Menswear Influencers You Should Know In 2014

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Names You Should Know

2013 was a formative year for the British menswear industry. London Collections: MEN was bigger and better than ever, further cementing our capital as a global fashion leader; design duo Agi + Sam became the new fashion darlings as Topman launched their collaboration worldwide; and our homegrown menswear market is now worth an estimated £10bn. ‘Rule, Britannia’ is officially cool again. But what of the year ahead? Other than key trends, do we ever really know what’s in store for sartorially-inclined mankind? Of course not. Industry-defining moments are impossible to predict, yet FashionBeans looks toward the industry-definers themselves in hopes of an answer – the people who carve our national style identity. From fashion photography to the blogosphere, brand designers to the brand faces, read on to discover our top style leaders of 2014. The future is most certainly bright…

The Photographer – GarconJon

As a photographer that’s contributed to FashionBeans itself – both as our official representative at Burberry AW14 and as part of the Street Style Collective – the clear choice for 2014’s photographer had to be Jonathan Danial Pryce, or GarconJon as he’s most commonly known to the blogosphere. Launching onto the scene in 2008, his photography of Glasgow made a refreshing change to the London-centric street style that was dominating the industry at the time, and a career snowballed from there. Now capturing style-conscious men across the UK, from tailoring to sports luxe, Pryce only showcases the very best of modern menswear. But, what makes for an interesting photo? “It’s hard to pin down. The only way I can describe it is an energy or uniqueness that captures my attention. The more I shoot style on the street, the more I realise it’s actually less about the clothes for me and more about the person,” said Pryce.

AnotherGarcon - Jonathan Daniel Pryce Street Style Photography

100 Beards

Pryce is also the mastermind behind the critically acclaimed 100 Beards project. Being out on the streets daily, he quickly spotted a developing trend for men’s facial hair. Setting himself the target of capturing a new beard for 100 straight days, Pryce documented the progress online at 100beards.tumblr.com. After the blog became popular with the likes of MR PORTER’s Jeremy Langmead and Patrick Grant of E. Tautz, Pryce continued with the aim of reaching 200. Gaining momentum after being featured in publications such as i-D Magazine, GQ and Metro, the project quickly developed into a hugely successful hardback edition, with interest from style influencers both here in the UK and abroad. The second edition of his cult classic 100 Beards book (priced £25) is a must-own coffee table purchase for any style-conscious gent and available to buy now at 100Beards.BigCartel.com:

100 Beards Photos - Jonathan Daniel Pryce

Following up 100 Beards by branching out into editorial and campaign work – already counting Clarks, Selfridges, MR PORTER and Baartmans and Siegel among his previous clients – Pryce’s ascent only looks set to continue.

The Blogger – Matthew Zorpas

In recent years, the blogosphere has taken the fashion world with a steely grip. Loathed by the old school and loved by the masses, style bloggers have the power to instantly critique the latest trends, shows and collections with one sole tool: a wifi connection. FashionBeans itself is without a doubt a product of this shift towards digital and when sourcing our top blogger of 2014, Matthew Zorpas was the clear choice. A creative consultant and lecturer at the renowned fashion school Instituto Marangoni, Zorpas has become a London fashion scene fixture and is perhaps best known as The Gentleman Blogger. Recognised for a sartorial sharpness that is unparalleled amongst his peers, Zorpas blends classic with contemporary to great success – his trademark being traditionally cut blazers in modern colour ways, prints and textures. And it seems inspiration for his ensembles lies everywhere, with Zorpas saying that: “The movies of Federico Fellini have been one of my biggest influences in terms of style. Also, street style, travelling and being exposed to different cultures continue to inspire me creatively to construct my outfits.” Defining a signature style is no easy feat, yet our icon has some sound advice for those wishing to create their own look: “There is no strategic plan when constructing an outfit. The only goal is to feel good in it and to dress for the weather.” Follow your own style path and choose reliability over novelty – a motto FashionBeans greatly endorses.

