London Fashion Week S/S2010 - Carolyn Massey

LONDON FASHION WEEK S/S2010 - CAROLYN MASSEY

Inspired by a visit to the fishing village of Dungeness, and the film 'Heroes of Telemark' , a utilitarian theme also abounded throughout Carolyn Massey's collection. Lightweight trenches and bombers in techncial fabrics with drawstring waists and utilitarian pocketing, pushed both fisherman and militarywear in a modern direction. A show standout waxed jacket, complete with detachable rucksack identified Carolyn as a possible heir to the Burberry throne.

Not only presenting army fatigues, Carolyn also built upon her reputation for traditional, elegant English cuts. Suiting was double-breasted in standout lilac and colour combinations of Navy paired with camel and red, presented new options for summer. Accessories were granted greater prominence - most notably bondage-style back braces - created in collaboration with Hannah Martin- which came in chrome and black leather and yellow with woven red and blue straps. Mirrored steampunk goggles fit for warfare crowned a collection which successfully looked towards the future whilst referencing the past.

I grabbed Carolyn for a swift pre-shot chat backstage. The recipient of the first NEWGEN MEN award, Carolyn admitted that whilst the precedence now granted to menswear had been a long time coming, it was incredible to be part of the veritable British menswear explosion, and as such felt that to win the award now was a great honour.

Exhibiting her Spring/Summer collection at the Paris shows in July, Carolyn has had time to add, alter or modify any piece, but, with an eye on buyers who prefer to see the same collection transfer from exhibition to catwalk to showroom showed the exact same collection on the London catwalk that she presented in Paris. That is aside from the incredible back braces created in collaboration with Hannah Martin, which I'm sad to report, won't be transferring to showroom.

With a wealth of talent on show today at menswear day, I cruelly pressed Carolyn to see who she's most anticipating, and she granted a few of her fellow designers with the honour, identifying James Long, bStore and Katie Eary's theatrics as ripe for catwalk.