There’s something about wearing a cool printed tee and jeans that just works. But to pull the look off you’ve got to get the right kind of tee, with a print that’s not too quirky, not too commercial, but just cool. If you are, like us, slightly picky when it comes to the t-shirt department then we introduce to you the A.D collection from Topman.

The A.D collection features prints that are inspired by historical events that have shaped the city of London that we know today. With past collections inspired by events such as The Great Plague and the legacy of Jack the Ripper, the A.D collections present tees that combine limited edition prints with talking-point tees.

Speaking about the collection Topman explain that, ‘The great exhibition was staged by Prince Albert and Henry Cole to showcase outstanding exhibits of culture and industry.’ Taking inspiration from this, the tees feature hand printed images of the Koh-i-Noor Diamond, Dageurreotype Photography, Ornate Vignettes and the Destruction of the Burning Glass Structure which had hosted the exhibition.

So when you hear the words, ‘I like the print on your tee..’ you can wow your clothing admirer with an anecdote about Dageurreotype Photography being the first large scale commercial photographic process that, when viewed, a dark surface is reflected into the mirrored silver surface, so the reproduction of detail in sharp photographs is very good.

Not just a pretty tee…

The collection is available now from Topman stores.

Calling all would-be rocks stars: if you like your jeans skinny and your hat worn at a jaunty angle the get ready for the AAA collection for Topman.

The rebellious-musician look continues to be a popular menswear trend and following a demand that Topman Design Director Gordon Richardson describes for ‘a range that made you look and feel like a rock star,’ Topman has delivered as usual, with the creation of the truly rock ‘n’ roll influenced AAA collection.

The campaign, which is fronted by Louis Simonon – son of legendary clash bass player Paul Simonon, features a moody looking Louis in a typical black and white backstage setting. Two components which are of course essential for that bona fide rock star appeal.

The collection itself is a mix of skinny tailoring and luxe-feel jerseys in a palette of monochrome. Sharp blazers and wet-look jeans give the collection that overall lean and edgy silhouette. And for that true indie-boy aesthetic there’s also a range of accompanying accessories that includes a feather tipped hat, the classic studded belt and a velvet skinny scarf.

Who needs authentic rock ‘n’ roll style when you can pop down to Topman and buy it off the peg?

The AAA collection launches in Topman flagship stores on 27th may.

Last night, the lovely people at Topman invited us to the launch party of their flagship store in Oxford Street, London.

The event occurred between 7.30pm and 10.30pm and was put on in celebration of the new, extra floor which includes an EAT. restaurant, a stylist booth, Wi-fi access and even a barber shop in the all new ‘Area Two One Four’.

The store was brimming with well-dressed individuals, sipping their champers – mainly schmoozing next to EAT. so that they could munch on the minature pies on offer and occassionally peruse the store for its latest offerings.

The store contains a huge shoe section, including Vintage Topman, Office and Converse, alongside a massive range of clothing designers for Topman . The store have also incorporated a new ‘Red Area’ at the shop’s entrance, which will exhibit new brands and designers, ensuring that shoppers are immediately aware of the newest trends.

There was a definite buzz in the air at the launch, especially when Sir philip Green was spotted working the crowds. My photograph of the retail mogul isn’t the best I’ll admit, but I can confirm that he was indeed smiling on the night! And why wouldn’t he be? This flagship for Topman is going to be hugely successful, and is sure to earn Sir Philip a few extra pennies…

Summer is here and with it comes scorching temperatures, humid air and, well a pleasant change of wardrobe and styling. To save yourself from the tyranny of the weather, one can consider rolling up those long sleeve shirts or ditching them in favor of a more suave short sleeve alternative. The latter option seems more viable seeing as this is the season to show some skin plus it wouldn’t seem remotely presumptuous to flaunt those biceps outside the gym!

Personally, The Sartorialist serves as a point of contact for inspired looks for any season. Digging through my archived favorites, I couldn’t help but call attention to this rather polished short sleeve shirt ensemble. First, the pairing of a club collar with a plaid tie is bold but yet equally reverential of the distinguished leanings possessed by the two items. During the early 19th century, the likes of King George IV patronized the tartan pattern which left plaid with a slew of admirers. Conversely, club or round collars rose to popularity during the 1930s as a signature of the prestigious Eaton School in Great Britain. Some naysayers claim the style has seen its glory days come and gone, but Patrik Ervell and Tim Hamilton didn’t bid adieu to the collar style in their SS08 and AW09 collections, respectively. Both designers emphasized the quirk of the club collar by letting it take the limelight sans a neck tie.

However, taking nothing away from Ervell and Hamilton’s rendition, I happen to prefer the juxtaposition of the skinny plaid tie and the contrast white club collar on this Italian gentleman. Moreover, the popularity skinny ties have garnered in recent years can help kick start a renaissance in the club collar. Gladly, Topman makes it possible to recreate this look at an affordable price. The blue and white polka dot shirt (£28.00) creates a subtle light blue hue consistent with the above ensemble, but the dotted pattern still resonates well. Round that off with a slim tartan green tie (£10.00), a pair of beige chino and perhaps this white leather plait belt (£15.00) and you may just experience a Sartorialist encounter!

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Seasoned from the success of her SS08 diffusion line at Topman, Carolyn Massey makes a return to Lens with a distinctive aesthetic that continues to venerate, but in a bolder fashion, the romanticism and gothic charm that filters through 18th and 19th century English fashion.

Massey injects an old English familiarity of neutral hues—black, white, grey—with the occasional bright colour to harken us back to a sartorial code that is part moody, part romantic, but part avant-garde.

Winged-collar and bib front shirts pop up throughout the collection as does an all-too unconventional Sherlock Holmes-esque cape. Despite Massey’s reverence for age-old fashion, a twinge of modernity is thrown into the mix by virtue of her silhouettes. One gets a timeless feel to the collection—the cape’s simplified lines and capacious qualities makes it an enviable winter coat—that ultimately renders a contemporary portrait to these antique items.

Come September, be on the lookout for Carolyn Massey’s AW08 collection in the Lens area at Topman Oxford Circus, Laforet Harajuku (in the Shibuya area of Tokyo, Japan) and online as well at the Topman debut in New York.