British designer James Long for Spring 2015

29 May 2014 | + Boyana Dimova

Long completed his MA in menswear and accessories at the Royal College of Art. He worked for Virginia Bates in New York and London before setting up his own label.
SIGNATURES: Leather, knits and accessories. Strong, bold, directional menswear.

The silhouettes of Fall/Winter 2014 had a sportswear functionality to it but notions of complete practicality are belied by Long's signature details. The fabrication really showcased his technical skills where outerwear had a quilting treatment unseen before. Larger quilts were positioned strategically with micro quilts in a series of pattern blocking that help create vibrant textures. Long's expertise in knit is applied through the isolation of different materials on a single fabric much like manipulating a cacophony of fibers in a single knit garment. The ribbons woven through leather to create an innovative texture, most closely demonstrates Long's knitting acumen. Jogging bottoms are also the result of the layering of mesh over jersey. The inclusion of rich textures lands the collection in a category previously unchartered of 'maximalist sportswear', one would presume.
Drawing the lines of his own futuristic reality, designer James Long turned to interesting textures and pops of color for fall/winter 2014. Centered by a love for sportswear, simple ensembles came together for a cool approach to everyday style.

You can see the Spring 2015 collection by Alan Taylor at London Collections: Mens