Nigel Cabourn spring/summer 2018 collection presentation for LFWM

Nigel Cabourn’s Whatever Happened to Sean Flynn?-themed presentation was a tactical choice, aptly celebrating his 50^th anniversary in the fashion industry. The veteran designer told us: “He’s somebody I knew 50 years ago, and because I’ve been going for 50 years in the business, I thought this was a good guy to hook on.”

Flynn isn’t the most obvious 60s superstar choice, but a memorable one for Cabourn: “The reason I picked Sean Flynn is because he was like a child star for me. My mum and dad used to tell me about Errol Flynn in the 50s, so when I saw Sean Flynn’s first film released in 1962, I went to see it and I thought that was great. I saw him through the 60s when I started fashion college, when I was interested in Vietnam and flower power and the pop music, and he was part of that.” 

 

The collection was on brand, fitting with the King of casual utility’s signature style. This Authentic Limited Edition offer is the designer’s third presenting men’s, women’s and unisex garments. Based on uniforms worn during the Vietnam War, Tim Page’s exclusive photography of Flynn was a key visual inspiration. 

Cargo pants, dresses, shorts, jackets, and lightweight coats are featured in faded ‘nam blues, khaki greens and a range of camouflage. Perfect for summer, lightweight fabrics produced by Riccardo Bruni include unique reversible camouflage, cotton mesh, double-sided cotton gabardine and denim – all made in the UK.

On the military theme, Cabourn says: “Utility and function are what draws me to military clothing, the attention to detail is always incredible.” Alongside his principal offering, Cabourn also showcased two other multi-gender 60s inspired collections. The SS18 Authentic line nods to the mod era with cotton checks and stripes, as well as selvedge denim. The SS18 Lybro selection is based on the designer’s extensive vintage archive, with faded naval dungarees, USMC Field Jackets, and USMC combat pants. 

Joanna Taylor
Photos: Filippo L’Astorina