Best known for being a being one of Britain's most successful modern sing-songwriters, two-time BRIT Award winner and constant hat-wearer James Bay is launching his debut collection with TOPMAN this month, a carefully curated baker's dozen of pieces that tally with his unique sense of style and understated rock chic.
"It's always been exciting for TOPMAN to collaborate with personalities outside the world of fashion as it challenges all our normal perceptions," says TOPMAN creative director and ShortList Grooming Awards judge Gordon Richardson. "James has been no exception, he has diligently translated his unique sense of style into the perfect thirteen-piece capsule collection with as much care and attention he would for one of his albums. Every piece has a considered place and reflects his unique personality."
"It's been a lot of fun teaming up with TOPMAN," says Bay. "I've taken a lot of inspiration from performing live and the way I dress on tour. Many of the details I've focused on are also based on my own, original drawings and sketches."
Lucky that he's actually good at drawing, then, innit? If we had a collection based on our scrawlings it's unlikely anyone would look at them twice, but Bay's range features those very illustrations doodled so dillegently in his sketchbook and can be found on everything from the sweats to the outerwear. The embroidered-leather jacket featuring his drawing of two interlocking hands - inspired by his platinum-selling album 'Chaos and the calm' - is the standout alongside staples like subtly-pannled skinny jeans and a sequined bomber jacket and, of course, a big, lovely hat.
The items were designed with stage performance in mind, but we're sure you'll look good in them down the pub, too. Maybe practice your look of intense in insouciance in front of the mirror before trying on the hat, mind: it might not be something everyone can pull off…
