As the menswear market continues to grow, several women have tried their hand at designing menswear instead of womenswear. Most notably, a number of London female menswear designers are bringing much needed talent and takes and turning them into profiting brands.
Grace Wales Bonner
Grace Wales Bonner graduated from Central St Martins back in 2014. She presented her first collection at Fashion East in 2015, and, that same year, she won Emerging Menswear designer of the year at the British Fashion Awards.
She made her debut at London Fashion Week Men’s in 2016 with her own label titled Wales Bonner. Most of her designs explore inspiration from European and African influences. Now, Bonner’s collections and shows are some of the most anticipated on the show calendars. Keep in mind, Bonner has yet to turn 27.
Lou Dalton
Dalton dropped out of school when she was 16 and began to learn her craft while working as an apprentice to a tailor, then she went on to study menswear at the Royal College of Art.
Dalton’s tailoring combined with her Shropshire roots make her clothes beautiful and extremely durable. Dalton’s collections are now some of the most highly sought after clothes. She has made capsule collections for Dover Street Market, Grenson, Liberty and Opening Ceremony. Dalton’s designs are available internationally on her online store.
Astrid Anderson
Anderson launched her own brand back in 2011 and has caught attention for her knack of remodeling the sports-luxe category. Her designs go far beyond a simple tracksuit. She is expertly able to blend urban influences with small feminine details to make clothes that challenge the gender norms.
She graduated from the Royal College of Art in 2010 and was able to get support from Fashion East and NEWGEN before making her official debut at London Fashion Week Men’s. Her celebrity base, including Drake, A$AP Rocky, and Rihanna, all adore her clothes.
Martine Rose
Rose, a 36-year-old designer, is one of London’s most original menswear designers. Her label, which is now 10 years old, has constantly been pushing boundaries.
Her designers effortlessly play with shape and proportion. Her designs are now being stocked at Barneys in New York, Dover Street Market and Matches fashion. Rose has also been added to the Balenciaga team to consult on its menswear line.