If the men’s fashion world had an editorial frat party the Christopher Shannon spring summer 2016 collection would be the definition.
Taking menswear to a conceptual new level with exaggerated proportions, double denim in oversized jackets and trousers an angst ridden teenage in the early 00s would be proud of, and splashes of neon created into shorts and bikini tops, (which I imagine would be found the morning after a foam party in Mediterranean isle somewhere).
The foam theme carried through all the models who had the residue scattered through their wet-look hair and onto their clean-shaven faces.
Shannon’s trademark graphic printed jumpers appeared in this collection, but this time with lighters inscribed with slogans such as Damaged, Needy and Shannon’s surname.
Tailoring appeared in a new guise of the classic Oxford shirt, in the collections palette of navy and monochrome with zips across the front panels. They also appeared in a sheer fabric, with matching short shorts, which should make walking down the high street interesting.
The mid-section took on the characteristic playful Shannon tone with jumpers, shirts and trousers slashed then “stitched” back together; again channelling surgical stitches.
No summer is complete without shorts and Shannon’s are either knee grazing or super short in vibrant orange and off whites.
The bomber jacket sees no sign of dying in the eyes of Shannon; this time crafted in navy adorned with a mixed media broach.
The finale trio showcased his trademark-deconstructed clothing to the world, with a jacket in white foam mesh exposing the models chest, shorts matched with scallop drawstring waistband. Another appeared in the foam mesh with a black sleeve, orange front panels and grey bodice and hood.
As Sisqo’s Thong Song rang through The Old Sorting Office at the bottom of Oxford Street, the models took their finale walk to rapturous applause for British GQ’s first ever Designer Menswear Fund winner, with this backing Christopher Shannon is set to go from strength to strength. So much so he is River Island’s Designer Forum guest designer this September.
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