30/08/07

A white shirt’s a white shirt’s a white shirt, right? Well, not any more. Topman have drafted in five young designers to take the wardobe staple and twist it into something exciting. 

Gordon Richardson, Design and Product Development Director said, “The purity and elegance of a white shirt goes without saying. Each has stayed true to their own signature and design ethos and designed something unique for Topman.’

Believe it or not, Richard Nicoll’s western-inspired shirt is his first foray into the menswear arena. A re-worked design from his A/W07 show feel, the bib front square white buttons and cotton neck-tie add a unique edge. The giant star stitched on to the reverse is a nice touch. It’s cowboy time!

A must-see on the Paris fashion circuit, Ute Piover has taken a hells angel aesthetic and applied it to her white shirt. Quilted shoulders and elbow pads are a nod to a traditional biker jacket. Rib detailing on the cuffs and a voluminous hem add that hint of speed.

A regular to Topman’s MAN show, Deryck Walker has a unique feel for tailoring. Deliberately oversized, his offering has a distinct sportswear feel. Short, ribbed sleeves enhance the casual feel and panelling on the back of the shirt creates a slimmer fit.

Carola Euler’s creations re-define men’s wardrobe essentials with a monochrome palette and interesting fabrics and quirky cuts. Using a traditional shape, her shirt has a detachable collar that can be worn up as a simple stand or down with an attached fabric tie.
 
Presenting a new twist on her much heralded signature style, Norwegian Siv Stodal mixes quirky detailing and graphic foil printed blocks creating a new and futuristic style. She said: “I was very excited when Topman told me about The White Shirt Project. It is a really inspired idea and I jumped at the chance to participate. For my shirt, I chose to keep the classic shape of a Man’s shirt that I use in my collections, but I have re-worked its surface by bringing in a bold, digitalised knit-pattern print. I love the mix of the boldness and fragile transparency.”

Topman’s in-house design centre, Topman Design also re-wrote the rules for the humble white shirt. A ‘trompe l’oeil’ effect and creased patterns, buttons and pockets makes the shirt look loved and worn in.

All these deigns are available on www.topman.com, in London’s flagship store and select stores in NY, L.A and Tokyo.