Retail therapy for men

Clare Richardson brings us the men's hotlist for spring 2009.

TREND: COBALT BLUE

Swap last season’s conservative navy for the extraordinary intensity of cobalt blue, as seen on the s/s 09 catwalks of Gucci, Lanvin and Adam Kimmel. Sure to prompt an abundance of admirers, this striking hue works well worn as a statement. The less daring can use it as an accent in the form of a T-shirt or tie.

STRIPES

Forget bog-standard Breton-striped T-shirts, this season it is all about working a head-to-toe look. Bottega Veneta, Dolce & Gabbana and Paul Smith all sent models down the catwalk in pale-blue, vertical-striped suits, starting a pyjama party.

BROWNS SHOE STORE

Starting life as a small boutique in South Molton Street in 1970, Browns quickly became one of London’s most exciting fashion spots. It has expanded through five connecting townhouses to become the emporium it is today, stocking a mix of established and emerging designers for men and women. Shoes have been in store for two years, but this spring its first stand-alone shoe shop will open on Brook Street, W1. Expect an array of exclusive items from the likes of Lanvin, Raf Simons and Bottega Veneta (pictured above, £445 a pair) on the dedicated men’s floor, as well as bespoke shoes and a repair service (brownsfashion.com).

UNIQLO

The Japanese high street label is launching a tailored menswear collection for spring. Featuring slim jackets with matching waistcoats and suit trousers, it is sure to be a success as it follows the Uniqlo design mantra: quality and good finish, all at affordable prices (020-8247 9200).

JAMES LONG FOR TOPMAN

The hottest accessories available at Topman this season will be those of the London designer James Long. After two successful collections for Man, shown during London Fashion Week, Long has turned to designing bags and joins the Topman Lens boutique brigade, selling his heavy- duty manbags in the area assigned for up-and-coming menswear talent. Available at Topman Oxford Circus and online at topman.com. £150 (08451-214519).

CHAUNCEY

This covetable new menswear label is the idea of Belgian Nathalie Bouhana and her photographer partner David Sdika. Bouhana, having previously designed knitwear for Hermès and Salvatore Ferragamo, has an eye for luxury knits. After huge success selling hand-knitted mittens and jumpers from its website last season, the label is steaming ahead with a full collection for spring (020-7251 9003; chauncey.be).

PHILLIP LIM 3.1 FOR MEN

In less than three years, the American designer Phillip Lim has become one of the most sizzling names in fashion. His laid-back, youthful s/s 09 men’s collection is a clever mix of pastels and brights. Matches’ boutiques will stock the line for the second time, and it is sure to fly off the rails (matchesfashion.com).

BEAT

Burberry has finally launched the male version of its Beat for Women perfume. A fresh, woody fragrance mixing leatherwood with vetiver bourbon, cedrat, black pepper and violet leaves, it is heralded with a stellar ad campaign shot by David Sims. According to Christopher Bailey, the house’s creative director, 'the scent captures all the characteristics of the Beat man’ – who judging by the ads is akin to the up-and-coming British actor Alex Pettyfer and the on/off boyfriend of Daisy Lowe, Will Cameron. Eau de toilette 50ml, £36 (0845-769 7072).

FRANZ FERDINAND

Franz Ferdinand are back in the public eye after time out writing their third album, Tonight: Franz Ferdinand, which is set for release later this month. What’s more, the Glaswegian quartet’s slimline look, complete with skinny ties, helped them secure a deal to front John Varvatos’s s/s 09 ad campaign (above), the latest in a series shot by the celebrated music photographer Danny Clinch (johnvarvatos.com).

OMAR KASHOURA

This former design assistant at Preen is now wooing the fashion pack with his first menswear collection. The line is made up of what Kashoura describes as 'classic pieces with a romantic twist’. Look out for the structured tailoring and intricate details in a palette of dusty pink, lime green and gunmetal grey (020-7531 6155).

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/fashion/