London Sock Company

Socks are the most understated of fashion accessories. Unless you're into that cropped-leg/ankle-swinger look, socks barely see the light of day from the moment you take them out of your drawer. It's almost a shame, really, when there are so many colours and patterns to fancy up your feet. (And I should know, given I have more than fifty pairs.) But socks aren't there to be flaunted in the same way as, say, a printed shirt; more to offer a flutter of personality, much like a pocket square in a suit jacket.

London Sock Company would certainly agree. This relatively recent addition to the British menswear industry takes inspiration from Victorian elegance to offer a luxury range of colourful and fashionable socks, available to buy from select boutiques or - rather inventively - a monthly "Sock Club" subscription.

Now, I know what you're thinking - "elegance" and "luxury" aren't words you'd often associate with socks. But they're important words if you're aiming for outstanding quality. London Sock Company have developed their first collections in partnership with a century-old sock maker, plus fresh fashion design talent. It's a combination of traditional design and modern ideas. And like the best accessories, the final products are simple, wearable, yet eye-catching. They even have the thumbs up from supermodel and BFC ambassador David Gandy.

Of course, if you're thinking this is all a bit too much hype over socks, then I suggest you carry on wearing your tediously sensible black socks to the office. But I believe every detail counts, even those we may only see when you're sitting at your desk for lunch, and the hems of your trousers are halfway up your calves.

Jere, Shoreditch High Street

Nigel Cabourn AW15

Perhaps the most practical collection exhibited at London Collections: Men - especially so for autumn/winter - was Nigel Cabourn's hard wearing outerwear. The AW15 collection celebrates the 60th anniversary of the Trans-Antarctic Expedition led by Sir Vivian Fuchs. Fur-trim coats, chunky knitwear and vintage-inspired jackets are just some of the key pieces prepared to keep you extremely toasty during the winter months.

Among these, the most iconic is arguably the Everest Parka, a Nigel Cabourn classic, which has featured in his winterwear collections since 2003. Inspired by the clothes worn by Sir Edmund Hillary during his 1953 ascent of Mt Everest, the coat is made from weatherproof Ventile cotton filled with goose down and lined with sheepskin. The design can supposedly withstand temperatures of minus 40 degrees Celcius, although I shan't be testing that claim any time soon!

Robert Spangle, Middle Temple Hall

Robert Spangle, street style photographer at Thousand Yard Style, shooting for British GQ at London Collections: Men.

Hentsch Man AW15

Tucked away in Soho's so-called "sex alley" (you know the one), "Peep Show" by Hentsch Man conjured wild images of fetish fashions amongst a provocative presentation. Upon my arrival at the disused sex shop, I was therefore pleasantly surprised - not to mention relieved - to find a colourful collection with intimations of 90s grunge and Americana. No lewd acts or topless models that evening.

That isn't to say the show space didn't reflect its former usage. The room was dimly lit, and the walls painted immodestly red. Yet against this bold backdrop, the prints and block colours of Henstch Man AW15 were even louder. Grunge inspiration gives extra masculinity to this collection, although it does not deter from the cleanly cut shapes or premium fabrics. After all, true grunge would never be seen without a few frays around the edges.

Stepping away from the fashion, it made the presentation more enjoyable to see the models relaxed, sipping on beers, and having a boogie to Billie Jean. I only wish more designers would take this approach when showcasing their collections, as Hentsch Man has done every season. Fashion models needn't resonate with the Beefeaters of Buckingham Palace, like walking mannequins forbidden of emotion, seemingly unconnected with the clothes they are wearing. If anything, livelier models encourage a livelier audience.

Madeleine Macey, Middle Temple

Madeleine Macey is Communications Director for Temperley London. Awaiting Pringle AW15, she wears Somerset by Alice Temperley brogues, Nicole Farhi trousers, a Pringle roll-neck top, Chanel bag, and a vintage scarf.

YMC AW15

First of all, happy new year! It's been almost a fortnight since my previous blog post, but I thought, what's the point in rushing into 2015 with half-hearted content? Thankfully, London Collections: Men was just around the corner, thus giving me a plenty of scope for fresh fashion features and brand new street style.

My time at LC:M this season was short but sweet. On the Saturday, accompanied by the ever charming Tazz, I popped my head into as many shows and presentations as I could manage, finishing with a visit to the designer showrooms in the Hospital Club. On the Sunday, left to my own devices, I focused instead on shooting street style and browsing the accessories showroom at Victoria House - i.e. trying on all the sunglasses, poring over patterned socks, and racing Scalextric with Swatch.

The weekend was also the perfect opportunity to take my new Sigma 50mm f1.4 lens out on its first adventure. Although almost eight times heavier than Canon's nifty fifty, this newly released model is considerably sturdier, the auto-focus is quick and quiet, and the image quality is unbeatable. I hope you notice the improvement in my blog photos, but don't worry if you can't. In truth, this small investment was more to satisfy my own pursuit for perfection than anything else.

One of best showcases of the weekend came from YMC (You Must Create), which follows an ethos of reworking traditional clothing into contemporary style. Their collections are therefore very wearable, achieving a balance between simplicity and fresh trends. The AW15 men's collection offers such pieces as tailored jogging bottoms, thick cable knit jumpers, zip-up cardigans and leather Harrington jackets. Tonal ranges of grey and navy are layered harmoniously, broken occasionally by a splash of lime green knitwear, or a buttercup yellow rain jacket.