Christopher Shannon Is Real(ly Busy)

Christopher Shannon is 110% a realist. The designer from Liverpool, only four years out of Central Saint Martins, runs his eponymous label with a fantasy-free mantra that pervades his life. “I’m not so much for fiction films or fashion magazines,” he says. “Documentaries and nature shows are a favorite.”

But recently, documentary and fantasy are coming together for Shannon. For now, Shannon is gearing to present during London Men’s Week, as a first-time addition to the international menswear show calendar, beginning June 14 (pre-Milan and Paris). In addition to producing his runway line twice a year, Shannon is working on an accessories project and a shoe launch. He’s also got an exclusive collaboration for Opening Ceremony exclusive line launching in June, a publishing project for September “…and a sunglasses line if we can fit it in.”

Opening Ceremony in particular has been fundamental in their backing, stocking Shannon’s pieces in New York, London and Tokyo. “They have been so supportive,” he says. “There is something about OC that is really accessible and upbeat.”

It is Shannon’s practical-cool aesthetic which gives his line street credit. Fall/Winter promises printed and knit bombers, zippy windbreaker pants, fringed backpacks, and Western bandana motifs—done up in grays and blues, and inspired by Sinéad O’Connor. “My favorite is the navy bomber with the frilled back,” says Shannon. “It has that magic sort of vomit-worthy-but-special quality.” But Shannon doesn’t design with a particular customer in mind, he says. “I am kind of repulsed by lifestyle aspirations.”