MOSCHINO: MAN

While the rest of the world has been frantically live-tweeting the World Cup, my own Twitter feed has been flooded with hastily-snapped Instagram photos from this week's menswear main event: Jeremy Scott's debut Moschino collection. His Warholian AW14 womenswear collection brought Ronald McDonald to the runway through a series of looks that caused a (Mc)flurry of excitement online. This excitement was fuelled by the high-profile guests invited - Katy Perry famously delayed the show by turning up late and being subsequently booed by the front row. For his menswear show, it is Lindsay Lohan that captures the media attention - although the majority of the emphasis is on the collection, there are more than a few crafty candids of Oprah's darling looking chic in the front row. In addition to the utilisation of celebrity,  Scott also revolutionised the way that we consume fashion - frequently interpreted as a commentary on today's recklessly impatient culture, the designer made the entire collection instantly available online. In a savvy attempt to quench our relentless thirst for fast fashion, he launched the now-iconic Moschino phone case, a replica of McDonalds fries emblazoned with the Moschino logo. Priced at only £40, it was a slice of high-fashion that was accessible to all; within days, the case was the accessory du jour and THE must-have item to be featured in your Instagram mirror selfie. One thing was clear - Scott understood our culture, he understood our needs and he knew how to meet them whilst sparking the discussion of our new habits. 

CARPE NOCTEM

One of the most fundamental requirements to building a successful business is branding. It is often said that an image can only become iconic if it is repeated often enough (occasionally with subtle variations) that it burns into your retinas and lingers long after the curtains close. At this point, the image becomes associated with the brand - think Madonna and her infamous JPG cone bra, or Grace Jones and her iconic flat-top. With this collection, it's clear that Ada & Nik are creating with the intent to cement their signature aesthetic; as for their iconic intentions, the 'What Would James Dean Do?' tees are proof enough that they had at least one icon in mind when crafting this collection.

LC:M HIGHLIGHTS - DAY 1

London's biannual celebration of cutting-edge menswear officially began yesterday with a series of collections that determined the way that we'll dress for the coming year. Excitement is at fever pitch for the SS15 collections and there are more questions than ever to be answered. Will Jeremy Scott bring his diner-chic aesthetic to his debut Moschino menswear collection? Will J.W Anderson put men back in platforms? Most importantly, who will be the new additions to the Rick Owens tribe? As we sit back and watch the action unfold, take a look at the highlights from day one of London Collections: Men.

Backstage at Astrid Anderssen SS15

GRADUATE FASHION WEEK

Thanks to extortionate tuition fees and the increasingly uncertain job prospects that come with a degree, more and more youngsters are choosing to eschew the traditional route of university. Instead, they're throwing themselves into unpaid internships and mentorship schemes to work their way up the fashion ladder; a perfectly legitimate way to gain industry experience. This year, Graduate Fashion Week has arrived at the perfect time - it serves as a reminder of Britain's youngest prospects doing things the traditional way and finally showcasing the fruits of their three-year labour. In an industry built on prestige, GFW was a welcome reminder that the one thing the fashion industry really needs right now is youth. Yesterday was a personal highlight of mine as Birmingham City University graduates showcased their collections, and it was a moment that, despite the months of Instagram previews, nobody could have predicted. The menswear shows in particular were an example of forward-thinking; waterproof footwear, white lace trousers and knee-length metallic blazers were amongst the show's highlights, displaying impressive versatility in eager young minds. The pictures below are just a preview... YouTube links will be coming shortly, as will a selection of interviews with the thirsty young designers preparing to make their mark on today's fashion landscape.

Claire Latham, Birmingham City University

Lauren Lake, Kingston University

Charlotte Bruton, Birmingham City University

Shauni Douglas, Edinburgh College of Art