Matalan AW15.16 press day

I've lived in central London now for just a little under 10 months. Moving there from Essex, which is very much on the cusp of the countryside and the city was a pretty odd experience for me. I've always wanted to live in the city, I still do, but sometimes, it really can all get to you. The synthetic, liberal arts techno pop that litters the atmosphere of the streets can be a little much sometimes. It's funny how living in the city has made me yearn for the simple pleasures of life. 

And this is where, in seemingly the most unlikeliest of places, I found my solace. In Matalan of all places! For the brand's Autumn/Winter range for next season, everything's been stripped back. Returning to an earthier, masculine route for their menswear, and a rustic, bare aesthetic for homeware. 

Menswear:

Walking around the snowy white room, the jewel tones of the woven flannel shirts filled the air with a verdant scent; the lowly woodcutter spending his days in the forest chopping wood. It harkened back to a more manual and minimal way of dressing, with many of the pieces being really versatile and approachable to all guys. The knitwear was ruggedly sewn, coming in stone greys and flecked designs, with the tailored wear floating in like the autumnal leaves, the crunchy checks on the wool suits being paired with utilitarian denims.

But I wish trees grew biscuity accessories like the ones at the press day, I mean, fruit? Urgh. What's the point of being healthy if i'm not accessorised right?

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Homeware: 

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I can't even tell you all how much I ~love~ homeware. It's my guilty pleasure scouring the Pinterest boards and vintage flee markets, buying trinkets that I well and truly don't need. My life is about as thrilling as the third Franco brother's career.

Matalan's approach to homeware for the colder months was cozy and rugged, the metallic elements creating an airy and overall masculine space. Exposed elements such as copper and chrome were assembled around woodland critters; cartoony felt fox doorstops and wooden owl knick knacks. The deer printed bedsheets, dogtooth and pug pillows and tartan tussled rugs was placed atop white furniture, keeping the focus on the warm palette. 

My personal favourites were the Kilner-style handle jars and the larger glass jar that houses a dispenser for drinks! This is what my love life has dwindled down into. The closest I have to an intimate relationship is staring at pictures of jars right now. 

A photo posted by Josh Milton

I was gifted this tartan rug at the press day. The jewel, bottle tones of the rug are perfect for pretentious, hipster photographs like this. 

What was your favourite from Matalan's AW15.16 collection?