Nigel Cabourn took military style to the next level at LFWM

Nigel Cabourn SS18 at London Fashion Week Men’s [Photo: Yahoo Style UK/Sabrina Carder]
Nigel Cabourn SS18 at London Fashion Week Men’s [Photo: Yahoo Style UK/Sabrina Carder]

Nigel Cabourn debuted his SS18 collection at London Fashion Week Men’s on Friday 9 June to celebrate his 50th anniversary as a designer.

Titled ‘Whatever Happened To Sean Flynn’, his new line draws upon the life and times of Sean Flynn – the celebrated war photojournalist, and son of Hollywood legend Errol Flynn, who disappeared without trace in 1970.

Cabourn worked closely with Flynn’s best friend, fellow photographer Tim Page, to curate the presentation and display previously unseen photos of Flynn and Page taken during the Vietnam War.

The clothes themselves were also heavily inspired by the garments worn by Flynn and Page in the pictures.

Left: An image of Sean Flynn displayed in the presentation, right:<br>Nigel Cabourn poses with his new line [Photo: Yahoo Style UK/Sabrina Carder]
Left: An image of Sean Flynn displayed in the presentation, right:
Nigel Cabourn poses with his new line [Photo: Yahoo Style UK/Sabrina Carder]

“Utility and function are what draws me to military clothing,” Cabourn revealed. “The attention to detail is aways incredible.

“These garments are built to last a lifestyle and are timeless in so many ways, but it’s important to mention that although I’m very much inspired by military clothing, I don’t in any way condone war.

Like Cabourn, Flynn was famously anti-war: aiming to expose the truth of what was happening in Vietnam with his work.

Camo print features heavily throughout the SS18 range [Photo: Yahoo Style UK/Sabrina Carder]
Camo print features heavily throughout the SS18 range [Photo: Yahoo Style UK/Sabrina Carder]

Cabourn delved into his extensive vintage archive to create the new ‘Lybro’ work wear line – an 18-piece collection of unisex styles based on military issue clothing from the Vietnam War period, mixed with funkier 1960s styles.

He also worked closely with textile designer Riccardo Bruni to produce special fabrics, including a double-sided camo print which features strongly throughout the collection.

Nigel Cabourn is known for his survival gear-style outerwear [Photo: Yahoo Style UK/Sabrina Carder]
Nigel Cabourn is known for his survival gear-style outerwear [Photo: Yahoo Style UK/Sabrina Carder]

Men’s and unisex styles include trousers, shorts, jackets and lightweight coats, while the women’s line features dresses, jackets and trousers.

Standout pieces include field jackets and combat pants based on United States Marine Corps garments, jersey tees based on those worn in Vietnam by US military, and a full poplin coverall based on an Australian military style.

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Read more from Yahoo Style UK:

Live from London Fashion Week Men’s June 2017: All the catwalk, backstage and FROW action

London Fashion Week Men’s: When is it, where is it and how to get tickets

London Fashion Week Men’s show schedule: June 2017