London Collections: Men – Hunter Gather A/W 2014 presentation

Hunter Gather brought in a new spirit for the new year with their 80s-inspired autumn/winter presentation, Neon Noir. The showcase was held at the brand’s Marylebone headquarters – a boutique, cafe and exhibition space the label calls a “new concept in fashion retailing”. The space benefits from the high ceilings with exposed piping, and almost feels like a post-Warholian factory with David Bradshaw as a modern-day Andy. Bradshaw assembled the community that is described as “a collective, a repository of ideas, a gathering of minds and a fashion label”. 

Unfortunately, we felt Hunter Gather’s A/W 2014 collection didn’t live up to their conceptual approach to retailing. The brand is neither high street nor haute couture, which leaves it lost in the masses until it develops a stronger signature look. The collection consisted of reworked leathers and denim, heavy cable knits and bomber jackets with neon pops of colour in some of the key pieces. The highlights of the show were the trousers splattered in paint Pollock-style, but even that felt like a pre-packaged watered-down interpretation of 80s punk that we’ve all seen before.  By the end of the day, Neon Noir was somewhat forgetful, and we left feeling more intrigued by the idea behind the label as opposed to the label itself.

Perhaps we’re being too harsh. The event itself was awesome – amazing finger foods, complementary drinks, loud bumping music with a great buzz in the crowd and in the street. Seeing as Hunter Gather started in December 2012, we’re going to give them the benefit of the doubt here and just say we expected more. Or the classic “it’s not you, it’s me”. 

Christianna Pugliese
Photos: Krish Nagari

Find out more and shop Hunter Gather here.