Menswear Day Preview... Shaun Samson SS12

Shaun Samson's SS12 lineup

In precisely one weeks time we will be half way through a packed Menswear Day schedule. We would have Asd been amazed by Anderson, seduced by Shannon, dazzled by Dalton and moved by MAN. As we countdown to the big day, it is the latter that is causing our blogging pulse to race. Since its inception and thanks to the support and sponsorship of Topman and Fashion East, MAN has created a whole new momentum in the London menswear scene. Season after season, it grows in profile and importance but the SS12 lineup marks an energised beginning. The talent showcase is all about heralding what’s new in menswear but this lineup is one of the most exciting to date. Martine Rose shows for the third time and is joined by two newcomers, Matthew Miller and Shaun Samson. Now, regular readers will know that Miller is no newbie in our eyes. His work has impressed us for a number of years now and after capturing the collective imagination with his AW11 presentation, his addition to the show lineup marks a much deserved step forward for the design talent. Samson on the other hand is a recent discovery. 

Having stood out with his seamless MA collection of harmoniously fused knits and plaids earlier this year, we met up the California born graduate to learn more about his needle punch felting technique. As we were talked through the design process of his AW11 collection, we could not help ourselves from peeking at what he had in store for us on Menswear Day. Here, we take a look at how colourful Mexican blankets sparked a renewed love affair with his homeland and accompany his words with a few studio shots....

"I was initially really attracted to these Mexican blankets. They are everywhere in California. However, it wasn't until I moved here and away from them for a couple of years before returning that I saw them in a new light. I'd never think to put these colours together but for some reason they work.  They are made in the traditional way by Mexicans and use whatever yarns they have at that time. No two blankets are the same which is great except for when it comes to production but I'll figure it out. The blankets are so nice themselves that I can't over design the garment."

Shaun Samson on the starting point for the collection and the confident use of colour in the blankets.

" From the blankets, I reminisced about growing up in California; the surfers, the grunge and the gangster rap movement."
Shaun Samson on the evolution of design influences from the blankets.

"I'm also experimenting with one off pieces that I won't produce, mixing vintage garments and pushing the aesthetic that bit more"
Shaun Samson hinting at what we can expect to see on Menswear Day
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