Topman's Summer Tribute to the British Seaside

Bumped to the coveted opening spot of London Collections Men, Topman Design now sets the tone for the entire four day menswear extravaganza - no pressure then for the brand's creative director Gordon Richardson. Thankfully, the man's a pro, as seen recently with the label's Spring/Summer '17 collection - a superbly summery line that brought the sunshine despite being shown in a cavernous windowless basement space underneath the Ambika P3 Gallery just off Baker Street.

Inspired by great British beach resorts, the collection was dominated by Mod nods, pastel colors and woven white loafers, with models marching out with straight-outta-the-sea hair and sunburnt cheeks. Suits were slim-cut and lapelled, and generally worn with string vests. Toweling items were given a modern twist in bright colors like vibrant yellow or pink, and while suits were plain, pattern kicked in on shorts and shirts - often paired up in prints.

The most obvious wink to the postcard fun of the British seaside came on jumpers no outerwear: sweatshirts plastered with references to Blackpool, Margate and Southend and sequined, embroidered motifs of items you might see flashing at you from the penny arcades such as Yorkshire roses, mermaids and ice creams.

The weather might be cloudy in London, as well, but summer is still on at Topman Design. ALL PHOTOS BY INDIGITAL  (www.gq-magazine.co.uk)