James Reeves’ work explores a masculine identity through military references, juxtaposed and spliced with sequin. In combination with print and colour, he aimed to challenge the lack of such things within menswear.

James reflected on his own wardrobe and at school uniforms, how these two ideas of subconscious and enforced conformity dictated men’s dress. Bright colours and prints made little to no appearance and this informed the direction of his collection.

He poses the question, ‘In a time where gender neutrality takes precedence, how has the conventional notions of menswear changed?’ through his designs and intends to tackle these complexities. By outlining the clear markers of what defines a man’s wardrobe, James took it upon himself to push against these social boundaries and expectations and reconstruct the conventions of menswear.