Show Report: Topman Design A/W 16 Menswear

As the chattering quietened and the music began at the Topman show, ready for the first model, huge spotlights above us began moving up, as if opening up the catwalk. It was a dramatic, rock ’n’ roll esque signal that the action was about to start. Fashion week regulars would have been forgiven for thinking that we were in Paris at one of Hedi Slimane’s infamous presentations where spotlights and striplights add drama to the already irreverent proceedings. But then that whiff of Slimane is apt for a Topman show - Gordon Richardson and his design team have their finger firmly on the pulse on what’s popular and buzzy. Slimane wasn’t the only spectre looming above today’s grungy, yet opulent collection. The femininity that ran through nearly all the looks - see those florals, that crushed velvet and those super long, floaty shirts - nodded to Alessandro Michele’s experimentations with gender at Gucci. He’s got the fashion pack all in a flap, eager for a silk shirt or fancy cuff, so no doubt the trickle down effect will happen just in time for when this Topman collection hits stores. The fashionable fellow on a budget will enjoy the more languid, sensual silhouette on show today, a firm contrast from S/S 16. There was little to dislike about the sizeable collection - that’s if you’re a fan of the current fashion landscape. A bit Dries. A bit Hedi. A lot Michele - this was a worthy tribute to what's happening in menswear right now.