Topman and Fashion East’s design support scheme, MAN, will be back at London Collections: Men in January, and they’ve just announced that Liam Hodges, Nicomede Talavera and Rory Parnell-Mooney will be the designers on show. The trio follow in the esteemed footsteps of JW Anderson, Christopher Shannon, Astrid Andersen and Craig Green.
Lulu Kennedy, Director of Fashion East, said, “We’re hugely proud of Liam and Nicomede – fantastic people and talents who in just one season have worked out how to translate their aesthetic into great product that’s been picked up by the most prestigious international stores – Dover Street Market, Opening Ceremony, JOYCE and more. We’re delighted to introduce Rory, the standout menswear MA graduate of this year’s Central St Martins show, who was lucky enough to study under Louise Wilson and Peter Jensen.”
Hodges, whose label is “about a new luxury brand that doesn’t just cater to high borns” made his MAN debut for spring/summer ’15. Talavera showed at the first time there too, playing with tunics over trousers, pleating and plié. And Parnell-Mooney is fresh out of St Martins, where his student collection impressed the MAN panel with its forward-thinking shapes, luxurious fabrics and innovative techniques.
The three designers will receive financial sponsorship, business support, mentoring and a place in top international sales showrooms in Paris.