MAN fuk@lfw a/w 07

There was a time in the early 90s when some of us at fuk.co.uk spent unhealthy amounts of their time reaching for the lazers in warehouses up and down the county. Arriving late to the MAN show we feared for a moment that we were in the grip of a flashback. From giant screens flashing images projected a dancing gang of dayglo-clad ravers whilst the sound system hurled ear-bleeding techno at our eardrums. To our relief we remembered it was just the Latin American Civilisation/MySpace-inspired collection from Cassette Playa making its debut.

Next up came a collection from Carola Euler which was all sharp angles and lean lines and really rather sexy. Inspired by the futuristic imaginings of designers such as Pierre Cardin and Paco Rabanne she dressed her boys in pin-tucked, bib-fronted shirts and black and white jumpers whose patterns resemble white noise on tv screens. An oversized cardi festooned with shoe laces and jutting shoulders on jackets and shirts all add to the idiosyncratic look.

A few weeks ago Time Out carried a photo of a building covered in pink and blue garments blowing in the wind. They wanted to know what it was all about and fuk.co.uk can now reveal the answer. It was the work of MAN veteran Siv Stoldal who had decided to cover up specific environments with her A/W07 collection and then photograph them. Jackets and coats are reversible – one side in wool, the other in rainproof nylon and oilskin. Chunky knit jumpers keep out the chill and Tent Coats have been created so that several can be buttoned together to create a tent – handy if your mate has one too and you get caught in a shower. To avoid erection problems we suggest you invest in one of the shirts that have the tent assembly details printed on them.

Topman's collection is all about revolution and rebellion. Felt suiting is used to create cropped jackets and one-pleat narrow trousers while skinny ties and slim-fitting shirts add to the buttoned up effect. With back waxed bombers, full length trenches and yellow patent duffle coats we're sure this collection will fly off the shelves as soon as it hits them.

Words: Maia Adams
Photos: David Jones