BEAUTY: Clothing--RAKE SS '13

Started in greater part by Dylan Jones of GQ U.K. and the British Fashion Council, the U.K. now has its own dedicated men's fashion event, "London Collections: Men." This June 15th to the 17th was the first such event and a very nice selection of sartorial talent was on display, some up and coming, and some established. The event was inaugurated with a royal party hosted by HRH Prince Charles at St. James' Palace. And of course this event precedes Milano Moda Uomo which starts next weekend (June 23rd to 26th) and Paris Fashion Week for men (June 27th to July 1st).

But back to London Collections: Men.

Clive Darby's RAKE brand showed a great SS '13 collection at London Collections: Men yesterday based on traditional British tailoring crossed with an exotic, ethnic travel theme. Darby says the collection represents "travels through the bazaars of Marrakech to the night clubs of Paris" but I am getting a very Indian/Hindu vibe because of the kurta shirts, the churidar-like pants, and the malas many of the models are either holding or wearing wrapped around their wrists, as a necklace, or as a "chain" on a jacket or at the waist. And just like Oliver Spencer, Darby wisely used sexy models who have some mileage on them and some silver in their hair.

http://www.rakestyle.com/home
http://www.londoncollections.co.uk/men