London Fashion Week Men’s kicks off as menswear growth outpaces women's

By

Barbara Santamaria

Published
Jan 6, 2017

Friday morning saw the launch of a new edition of London Fashion Week Men’s, previously known as London Collections Men, with Mayor of London Sadiq Khan kicking off the four-day event.

The event takes on a new level of importance this season as the menswear industry continues to build momentum.

Growing now at a much faster rate than women’s fashion, the UK menswear market increased by 4.1% in 2015 to £14.1billion, and is estimated to rise by 22.5% between 2015 and 2020 to £17.3billion.

Menswear is also growing globally, with £298 billion worth of sales in 2014 and £27 billion further sales predicted in the menswear apparel market reaching £325 billion by 2019.

59% of men have purchased clothes online in the last 12 months, according to Mintel, and the rising number of e-shoppers is boosting the growth in online sales of menswear, which are expected to rise by 14.2% annually between 2015 and 2020, according to IbisWorld.

As one of the most exciting platforms for menswear in the world, London Fashion Week Men’s will be hosting this season an ambitious schedule of shows, presentations, installations and events until January 9.

“From Burberry to Stella McCartney, Agi & Sam to Vivienne Westwood, London has been at the forefront of modern fashion, shaping and defining the latest styles and trends for decades. Today, press and buyers from as far away as Beijing, Seoul and Montreal will flock to London Fashion Week Men's, showing that London is truly open to business, talent and visitors from across the globe," said Mayor of London Sadiq Khan.

Aside from the well known names showing, GQ China will be presenting international brands such as Maison Mihara Yasuhiro, Songzio and Ximonlee.

Joining the presentation schedule this season are Blood Brother, Edward Crutchley, Harrys of London, MCCVIII, Michiko Koshino and Qasimi, with John Lawrence Sullivan joining the catwalk schedule.

The Designer Showrooms will increase its footprint at The Store Studios to host more than 60 designers, occupying the central gallery as well as the East and West Wings. The East Wing will house the Accessories Showrooms as well as Multi-Label Showrooms and the Toni&Guy Salon. The Central Gallery will continue to host the Ready-to-Wear Designer Showrooms, NEWGEN Pop-Up Showroom and The Store at LFWM.

For more on London Fashion Week Men's, see our preview story.