Written by Lewis Cameron​

Thurs. 13. Dec.

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Last week myself, our model Phelan and the ever creative photography/videography combo force that is Big Bad Llama attended a special Press Evening at the newly revamped M&S concept store at Sprucefield, Lisburn. A store of dreams.

It literally has everything. Even celebrating the launch of the M&S bank that very same morning, but whilst we sampled sensational mulled cider and asparagus rolls myself and the guys were there for one specific task. Head to the Menswear department. Pick out various pieces of party wear attire and get our Essential Party Wear at M&S shoot underway.

Now usually I’m pretty hands on when it comes to shoots, however on this occasion I had a helping hand from pretty much everybody in the menswear department as the immensely polite staff were on hand to cover our every need. One in particular being the tailoring extraordinaire Stephen. A man who joined M&S around two years ago and knows their suits inside out. Stephen wore a black M&S tuxedo with a classic white shirt and a mulberry bow tie. All in all, he’s pretty much a legend among men.

When it came to the shoot itself, the perfect location was found in the modern stylings of the men’s fitting room. Its got mirrors. Its got art deco. Its got things we can stand on. Not to mention some funky walls knocking about for the purpose of an exquisite backdrop as we showcased four trend specific looks for the modern gent and the party season.

I am a firm lover of colour blocked suits this year but I never shy away from a classic black ensemble. Why? Because the possibilities are one hundred percent endless. For our first look Phelan donned a Limited Edition slim fit metallic lapelled suit complete with an Autograph grape slim fitted shirt and a rust brown woollen oversized scarf. Draped over the shoulders to add a Winter element of eloquence and the impression that this guy knows how to handle both the snow and the champagne, whatever the occasion this Christmas.

Gone was the woollen scarf and purple shirt for our next look as we introduced a touch of royal blue for those unbelievers on the whole ‘black does not go with blue’ movement. It does. It really does. Paired with a silk woven evening scarf and matching bow tie featuring a small embellished design throughout the fabric, the inviting shades bounced off one another in a high-fashion take on simplistic trends.

The third approach took a more casual stance using a metallic charcoal grey super slim Limited Edition suit and pairing it simply with Phelan’s own sea green plain t-shirt, the trusty rust brown woolen scarf and my own recently purchased copper cluster chain necklace from Rebro Jewellery. A mix of how one can easily and accessibly tone down the smart look yet still inject a taste of the high life.

Then in stark contrast, a slightly more modern number was adopted for our final look. A black Limited Edition suit. A white Autograph shirt. A black and silver detailed bow tie and the Rebro copper cluster chain necklace. We also rocked the bow tie at a slight angle because we are cool like that.

So remember. The black suit is back. It never really left and it never ever will. It is your best friend and it can literally go with pretty much any colour no matter what anyone tells you otherwise. My word is final.

All suits were complimented by a pair of dapper black shoes featuring pointed toe detail and a double lace from M&S shoe department. All M&S items used are available to purchase from Lisburn’s Sprucefield store.