In discussion: Neglected items of clothing

The desire to develop a dialogue around men's style and fashion has always been one of our key motivations to blog so it is only fitting that we mark the latest incarnation of the blog with a discussion. With this in mind, we have rounded up the musings of a selection of designers that we have met along the way in the hope that it will kick start the conversation on those neglected or long forgotten items of clothing and accessories...

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"Neckerchiefs - they have a beautiful sensibility about them that is often mistaken for overt femininity and so are consequently often disregarded as a staple wardrobe piece."
Charlie Casely-Hayford, designer, Casely-Hayford

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"Camo trousers are always the best seller in all the collection, summer and winter it doesn't matter."
Stefano Ughetti, designer, Camo.

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"Hats. Being part of the Kangol team for many years opened my eyes to the wide array of headwear out there to suit pretty much everyone’s face and style. Photos of men in the 1930’s or earlier show that virtually everyone wore hats – and looked fantastic with it."

Jorrit Jorritsma, designer, Millican

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"Jewellery in general but rings in particular. I love men in rings. I always start with rings when I design a collection. Men tend to struggle with them because it might be easier to wear a pendant, they are used to wearing a watch so things around the wrist are far easier. Using my boyfriend as an example, I made him a ring and he was completely overwhelmed by it. He had a real fear of rings but thankfully I got him over it, so the story has a happy ending. He used to have a real fear of anything on his fingers but now he can't leave the house without it. I love signet rings and anything on the little finger for men works extremely well. Rings are still something of a sticking point. That sovereign ring is quite a piece to wear but looks amazing."
Hannah Martin, jewellery designer.

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"Well I’m quite keen on coloured socks and also patterned ties, and if they match then even better! I developed a couple of knitted ties in our spring 10 range and I haven’t stopped wearing them. Anything with a nod to ‘Dandy’ works for me."
Nick Thomas, designer, John Smedley.

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"Breeches. We love them. Who says there only for the riding paddock or the golf course? I’m pretty sure Chris is trying to bring the perm back too."

Luke Stenzhorn, designer, Percival.

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"Jackets..good blazers, all the time. Hats as well. A good hat is a lot of fun but you just don't see it anymore. For us though, the hats have done spectacularly well. I guess they are brightly coloured so stick out to people but it is great to see."
Alexia Hentsch, designer, Hentsch Man.

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"A jacket and trousers that are the right length and fit for their body and personality."
Jsen Wintle, designer, Wintle.

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"It's got to be a hat, a good hat always finishes off an outfit. Guys are getting better over here but not a patch on Japanese men."

Harris Elliott, accessories designer, H By Harris.

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"A Belt. I cannot stand seeing a gent with his trousers around his ankles......."
Lou Dalton, designer.

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"Good shoes. I'm sorry chaps, but you can't get away with it. As a wise man once said to me 'Only a rich man can afford to buy cheap shoes'"

Carolyn Massey, designer.

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Posted in: Designers, Discussion