Global Hypercolour and the Nineties rave scene were what immediately sprung to mind at Christopher Shannon SS14. A darling of the London scene and for good reason, one can always rely upon Shannon to show a provocative collection that stands out from the crowd. Not one to follow dictates Shannon is part of a cabal of London menswear designers who refuse to conform to the ‘dandy’ archetype of British menswear. He focuses on sportswear, typically British, with his own unique and colourful twist.
Taking inspiration from the birth of the Super club scenes in Liverpool (the designer’s hometown) and Manchester, Shannon, with gleeful mischief, played with his signature ‘lad’ aesthetic even more than in previous seasons say when fringed jackets sauntered down the catwalks. The typical British ‘lad’ uniform sportswear silhouette is taken on a 90’s trip, in Shannon’s particular case this season, that of the pre Stolen From Ivor clubwear of the original raver sub culture. Christopher Shannon proffers his own ‘Essential Mix; startling neons interfuse with LSD induced swirling patterns on sweaters, even zebra stripes and he introduces ‘fetish’ materials such as leather, PVC and rubber. A continued new direction, and a collection for Shannon that may just have been the upstart of LCM and one that hands him the ‘anti-dandy’ crown.
Will the raving crews start turning up to Creche warehouse raves and Ministry of Sound is said attire? Given the young British males propensity for fashion and fad, I expect in a season or two to see some watered down Topman knock-offs on the back of every Essex boy and wannabe South of Watford Gap.
Illustrations : Valerie Servais © CHASSEUR MAGAZINE