlights, who showcased their latest collections at Fashion East’s presentation, which was held on June 15th at the Institute of Contemporary Art.

The Central St Martins graduate Charles Jeffrey brought party vibes to the ICA’s basement room. In fact, Jeffrey already caused much ink to flow in the past months, as he hosted a monthly club night at Vogue Fabrics in London called Loverboy, through which he could cover the costs incurred by his graduate collection. The Loverboy parties were therefore his guiding thread for his Spring/Summer 2016 collection, which depicted a contemporary version of Warhol’s Factory. Jeffrey therefore matched tailored pieces, such as Teddy Boy coats, with 1980s inspired hand-painted denims, distressed knitwear, and tops adorned with sequins and brocade.



In contrast to Jeffrey’s exuberant fashion, the atmosphere at Wales Bonner’s presentation upstairs was more spiritual. Her Spring/Summer 2016 collection collection entitled Malik was inspired by the story of Malik Ambar, a destitute Ethiopian who wound up a ruler in Western India. The young designer wanted to express the evolution from decay to creation throughout her collection. The Indian and African influences were expressed through a range of delicate embellishments, such as crystals and seashells, which were adorning her garments and headpieces. In this sense, Bonner’s collection meant to reflect both, unexpected turn of events and cross-cultural resonances from The African diaspora.

Further highlights included Liam Hodges and Rory-Parnell Mooney, who were featured in MAN, Fashion East and Topman's emerging menswear designer showcase for the Spring/Summer 2016 season. Liam Hodges, a Royal College of Art graduate, participated for the third time in a row, while Rory-Parnell Mooney, a Central Saint Martins graduate, presented his collection for the second time on the MAN runway.

More information on www.londoncollections.co.uk.

Cecilia Musmeci © Modemonline