E Tautz A/W 2014
(Image credit: Arnolt Smead)

The question of costume versus actual clothing is an astute one when surveying the London Collections: Men scene, one that is often defiantly split at either extreme. At E Tautz, these forces had moments of alignment for A/W 2014, when designer Patrick Grant cut sportswear styles (baggy trousers and Velcro sneakers) in fine fabrics and modernised both tailoring and outerwear with studied plays of pattern, scale and bold colour. A giant cross motif and abstract 'ET' monogram were employed to stunning effect in mustard, scarlet and Prussian blue, while further graphic detail came in broad athletic stripes trimming overcoats and parkas. Closing the show, a felt perfecto came scrawled with hand-stitched, cartoons and poetic profanities, in an affirmation of the designer's soft hand and his eye for ironic detail.

Photography: Arnolt Smead

E Tautz A/W 2014

(Image credit: Arnolt Smead)

E Tautz A/W 2014

(Image credit: Arnolt Smead)

E Tautz A/W 2014

(Image credit: Arnolt Smead)

E Tautz A/W 2014

(Image credit: Arnolt Smead)