Menswear Special: Dapper Kid

On the third day of our Menswear Special Planet Notion talks to Syed Abbas aka Dapper Kid. A Menswear blogger, fashion expert and a gentleman if there ever was one:

PlanetNotion: How do you feel about the current climate in the British Menswear industry?

DapperKid: I think it is still far from being a main contender on the world stage. Yes there are exciting designers and interesting things happening, but unfortunately they are still in the minority. I think the average male consumer in Britain is becoming more aware of fashion, and that can only be a good thing because they are starting to look around and really engage with what this country has to offer.

PN: Even with Menswear day at LFW, do you think that British Menswear design is receiving all the support and recognition it should?

DK: Historically we had a rich tradition of fine tailoring and impeccable menswear. However, with such a history it strikes me as odd that we only get a single day for menswear, compared to the four or five in Paris. It is as if menswear is now a mere afterthought.

PN: How do you feel both Menswear designers and the consumer have changed in recent years?

DK: Menswear used to be seen as the soft option, for those who could not compete in the tough world of womenswear, but that really has changed in recent times. The male consumer is now more aware of fashion and thus naturally a more discerning customer. Designers have obviously had to respond to that change, and I think it is for the better, because it pushes them to really explore.

PN: Where do you see the future of British Menswear heading in both the UK and global market?

DK: I hope it continues to expand both home and abroad, and I think given the resurgence of traditional labels on the global platform, it is a good time for us to really invest in our home labels.

PN: Which menswear stores are your favourite haunts and why?

DK: Old favourites would have to be Dover Street Market and Liberty. A recent favourite is Layers, which actually only opened in the latter half of last year. The space is lovely and the staff are all really friendly and knowledgeable. The store has a strong avant-garde aesthetic and stocks some truly amazing artisan pieces.

PN: Which emerging designers have hit your radar recently and why?

DK: Not exactly an emerging designer, but I still feel Damir Doma does not get quite the attention he deserves. His Spring/Summer 2011 collection was for me the best since Number (N)ine’s closing collection. A bold statement, I know, but it felt so incredibly personal. Also, his Silent line of organic basics is absolutely fantastic – I swear by his sweats. I am really fond of Mariavittoria Sargentini, creator of Marvielab.  She is unfortunately relatively unknown, although I believe Dover Street Market stock some of her pieces. I am rather taken by Collateral Concepts, created by Albert Huang. Although the label is still really young, with only three collections (called ‘iterations’) under its belt, he has created a well-defined and alluring personal aesthetic. The technical construction of his pieces, and his focus on materials, is something I really respond to. I think men by nature have a tendency to geek out on the details when it comes to personal interests – whether it be football, cars or fashion.  You need to find out all the details and know all the facts, and so I suppose with these designers it is those little personal details that I really enjoy.

PN: How would you define your own personal style?

DK: Like most people I try to wear what I love.

PN: Are there any particular fabrics or details that you love to see worked into apparel pieces?

DK: I wish more attention were given to techno-fabrics and construction, because a lot of production seems to be stuck in the past. We have the technology to create and construct clothing that is more in-line with our lifestyles.

PN: As a blogger, exposing your readers to constant new and exciting talent that may otherwise be lost between high street giants and well-established design house must be a great feeling. Is this something you take pleasure in and enjoy?

DK: It was never a particularly conscious decision to be honest. I enjoy being able to write about what I love, and if anybody chooses to take the time out of his or her day to read that, I am truly grateful for it.

Read and be generally entertained by Dapper Kid here: dapperkid.blogspot

-Kathryn Duncan