The British Designers to Know (and the pieces to buy from them)
In the wake of London Fashion Week here are 13 of the city's most exciting menswear designers and the pieces to purchase to show you support
Industry insiders had written off London Fashion Week before it even began this season. With a struggling Burberry as the only major name on the schedule - following the departures of Victoria Beckham and JW Anderson - and rising stars like Molly Goddard and Ahluwalia opting out entirely, the outlook seemed grim.
But the designers who remained more than made up for the absences. Daniel Lee delivered his strongest collection yet for Burberry, featuring rich brocade velvet suits and a lineup of textured jackets that injected a new sense of grandeur and purpose into the brand. Simone Rocha reimagined The Hare and the Tortoise with a fun faux fur-clad collection, while S.S. Daley proved that British menswear thrives when backed by a bold creative idea. Bring more IDEAS, people!
Here’s my roundup of the standout designers from the weekend - and the must-buy pieces to support them.
1 | 16Arlington
Marco Capaldo’s label is the go-to for stylish women in the know who want to look sexy, but his menswear shouldn’t be overlooked. Though small in scale, his tailored pieces are excellent. This cropped, high-gorge jacket is a prime example - sharp, refined, and perfectly in tune with the season’s predominant silhouette.
2 | Simone Rocha
Friend of The Closet Raven Smith was wearing this little sparkly cardigan from Simone Rocha to the cult designer’s show on Saturday and he looked excellent in it. Buttoned up to the top and worn with some razor-leg black trousers and inky loafers the look had an inflammable quality, sure, but also fabulous.
3 | Studio Nicholson
You hardly need me to sing Studio Nicholson’s praises, but there’s a reason Nick Wakeman’s distinctive silhouettes have earned a global following over the past 15 years. Her designs are worthy of investment, and this leather-trimmed bomber is the standout piece of the season.
4 | Chet Lo
Best known for his spike-clad womenswear collections which come imbued with a distinctive blend of Camden Market and Issey Miyake, Chet Lo’s menswear is both wearable and idiosyncratic, this spike sweater being a good example.
5 | Denzilpatrick
Denzilpatrick’s AW25 show was a standout at London Fashion Week, seamlessly fusing medieval influences - think metal armour breastplates - with modern streetwear. This pie-crust collared shirt, crafted from black shell suit fabric, perfectly embodies that aesthetic and is available to buy now. Layer it under a blazer for a masc spin on Princess Di chic.
6 | Kent & Curwen
Under creative director Daniel Kearns, Kent & Curwen is breathing fresh life into British preppy style. Sunday’s AW25 show showcased statement pieces like balloon-sleeve Crombie coats and reimagined rugby shirts, but the easiest way to tap into the trend is with one of the brand’s signature silk club ties.
7 | Burberry
Burberry’s AW25 show put outerwear front and center, with textured jackets, brocade blazers, and velvet trench coats defining Daniel Lee’s vision for the season. For a piece you can wear now, look no further than this suede and cotton trench from the Spring/Summer 2025 collection.
8 | Jawara Alleyne
Finished with outsized mother of pearl buttons and chic raglan sleeves, this shirt from Jamaican born British designer Jawara Alleyen exemplifies the laid back-yet-refined vibe of his collections.
9 | E.L.V. Denim
Anna Foster is making a real impact at E.L.V., turning discarded jeans into timeless pieces. This two-tone denim shirt, crafted from contrasting vintage shirts, is entirely unique - exactly the kind of individuality we should all be craving from our clothes in 2025.
10 | Aaron Esh
Aaron Esh is one of the most exciting young British designers working right now, blending sensuality, avant-garde creativity, and everyday wearability. This wraparound knitted hoodie is great, while the flared jeans with a built-in puffball skirt are surprisingly easy to wear.
11 | S.S. Daley
Stephen Stokey Daley has mastered the art of distinctly British menswear with a playful side. His AW25 collection was one of my favourite shows at London Fashion Week, featuring reimagining classics like trench coats, Harrington jackets, and checked suits with exaggerated lapels and unexpected proportions. For an easy entry point into the vibe, start with this rich burgundy chore jacket.
12 | Labrum
Foday Dumbuya’s Labrum is known for its vibrant menswear, masterfully combining colour and texture. This patterned peacoat is my top pick for spring outerwear.
13 | Stefan Cooke
Design duo Stefan Cooke and Jake Burt unveiled their AW25 collection with a lookbook-cum-pre-order event, proffering signature pieces with a refined sensuality. Think jackets finished with skirts and cut-out Argyle sweaters - alongside standout patchwork bombers and minimalist field jackets. The cut-out jumper remains a Stefan Cooke staple, making it the perfect piece to invest in now.
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