Image via Complex Original
One of the most exciting things about London Collections: Men is that numerous small and directional designers are able to showcase their wares to an audience without being completely overshadowed by womenswear and a shit-ton of gigantic fashion houses. An initiative that's had this mission since 2000 is Fashion East, a non-profit that supports and nurtures emerging designers so that they can display their goods on a platform that's just as quality as more established and wealthier brands.
This year, Fashion East provided resources to five up-and-coming British designers that, if you haven't heard their names before, you need to get to know them ASAP. At this point, their collections are definitely a bit out there, but the panel of Fashion East selected them with the confidence that these will be the future of British and international streetwear. Take a look through their SS14 collections, and see if you agree. These are Five Streetwear Brands From London Collections: Men You Need to Get Familiar With Immediately.
RELATED: Fresh Off the Runway: The Coolest Looks From London Fashion Week
RELATED: KTZ's Spring/Summer 2014 Collection Is the Complete Wardrobe of Desert Gangsters Around the World
Before Opening Ceremony challenged Marques ' Almeida to create clothes for dudes, the label worked exclusively in womenswear. But the capsule collection for SS14, exclusive to OC, will make dudes pray that the design duo decide to stick with men's gear that stays inspired by the grunge undertones the brand is known for. Oversized and awesomely unfinished pieces made with denim camo may be the label's go-to move, but the standout item is a patchwork hair-on-hide biker jacket that is as fresh as it is unique.
Tom Ryling
Tom Ryling's fine arts background shines through in his "Kid Ain't Crazy; He's a Prophet" SS14 collection. Similar to the way he used to work with found objects in his art, these focused offerings utilize old-school and futuristic materials, as well as denim pulled straight from his childhood closet. The gear was inspired by the designer's travels to the cold British coast and the bustling port cities of North Africa, and provide a look that's simultaneously clean but never simple.
Fresh out of school, this capsule collection from Liam Hodges is an aggressive mix of folksy gear with neo-Internet imagery. It's a reimagination of workwear that looks as if it's meant for fighting, drinking, and actual labor. As Hodges explains, the clothing is meant for "men who don't drive Volvos." Since he's only three weeks out of school, this is only a small taste of Hodges capabilities, and if nothing else, the designer showed that he can deifnitely throw a good couch party.
Kit Neale
Kit Neale is making a serious bid for being named the prince of prints. After cutting his teeth with Gareth Pugh, Duckie Brown, and Tom Scott, Kit has churned out another strong collection for his eponymous label that returns to the adventures of his adolescence. Modern, vibrant prints are meant to evoke children's literature, the bedroom rugs in kids' bedrooms, and the games that dominated the playground way back when. These combined with classic garments and silhouettes results in an SS14 collection that's energetic, adventurous, and leaves it's mark on the budding streetwear London landscape.
You may think you're tired of florals, but that's before you peep Joseph Turvey's SS14 collection that combines hand-drawn illustrations, experimental textiles, and athletic silhouettes. The collection's main inspiration is the life and times of Ethel Mobley, the second ever female NASCAR driver who made her presence known in the sport in the '50s. A ruffled feathery hat and pastel pink hair may not be for everyone, but Rothko-derived colorblocking and prints derived from Ethel's life will instantly upgrade any plain boring look to one that will turn heads for all the right reasons.
