HEY GUYS,
when it comes to predicting the next big thing in menswear, it doesn’t get any better than Topman and Fashion East’s MAN runway show. For almost a decade now, Topshop’s menswear offshoot and the London-based design nonprofit have hedged their bets on the U.K.’s most promising rising stars and served as a launchpad for current industry favorites.
Given the event’s stellar track record—in the past, it has supported designers like J.W. Anderson, Christopher Shannon, Shaun Samson, and James Long—earning a spot in the MAN runway show is a career kick-starter for any young designer. Each season, a panel comprised of experts, including Style.com’s own Tim Blanks and designer Peter Jensen, awards three winning applicants a catwalk presentation, a mentorship from panelists, a sales showroom placement, and a financial sponsorship to hit the ground running.
This season, expect to see a couple of familiar faces. Two of last year’s participants, Liam Hodges and Nicomede Talavera, will return after successful Spring/Summer debuts. (Their SS15 collections are both stocked in various retailers worldwide.) Irish newcomer Rory Parnell Mooney rounds out the trio, after captivating the panel with his draped silhouettes inspired by European rioters. All three designers will present in the group show during London fashion week in January, so get briefed on what to expect (and a refresher on past participants) now on Fashion East’s website.