Matthew Zorpas Lookbook

Matthew Zorpas - The Gentleman Blogger - Outfit Lookbook

Get The Look
  • Selected Formal ShirtSelected Formal Shirt
  • Gucci, Dolce & Gabbana and Ted Baker. Another great addition to any coffee table, you can buy London 100, A Gentleman’s Guide at London100.BigCartel.com now, priced at £25:

    Matthew Zorpas: London 100, A Gentleman's Guide Book

    Matthew Zorpas: London 100, A Gentleman's Guide Book

    Matthew Zorpas: London 100, A Gentleman's Guide Book

    The Designers: Casely-Hayford

    After dressing The Clash and U2, Joe Casely-Hayford OBE teamed up with his son Charlie, he himself styling the likes of The XX, Drake and Nas, back in 2009. The end result was Casely-Hayford: an exclusive family label that teams a modern approach with traditional Savile Row craftsmanship. British menswear has never been the same again. When trying to define the brand’s aesthetic in a single piece, the duo had one clear choice: “The monochrome double stripe Chesterfield coat,” I’m told with refreshing conviction. “The piece fuses the ongoing composite influences of the brand with elements drawn from sportswear, formal tailoring and from English subcultures such as the skinheads. We showed the coat on the runway in traditional Melton as well as Neoprene.” A background in styling musicians is only set to continue, with both James Blake and Disclosure recently wearing Casely-Hayford at January’s Grammys. British tailoring is officially back on the global scene and designers like this duo are very much responsible.

    Joe and Charlie Casely-Hayford

    Casely-Hayford 2014 Ready-To-Wear Collections

    Showcasing at London Collections: MEN since its 2012 inception, the label’s current SS14 collection mixes classic British tailoring with sports luxe elements for a sharp yet relaxed aesthetic:

    Casely-Hayford 2014 Ready-To-Wear CollectionsCasely-Hayford SS14 (top) & AW14 (bottom) Collections shown at LC:M

    Personal Tailoring Service

    The former Creative Director of Gieves & Hawkes, Joe is well accustomed to traditional tailoring techniques. Available by appointment only, the label offer a contemporary made-to-measure service that aims to take the rigidity out of Savile Row. Using fabrics sourced exclusively from English and Italian mills, it’s no wonder they count the likes of Robert Downey Jr and Michael Fassbender as clients.

    Casely-Hayford Personal Tailoring Service

    For more details call: +44 207 739 3111

    Stockists

    Sold in exclusive boutiques around the world, you can find Casely-Hayford in these UK stockists: DOVER STREET MARKET 17-18 Dover Street London W1S 4LT Tel: +44 20 7518 0680 HARVEY NICHOLS 109 – 125 Knightsbridge London SW1X 7RJ Tel: + 44845 604 1888. HOSTEM 41-43 Redchurch Street London E2 7DJ Tel: + 44 20 7739 9733 See more at Casely-Hayford.com.

    The Model: Billy Huxley

    Nowadays, it’s difficult to find a model that forges their own style without splashing themselves all over the Mail Online. A model that believes in fashion, gains respectable work and still manages to have a personality. Enter Billy Huxley. Completely dissimilar to the gaunt runway filler we’re used to, Huxley has secured major campaigns with the likes of ASOS, Burton and Vagabond, along with countless editorial features and even my old office at Surfdome. So, what’s in an ideal outfit for Huxley? “In general, it would have to be black skinny jeans paired with some Docs, a knit jumper and a double-breasted pea coat”. Classic to the very core. Although the term rockabilly seems to be somewhat restricting, the beard and tattoo combination has become something of an iconic look in recent years (see Jonathan Daniel Pryce’s 100 Beards project) and Huxley is a key proponent. An impressive achievement, especially for an individual employed to showcase other styles. Offering a real insight into what it’s like to work in the industry, Billy is a must-follow on Instagram and Twitter.

    Billy Huxley Campaigns

    Billy Huxley Editorials, Lookbooks and Campaigns

    Conclusion

    There you have it, some key style influencers who are set to soar over 2014. From the blogosphere to the design world, FashionBeans hopes to introduce you to undiscovered talent and rising stars outside the usual world of blue chip labels. What do you think to our listing? Any others you would add? Feel free to let us know in the comment box below…

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