Bobby Abley AW19 Collection at London Fashion Week Men's

For Autumn-Winter 2019, Bobby Abley takes inspiration from his family and hometown of Scarborough, where he worked on the collection.

Abley revisits his childhood; balaclavas, scarves and baby blankets are all replicated, hand knitted by his mother (and other relatives) and incorporated within the collection as one-off pieces.The family team of knitters also created cardigans and jumpers in fluorescent colours – a palette which recurs throughout the collection.

Video of catwalk finale:
The rest of the colours in the collection are inspired by Abley’s favourite characters from Pokémon. Fiery oranges of Charmander,

soft lilac of Mewtwo,

powdery blues of Squirtle

and of course, the unmistakable sunshine yellow of Pikachu.

 These hues appear vividly throughout the collection, along with the characters themselves as repeat motifs.

The Poké Ball is interpreted as a technical poncho, oversized polo shirt, backpack and cross-body bag,

whilst Pokémon-inspired football kits see a return in acid neon.

bley’s characteristic sportswear-inspired and technical fabrics feature heavily, with the addition of corduroy wide-cut trousers,

and a blanket tracksuit with appliquéd leather lettering spelling out ‘Whatever Forever’down the sleeves – the wording of one of the designers many tattoos.