Cottweiler effortlessly fused survival and style at LFWM
![Cottweiler’s SS18 collection. [Photo: Yahoo Style UK/ Sabrina Carder]](https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/6NSu4JIfxFnmyq70LqYXCA--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/homerun/feed_manager_auto_publish_494/bc77e8eab3963537c7647c736e6f11ed)
Excitement filled the air as everyone took their seats for Cottweiler’s SS18 collection at London Fashion Week Men’s.
In recent years the British menswear label has taught us to expect the unexpected, and this season was no different. Three giant motorhomes consumed a disused East London warehouse, which had us all eagerly awaiting the unknown destination.
We soon discovered that Ben Cottrell and Matthew Dainty, the designer duo behind Cottweiler were not taking us to a luxurious desert island (sigh), but to the actual desert.
![Survival blankets were a key accessory. [Photo: Yahoo Style UK/ Sabrina Carder]](https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/731Do7Wu9BXLeJvmRjQRZw--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTE0NDA-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/homerun/feed_manager_auto_publish_494/6da241977bed23aacd1664c34fdb3593)
![The collection boasted sportswear vibes. [Photo: Yahoo Style UK/ Sabrina Carder]](https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/d7EbMq6rk4hMlAWDsrLavg--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTY0MA--/https://media.zenfs.com/en/homerun/feed_manager_auto_publish_494/64eada8c3c610ef7419aed70fdb301f8)
Survival quickly became the key theme, as a variety of multi-functional and adaptable outfits hit the catwalk. Accessories also varied from bright orange survival blankets, water bottles, and models carrying their shoes.
“We wanted it to be about how people survive in barren situations”, Matthew Dainty told Yahoo Style UK. He continued, “for us it’s about exploring comfort, functionality, quality, and coming up with something original.”
Well, not only was the collection original, but also contradicting.
![The crystal embellishment gave the collection a modern twist. [Photo: Yahoo Style UK/ Sabrina Carder]](https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/VKn9M.0wNSqQjsOntGo8sw--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTc2Mw--/https://media.zenfs.com/en/homerun/feed_manager_auto_publish_494/2f01042301295d864505e13b9e9547ed)
The award winning NEWGEN designers kept us on our toes, by mixing earthy tones and natural cottons with diamanté detail. Matthew explains this unusual pairing came about because they, “wanted the entire feel to be lighthearted.”
The surprises did not stop there. The show also gave us a preview of Cottweiler’s second collaboration with Reebok, the footwear sharing the same innovation and rich volcanic hues as the garments.
While we are still trying to put the collection into words, Matthew describes it as, “a little bit hippie, a little bit creepy, and a bit cult”.
Referencing the topical survival theme, he adds, “we just try and show what we’re experiencing in our own social environment, and of course that’s reflective of what’s going on in the world.”
One thing is for sure, if we ever get stranded on a desert island, we want to be wearing Cottweiler’s SS18 collection.
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