Preview: MAN At LFW

Autumn can be a bit of a depressing time for most as the carefree Summer becomes all but a distant memory. However a certain ray of sunshine does remain, especially for those within the fashion industry. Yes, from the 17th to the 22nd of September London is transformed into a mecca for stylish individuals who descend upon the nation's capital to positively lap-up the new season's trends as proffered by some of the world's leading fashion designers.

With iconic labels such as Burberry and Paul Smith gearing up in preparation for their upcoming shows, there's another show which is joining them in the ranks in creating the most buzz amongst fashion followers.

On Wednesday the 24th of September, at the epicentre of LFW's dedicated Men's Day, the original MAN showcase shall reveal its latest additions. Created in 2005 as an initiative between Topman and Fashion East, MAN has provided the ultimate platform for new menswear talent having identified, supported and presented such industry greats over the years as Kim Jones, James Long and Christopher Shannon amongst others.

Joining the ranks of MAN this season alongside New Power Studio, the brainchild of designer Thom Murphy, will be Central St. Martin's alum, Felipe Rojas Llanos as well as the ultimate reveal of Martine Rose's eponymous label.

Lulu Kennedy, Director of Fashion East says “Eleven seasons on and I'm thrilled that MAN is still pushing the forefront of British menswear talent. Working closely with the panel and Topman, We have once again come up with a line up that is fresh and representative of London now, from the expertise of Thom Murphy's New Power Studio, to the latest export from the master class of Central St Martin’s, Felipe Rojas Llanos via the talent and innovation of Martine Rose, she’s been on the panel’s radar through her installations - and now she’s ready to hit the runway”.

Felipe Rojas Llanos

Born in Chile in 1981, Felipe Rojas Llanos was raised in Sweden before he departed to London to complete his MA in Menswear at Central St Martin's in 2008. There, he received such accolades as being awarded a shared prize for best portfolio of the year from the design agency Smith. Further more, Felipe went on to show his collection entitled Suspended Animation as one of only four menswear designers at his course's LFW show, where he received the bursary award from none other than Giorgio Armani.

For his collection, Felipe has produced a carefully designed selection of clothing that are just as wearable as they are luxurious. Innovative and sophisticated, the garments fuse playfulness with a distinctive couture-like finish. Felipe's MA collection will be sold exclusively at Browns.

New Power Studio

London-based menswear label New Power Studio was launched back in 2009 and already has become a media favourite having been lauded by the critics in multiple international publications. Synonymous for its fresh, playful designs, New Power Studio's collection is instantly wearable.

It has shown at menswear day of LFW for the last three seasons, in the form of a Fashion East menswear installation, a film (whose images were simultaneously rendered into textile prints for the collection) and has also featured previously as part of the MAN runway show.

Martine Rose

This season marks the runway debut of Martine Rose's self-titled label. However, Martine has already made her mark at LFW having showcased previous collections with ambitious installations at Blacks member's club and Somerset House, all which have been very well received by press and industry alike.

This Wednesday, Martine shall unveil her collection entitled Love Is..., which no doubt shall succeed her previous offerings of bold, graphical garments in sophisticated silhouettes.

The On-Schedule MAN show will take place at 12.30pm on the 22nd of September.