Written by Lewis Cameron

Mon.13.Jan.14.

 

Carmichael Byfield was born October 18, 1975 in Kingston Jamaica. In 2008 he migrated to the Netherlands where he found his passion for designing Menswear. He spent most of his days drawing, creating images and combining fabrics, which eventually led him to enrol at a fashion school.

 

In 2011 Carmichael began freelancing as a self motivated designer while studying fashion in the Netherlands. Byfield's style is described as ‘Discreet and elegant with a clever detailing and a sporty touch.’ Simple sophistication is achieved with light, flowing fabrics layered into asymmetric forms and often drapes directly on the body.

 

Production is Undertaken in the Netherlands using high quality materials from the Netherlands, Belgium and Germany. Carmichael Byfield is Currently working feverously to present his Collections bi-annually.

 

Last week, on the evening of the return of the fourth season of London Collections: Men, the House of Byfield presented its colourful, extravagant and luxurious collection for AW14 entitled ‘GQ Conviction’ at an evening of monumental menswear from the team of Fashions Finest showcased in Mayfair’s FunkyBuddha. I was fortunate to attend and get a front row seat and gather exclusive information on the latest styles and trends from the man behind the brand, designer Carmichael Byfield.

 

You just launched your latest menswear collection for AW14 in conjunction with Fashion Finest celebrating the 4th season of London Collections: Men. Tell me how this came about and how you became involved.
CB: I was approached by: Deborah St. Louis, Ceo and founder of 'Fashion Finest' and I instantly became very interested knowing that men’s fashion in London is at its highest level, therefore I was very much excited to showcase the AW 2014 collection on such a unique and prestigious platform.

 

What do you think of London as a home for menswear in comparison to other cities you have visited? Why was London Collections: Men the perfect choice for you to premiere your new collection?
CB: My thoughts about London and fashion in general are that it is the second largest fashion spot in the world for me. 'London' with fashion will never compare to any other fashion city due to the fact that the British have impeccable taste in men’s fashion. It has always been that way and there are always one step ahead of the other fashion hotspots when it comes to menswear.

 

Your new AW14 collection is called ‘GQ Conviction’, what is the main design philosophy and main inspiration for this title and the collection as a whole?
CB: Deliberately I titled the AW14 collection 'GQ Conviction' for the simple fact that I envisioned models walking down the catwalk in handcuffs and waist chains. Something different to bring the fashion of House of Byfield to a new fashionable level.

 

What trends, themes, styles and silhouettes have you incorporated for AW14 and why?
CB: My Art Directors Suzanne van Garderen & David Osatohanwenn Okoro have a great eye for fashion and so when creating the collection I shared my ideas with them and I gave them my themes regarding the trends for AW14. Both agreed with my ideas, Suzanne had two high end shoots with the collections and incorporated chains on the models, shot in an old jail in the Netherlands.  

 

What elements of your previous collections have you kept or advanced on?
CB:The last collection for SS14, entitled ‘Toy Boys’, was displayed in five different global platforms. The collection was well received, sparking interest from several new and exciting international publications arching into AW14 'GQ Conviction' where I intended to drift from: 'Flamboyant' to a more 'Masculine' collection.

 

Describe your ‘GQ Conviction’ collection in three words.
CB:Sex/Money/Power

Where else can we expect to see your new collection on the runway in the near future and how can guys purchase your new designs?

In February 16th 2014 the new collection will showcase in London during the 'Fashion Finest' platform. And interestingly, Byfield fans can buy the designs directly from the official House of Byfield website: www.houseofbyfield.com

 

Image credits by Trevor Griffith

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