Spring Summer menswear. Say hello to LF Markey

trousers: costume national; tops from top to bottom: bottega vaneta, dsquared2, versace; outfits from left to right: bottega vaneta, salvatore ferragamo, dries van noten; all three blazers: salvatore ferragamo; trousers and bag: costume national; shoes from left to right: dsquared2, emporio armani

New year, new beginnings, new resolutions. Whether the start of January sees you commencing the process of achieving your year's goals (and trying not to let the novelty wear off leaving your aims demolished) or you're just taking each day as it comes like it's nothing special, why not use this moment to open your wardrobe and take a detailed look at your clothes? One's choice of outfit can usually tell a lot about their personality. The more outlandish the clothing commonly means the more creative and extrovert the wearer is and a refined suit with polished, well-kept shoes tends to represent the sophistication of its owner. I know from experience that many males tend to shy away from wearing something too eye-catching in fear of attracting negative attention or exercising the connotations of being gay (although why should that be anything to be ashamed of?) but creating a bit of life to an outfit does not necessarily mean buying the most peculiar thing you can find or dressing beyond your comfort zone. It can merely mean adding a small unexpected splash of colour or an animated print. 

While many designers supplied us with a variety of bold designs for Spring Summer '13 (from Costume National's striped trousers and Salvatore Ferragamo's watercolour blazers to the more subtle yet effective leopard print shoes courtesy of Dsqaured2 and Emporio Armani), If there is one designer who has recently informed us on how character can be brought to an outfit in the most effortless of ways then it's Louise Markey,  founder and creative force behind the brand LF Markey. Australian born, she studied at London's Central Saint Martins graduating in 2008- the same year she made her catwalk debut, came runner-up at the Fashion Fringe Festival and launched her much-loved shirt line. Yes, shirts.  The friendly component to everybody's wardrobe. Work, night out, first date, funeral: there is undoubtedly a shirt for every occurrence and Markey's comfortable, minimalistic creations in bold colours and shapes means they are perfect for the occasion of more lively dressing.

Her Spring Summer 2013 collection, showcased at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Australia in Sydney as part of the New Generation crew, involves monochrome Aztec patterns and denim shirts covered nonchalantly in darkened polka dots- playful but by no means in-your-face. Given that there is a segment on her website's blog dedicated to 'the great shirt wearers of our time', it is no wonder she has the ability to produce versatile,  fun-looking garments and if this year you decide you are one of those who feels they should add character to their outfits then turning to LF Markey only seems natural.

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