This week we catch up with Distinct Model Management photographer Conor Clinch who recently returned from London where he attended some of the most prestigious shows at London’s biannual showcase of emerging creative talent in the fashion industry, the London Collections : Men.
Hi Conor, you’ve just returned from London Collections: Men. What did London have to offer this season for the second time round of it’s biannual showcase of British menswear?
Having been my first time to attend LC:M I was mesmerized by how well the three day event came together for only it’s second season. The hub was at The Hospital Club, which happened to be right opposite my hotel, so it’s safe to say that it was a lot more relaxed than fashion week, however the buzz was no doubt just as exciting. The three days focused a lot more on the collections in comparison to Fashion Week, and with it being menswear I obviously felt I could relate to things a lot more. With London now being the centre of up-coming talent within the fashion circuit, it’s great to see British menswear been given a standalone platform on the fashion calendar.
Did you spot any well-known faces sporting the frow throughout the week?
A show wouldn’t be complete without some of fashions elite donning the front row of course! David Gandy, Tinnie Tempah, Henry Holland and Ronnie Wood were some of the well-known faces I spotted throughout the week. Familiar faces such as super blogger Diane Pernet and everyones favourite club promoter Jodie Harsh also popped up to give their verdict on the collections over the three days.
We seen the photograph that you took of David Gandy. How does it feels having shot one of the worlds leading male models and subsequently acknowledged and further published on the Vogue website?
He’s a great man and I’m so grateful! I’ve a lot of respect for him seeing as he manages a lot of his own social media websites and never goes without crediting the photos he posts. Throughout the three days he wore all British tailoring, down to the bone. He’s a true gent in person and holds his legacy as a pure British male model by supporting LC:M each season.
From the opulent elegance of Savile Row to Topman’s notorious high-end designs, what shows stood out to you the most this season?
Topman was obviously a highlight on the schedule for the week. The fur trimmed parkas and bold coloured pea coats were faves throughout, and with my current obsession for chunky knitwear, the fisherman jumpers are amoungst many things on my wishlist for next season! Bright orange showed to be a prominent trend throughout many of the shows, with Richard Nicoll also adding a touch of it to his collection. Matthew Miller made his mark amongst the rest though with a rebellious, monochrome collection. Embossed leather and statement sweaters were highlights throughout, with the collections wear-ability making it a personal favourite.
As a fashion photographer, do you think it’s important to be style conscious and aware of current trends?
It’s not a crucial part of being a fashion photographer, however it’s good to have basic knowledge of the industry. Why would you want to be a fashion photographer if you had no interest in fashion?
Now that London Collections: Men are out of the way, what have you got planned for the coming weeks?
I’m heading back to London for Fashion Week in February to shoot the shows for Suitcase Magazine. Before that however, I’m planning a really exciting editorial with some great people!
We look forward to seeing it, thanks Conor!
Check out Conor’s shots from London Collections: Men exclusively on Chasseur Magazine online www.chasseurmagazine.com
www.conorclinch.com