Exposure Press Day with Dr Martens, John Smedley and Barbour

Exposure held their press event a few weeks ago in Central London, and I popped along to check out all the collections that will be hitting stores later this year. I love many of the brands that Exposure represents – they are the epitome of great British craft and design, and are a veritable who’s who of British fashion.

I’m talking brands like Dr Martens, who just seem to go from strength to strength (I’m guessing as long as there are students, there will be Doc Martens!). There latest collaboration is with another icon of British culture – the Beano, and these are sure to be popular since they are just so much fun, even if you are not a Dennis the Menace or Beryl the Peril. Pretty floral designs add a feminine touch to another new collection – I would’ve so loved them when I was 18.

John Smedley is another brand that screams ‘Rule Britannia’ with every collection. The Mod influenced knitwear is particularly strong next season, I love the use of stripes, and pattern within the jumpers and cardigans. The traditional knitted polo tops are both modern and retro – and seem so perfect for the year Britpop celebrates 20 years. I look at these tops and immediately think of Damon Albarn.

There were lots of other great pieces on display. Supermarket chic was represented by Tu – surely the most classic of the fast fashion collections carried by the supermarket giants. I loved the mustard wool coat, and the cream and lace blouse will also be hitting my shopping trolley come Autumn. Other lust after items included floral wellies from another classic British name, Barbour. And I really feel no well dressed traveller should take a plane without investing in some of the gorgeous blue luggage from Globe Trotter.

With all this, plus Cutler and Gross, Christopher Raeburn, Nike and Levi’s – this really was an eclectic and stylish press event.