LFW: Topman Design ss10

London Fashion Week closed with a day of menswear presentations, with the final showcase from Topman Design.

"We were going for a sophisticated, higher-end look," said design director Gordon Richardson. "We didn't really have a narrative this time - the suiting is the pivotal point of the whole collection. We added the colour, texture and that slightly sporty element after we had got the tailoring shapes right. Taking the fuss away and making it all purer was what we were aiming for."

The essence of the collection was inspired by the rigour and cleanliness of early Helmut Lang, which translated into a tonal palette and refined shapes. Richardson also pointed out a move towards more casual rules for suits - mismatched jackets and pants offering Topman's shopper more freedom of choice and an "anti-stuffy" suit aesthetic. Silk shirts were wide-cut and T-shirts were longer in the sleeve and square-cut. There were also satin bomber jackets and new longer-length shorts, while printed knits were inspired by rock concert laser shows, with overlapping and shaded geometric shapes.