Cuddly but not cute at Liam Hodges' SS18 show
![<i>Teddy bears were screaming at Liam Hodges’ SS18 show [Photo: Getty]</i>](https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/hkU5APG.kOZ1hToh523vhg--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTYzOQ--/https://media.zenfs.com/en/homerun/feed_manager_auto_publish_494/fe55f662fd8cc39b8deed43e74f902c5)
Several questions hit us as we waited for Liam Hodges’ show to begin on the first day of London Fashion Week Men’s. His ninth collection had fallen on the day of the general election results and it didn’t take too long of a search to work out how the NEWGEN designer felt.
A quick scroll through his personal Instagram account revealed a firm middle finger at Theresa May. It was clear Hodges wasn’t happy about the Conservative victory (if you can call it that).
So back to those questions. Did he prepare for an unfavourable result? Was his collection going to be an angry one or optimistic for the future?
Decidedly the former. An intense beat began the show which saw models walk purposefully down the catwalk bearing clothes shouting the word ‘NOISE’.
This was Hodges’ way of telling us to dial down the constant media we’re surrounded with and stick to what we truly believe in.
![<i>The designer showed a much more grown-up collection than previous years [Photo: Getty]</i>](https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/6zJlPMSTm4Uz8pNsJ3pniA--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTY0MA--/https://media.zenfs.com/en/homerun/feed_manager_auto_publish_494/50000bfaa8598907a2d47f59fcfd76d0)
A screaming bear motif also appeared throughout. But Hodges had one warning for us all: “don’t confuse the cuddly nature with weakness because these teddy bears have teeth.”
So did the models whose faces were painted into the same teeth-baring mouths with spiked hair and slicked-down punk fringes finishing off the youthful look.
Hodges said this collection was full of clothes he wants to wear when he’s older. And that progressive feel came across all too nicely.
![<i>Hodges titled his collection ‘New World’ [Photo: Getty]</i>](https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/SGT04Kb0qUjG5zwH2QIjEw--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTE0NDA-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/homerun/feed_manager_auto_publish_494/73187e81472d85c3ebf277a314e7a316)
Traditional shirting in the Liam Hodges signature oversized silhouette came with slouchy trousers in army green and slate grey. A development was seen with more grown-up patchwork and rain-spattered fabrics sitting perfectly alongside quilted pieces and Hodges’ first foray into denim.
He also partnered with sportswear giant FILA, taking their distinctive blocked colours and muting it to his own personal palette.
Finale time saw Hodges’ bear come to life (though you have to feel sorry for the poor soul inside the costume).
A New World indeed.
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