London: Renowned designer Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen shares his insights on the evolving landscape of men’s fashion and personal style ahead of his appearance at the Ideal Home Show, encouraging individuals to embrace self-expression and sophistication through tailored clothing as they age.
Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen, renowned for his ability to transform typical suburban homes into lavish spaces reminiscent of French palaces, shared his insights into fashion and his upcoming participation in the Ideal Home Show. Known for his distinctive and extravagant style, Llewelyn-Bowen’s flair extends well beyond interior design into the realms of fashion and personal expression.
Reflecting on his early influences, Llewelyn-Bowen reminisced about his childhood fascination with dressing up, attributing some of his creativity to an “indulgent grandmother” who crafted miniature uniforms for him. “Since I was quite a small child, I loved dressing up,” he stated. His formative years were marked by a sense of exploration in fashion, where he experimented with various styles, from avant-garde looks to more traditional choices during his time in art school.
Before the age of e-commerce, he and his wife, Jackie, sourced vintage attire from markets and thrift stores, recalling their adventures at locations like Kensington Market. Today, while acknowledging the ease of acquiring fashion via online platforms, he cautioned against solely relying on fast fashion, stating, “there are a lot of young designers and bespoke suit services on the internet that can do stuff for you.”
Llewelyn-Bowen has expressed his dissatisfaction with the current offerings in men’s fashion, particularly for those in midlife. He noted a trend towards what he describes as “unpowerful fashion statements,” primarily consisting of sportswear and children’s wear. In his view, the modern menswear of his age group lacks the complexity and sophistication that he believes should characterise their wardrobe choices.
He emphasised the importance of a well-fitting suit, calling it an essential element of any man’s wardrobe, which represents a level of self-regard and control over personal image. “Smart means you’re in charge of who you are,” he remarked, suggesting that the investment in a tailored suit, ranging from £800 to £900, is preferable to spending on mass-produced items. Llewelyn-Bowen argued that such tailored garments convey a stronger sense of style compared to sportswear, which he sees as unsuitable for older men.
In discussing his personal style choices, he maintained a light-hearted perspective on previous fashion missteps, acknowledging that while some past outfits may have been viewed as excessive, they were a true expression of his identity at the time.
Llewelyn-Bowen’s upcoming involvement in the Ideal Home Show, commencing this March, will include sharing his knowledge on finding personal style within home interiors. He views the show as a reflection of the optimism that British homeowners have historically sought to convey through their living spaces.
As he approaches his 60th birthday, Llewelyn-Bowen continues to challenge the notion that age should impose limits on personal expression, stating, “As you age, you should be coming to a stage of much greater stability and security about who you are.” He underscores the idea that life experiences and past cultural moments should empower individuals to maintain their adventurous spirit, encouraging a mindset of bravery rather than conformity.
Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen’s contributions at the Ideal Home Show will span 17 days, providing attendees with opportunities to engage in live Q&As and demonstrations related to fashion and interior design, reinforcing his belief in the significance of bravery in style at any age.
Source: Noah Wire Services
