Julien Macdonald launches menswear collection

Womenswear designer Julien Macdonald has created his first

menswear line for value retail chain Matalan.

The collection, named W10 after the location of Macdonald’s London atelier, has been inspired by the TV show Downton Abbey, English style and Savile Row tailoring, and features “versatile and wearable” pieces that can either be worn as a complete outfit or as interchangeable separates.

Offering “fashion led” formal wear, the premium collection consists of four suits, one waistcoat, six shirts and accessories including bow ties, cufflinks and pocket squares, and has been launched in time for the Christmas party season.

“There’s no point designing things that people don’t like. I’m not a fashion snob. I design things that my customers like to wear,” Macdonald told the Metro. “I get so much fulfilment meeting all of these women who love my clothes and can actually buy them so I thought, OK, why shouldn’t I apply that to a menswear range?”

Prices range from 8 pounds for cufflinks to 80 for suit jackets, and is available in-store and online.

This isn’t Macdonald’s first high street collection, the designer has previously worked with Marks & Spencer on a knitwear line, and his Diamond and Star ranges for Debenhams are among the store’s most popular lines.