Worth the Wait: LCM Opening Party by Duchamp
It is exactly 12:30 in the morning as I start writing this. Sure, as a journalist you have to be prepared to work at night to ‘get the story out there before everyone else’ and 12:30am isn’t 4am. But London Collections: Men has only just started and the next couple of days are going to be hectic to say the least. What prevents from despairing and falling into a kind of pre-LCM-trauma is the great energy at Duchamp’s drink reception earlier!
The British label founded in 1989 and named after French surrealist artist Marcel Duchamp threw one of the various opening events for the third season of the British Fashion Council’s menswear showcase. Despite the impressive competition – Dolce & Gabbana had a presentation and store opening in Bond Street which was attended by Kylie Minogue, Anna Dello Russo, etc. – Duchamp managed to gather a stylish crowd. And what a crowd it was! In fact, we were a bit put off by the policy to keep people with guest list spots queuing outside the venue on one of China Town’s busiest streets with deliveries for the Asian restaurant next door being put next to our feet and a homeless lady begging us to buy roses off of her. But it was all worth it in the end. Held at Soho’s Experimental Cocktail Club, the drink reception was well attended by loads of fashionistas and –tos and offered opportunities to connect with new people and catch up with familiar faces from former seasons.
With a name like that, the venue of course featured an exciting cocktail menu out of which we chose a drink called ‘Your Mate’ to become our new best mate. The two stories-bar was decorated with mannequins (wood ones, not flesh ones) wearing Duchamp blazers, shirts and matching accessories. In case you’re not familiar with the brand, let me tell the display of clothes was a hit! Duchamp is known for its Britishness; all of their ties are handmade in England and their cufflinks have been made by the same craftsman from Birmingham ever since they started out 24 years ago. There is a long tradition behind the label which is reflected in its classy style and high-quality fabrics – and maybe in the long queue outside the soirée.
Happily filled up with our best mate, aka Your Mate and left with a warm feeling in our chest from meeting an impressive number of lovely people at the event, we must admit Duchamp knows how to kick off London Collections: Men in style! Count us in for next season’s opening party .
It is 01:06am now. LC:M has officially started. Except for…
Happy Fashion Week, everyone!
Gracie Opulanza in Action
