London Collections Men will enjoy a number of related events organised and hosted by big industry names, including Calvin Klein and Tom Ford. Attendees can look forward to a variety of entertainment such as the requisite catwalks, special fashion displays and presentations, and other shows.

The inspiration for London Collections Men was to show off some of the country’s finest in men’s fashion. Designers such as Christopher Shannon, James Long, and J.W. Anderson are perfect examples of how this area of the fashion world is breaking new ground and garnering high acclaim in international circles. James Long showed off his collection last season, with plenty of inspiration from David Lynch. This season he offers creations that combine natural fabrics with metallic fibres and shiny, hardware embellishments. On the other hand, Shannon debuts his new collection with sporty gear that makes use of logos, prints, and twists on clothing staples such as parkas, anoraks and jeans. Anderson pushed the envelope even further by attempting to see how far one can combine bad taste with good.

Having so much talent readily available, it was about time that British menswear was showcased in an exclusive venue of their own. Undoubtedly, the impressive list of top designers and labels, along with the Prince of Wales as host, will help to create a spectacular launch for London Collections Men.

1.You can easily create an everyday summery look by simply pairing the polo with a nice pair of shorts. This is a really good way to incorporate the “printed” fashion trend into your look as well, a pair of printed shorts alongside a plain polo will look great. Again, this has the potential to incorporate another fashion style previously covered, “the short suit” this style can easily be created, you would just need to simply add a blazer to the look previously described above. The polo allows you to keep your options open so you have the choice between the footwear, you can either go smart and wear loafers or go all casual with trainers, the choice is yours.

2.A pop culture look can also easily be achieved by paring a neutral polo with a brightly coloured Harrington and Anchor alongside a nice pair of classic skinnies and again, a good set of loafers. This look is definitely one to try out and it is becoming more and more popular within the high-street.

3.Again, you could incorporate another fashion trend into this one. Instead of opting for a plain polo, this time, why not make it a patterned one. If you think it’s too much, remember you can always tone it down with block coloured trousers, skinnies, or even a dark blazer if you wanted too.

Don’t forget, there’s not just one type of polo to try as well as the neutral and the bright polo’s, there is also the patterned and the plain. Not to mention the long and the short sleeved ones, too.

The first thing to appreciate is that while there is quite some leeway in the definition of “formal”, the organisers are effectively requesting that you wear a suit. However, much of the detail after that is up to you.

Firstly, what type of suit do you prefer? Both well-fitted and loose suits can look good, but be careful with the latter. A loose-fitted light-coloured suit can make you look more as if you should be attending a beach party, not a formal occasion. Always err on the side of dark colours for an evening event, although that does not have to mean black. Brown, dark blue or even deep burgundy can all look stylish and appropriately formal, especially when teamed with a well-tailored, crisp shirt. The suit itself offers a number of possibilities. A three-piece suit can make a statement, whilst many will already have their own preferences as to single or double-breasted, both of which are acceptable.

Blazers are a possibility, but again tread carefully. You do not want to look as if you have wandered in from Wimbledon by mistake. A deep velvet material makes for a good choice, and can make quite a statement.

Shirts should of course be well pressed, and generally understated. Accessorise to your comfort level. Some men will enjoy the challenge of complementing an unusual tie with a handkerchief and adding, for example, collar pins and cufflinks, while others might feel more comfortable with a simple tie.

Finally, one of the most important elements is footwear. This is not the time for trainers or casual shoes. Smart lace-ups in a dark colour are the staples for a formal outfit. Make sure they are clean and polished, and laces are neat with no fraying edges to spoil the overall formal effect.

And now the designer, who was appointed to lead the Alexander McQueen chain after his death, has done it again with a new direction that epitomises fun and feathers, not to mention heel-less shoes. Burton unveiled the new Spring/Summer 2012 collection at Paris Fashion Week recently, in a show that had both a magical and dramatic feel. The show signalled her commitment to the unique and dramatic identity of the brand that McQueen was so famous for and made the label much desired amongst the fashion elite, before he committed suicide in 2010.

For this season the brand seems to be going in the direction of soft layers of fabric and feathers, designed to create movement and drama and coupled with some very characteristic shoes. Heel-less shoes made from skins seem to heavily feature for a dramatic edge to an outfit, aligning with this year’s trend for skin bags. The shoes and the feathers seem to be destined to appear on the likes of Lady Gaga and other stars soon.

Burton initially started working at the company when she did a placement as part of her fashion course in London. She worked alongside McQueen for 14 years, her notable unique style and commitment causing her to rise up the ranks, being made creative director before she took over the reins of the fashion powerhouse following McQueen’s death.

Alexander McQueen set up the label himself after he left Givenchy in 2001, where he had previously worked as Chief Designer. His creations earned him several awards, included British Designer of the Year which he won four times. He was found dead at his home in London in 2010 after committing suicide.

The fashion industry in the United Kingdom is responsible for employing around 800,000 people. As well as this it contributes over £21 billion a year to the UK economy, making it one of the most important creative industries in the country. The British fashion industry has long been a firm favourite across the world, with London Fashion Week being at the forefront of the fashion season, along with the other ‘big four’ events in New York, Milan and Paris.

There are a range of brands available in Britain, and this is partly what makes the British high street one of the best in the world. At the more affordable end of the market there is an abundance of high street stores, from British brands such as French Connection, to European brands such as G Star Raw, to worldwide brands such as Soul Cal Deluxe. Many of these brands offer current styles that are on a par with the high fashion brands, as they have become more and more adept at taking influence from the catwalk and quickly delivering it to the typical consumer.

Since the turn of the 21st century, brands have also cleverly used collaborations with high fashion designers to create some unique collections for their customers. By giving a guest designer the opportunity to create a collection, the brand is able to offer their customers a piece of high fashion at a much more affordable price

Tote bags for men

This season, men can look forward to totes in chocolate, tan, or black shades of leather, twill or even canvas. Consider where it would most often be used, and pick one to complement your dress style. A smooth, dark leather tote with metal hardware is perfect for dressier looks, while washed leather helps to take the outfit down a notch. Just as important is the durability of the bag. Since weather in the UK tends to be rather rainy at the best of times, look for totes made from water-repellent materials. Some shops also offer water-repellent sprays to help maintain the durability of the bag. Another helpful feature that many designers are now including is a closed top, as opposed to the tote’s traditionally open top. Interior pockets are also excellent for helping to keep the bag’s contents well-organised and undamaged. Instead of having to juggle keys, wallets, business card holders, iPods, phones, the newspaper, food, and so on, slip it all into a tote. Simple, efficient, and effective!

New-style graphics are of bold design and imprinted with long-lasting colour mixes to ensure your chosen hero keeps looking good even after many washes. The new-style graphic designs are durable enough to be machine washed regularly and the 100% cotton material ensures they retain their shape too. Diesel does a nifty line in super hero boxers from the fluorescent Green Lantern to the Joker, Batman and the Flash containing a fun thermo-sensitive print which reveals the Flash picture as your body temperature rises.

Other widely available super hero clothing includes an innovative range of Batman, Spiderman, Superman and Captain America tees and hoodies as well as the more contemporary sci-fi heroes of Hellboy, Star Wars and Ghost Rider.

No longer only available in comic strip stores, super hero clothing now has its rightful place in streetwear designs everywhere. Accessories include baseball caps, belts and buckles, sneakers, socks, sunglasses, wallets and bags. Other lesser-known but fun time accessories on the market for men include super hero vacuum flasks, nightwear, gym bags, belts and aprons.

Designers have made sure you will not be disappointed, whether you want original retro design or contemporary graphics of the latest film. Wear your chosen super hero proudly. Retain cool by teaming up with twisted jeans or chinos and light-coloured trainers to give an urban and edgy image unique to you.

#6: Don’t turn your nose up at house fashion lines. While these were once seen as not as good as designer, there are plenty of shops around the world that now feature house lines that are both affordable and incredibly fashionable. This revamping of these necessary basics at prices that don’t break the bank has been a welcome change in men’s fashion in this rough economy.

#7: Look into adding some accessories with a vintage feel or a modern edge. Brooches for men are becoming popular again and come in all styles, making it easy for you to work the whole “British Invasion” in fashion that has happened this year. Also, tie bars are great for men looking for a sharp, professional edge. Black watches are also big this year. Shiny black steel and carbon fibre are two options, giving a distinctive edge to your look that is also more discreet than gold and silver watches.

#8: Invest in a boxed set of travel guides and plan a little adventure this year. Now that you are dressed to kill, don’t be afraid to show it off wherever you go!

#9: Adding a tie to your ensemble when you’re not required to wear one adds a sharp touch with minimal effort on your part. Banana Republic makes some nice tweed blazers and cords that are casual but can be classy with just the addition of a tie.

#10: Seven-fold ties are the best. Put out the little extra cash and make sure you get a quality look to top off your overall fashionable look this year.

Since the early 90s G Star Raw in particular has been reflecting urban culture extremely well in its series of high performance, low maintenance and extremely stylish denim clothing specially created to be worn with attitude, confidence and style. G Star Raw designs are known for their fine detail, from the minute to the big and bold to give the wearer an individual style and urban identity. Urban menswear extends from denims, combats and chinos to strikingly bold t-shirts and accessories to complete the look.

Designers of urban menswear work in one of the fastest moving spheres of fashion, and rather than manufacturing to follow a trend, the urban designer must create a trend to be followed. This can only be achieved by understanding the expectations of the fashion-aware and creating with them in mind. Urban clothing must justly reflect not only 21st century living but also be tough enough to withstand wear and tear as well as being affordable. No small order then for the designers but urban clothing is here to stay and far-sighted fashion houses are keeping their eye on the horizon for the next big urban movement that can be mirrored in creative and intelligent design.

It would be fair to say that urban menswear is always evolving into something just happening, with a strong sense of identity and brand to stand head and shoulders above the rest.

#1: Sometimes it’s nice to embrace the new fashion trends, even if you are attached to the classics. New collections are featuring new looks and updates on the classics, like denim. Don’t be afraid to make room in your closet for these modern upgrades!

#2: Restocking the basics can be a wonderful thing! Sometimes you just need to toss out those old dress shirts and well-worn tees. They have served their purpose. Give them a fond farewell and purchase new staples for your wardrobe.

#3: Upgrade your casual wear to include some nice pieces for the weekend. New styles this year for men include bold colours and Baja-inspired looks that look cool and feel comfortable.

#4: Buy a new pair of dress shoes. It’s now hip again to dress up nice when you go out to eat or to spend a night on the town. Don’t be afraid to use these more dressy accessories for something other than work.

#5: Suits are a must-have for any man. They help him exude confidence, masculinity and power. Made-to-measure suits are an investment, but most definitely worth it! Try to purchase a suit from Prada’s MTM program. You won’t be sorry!