A Take on Fashion: Jeremy Langmead

Based in London, Jeremy Langmead has been directing men’s fashion content across various channels for more than a decade. Among the founding team of Mr Porter, he now consults for several men’s fashion and beauty brands. Last year, he published a book called Vain Glorious: A Shameless Guide for Men Who Want to Look Their Best.

In what ways do you see exploration as a natural part of the design process?
Whether cultural, social or geographical, exploration has always been an inherent part of the design process. Perhaps now more than ever, a lot of the exploration taking place in fashion is more internal than external. We’re exploring who we were, who we are, and who we might choose to be. The gender norms have been thrown in the air and it’s an exciting time to witness how this will manifest itself across all areas of fashion – and in our lives.  

What are some of the themes and ideas that you would like to see designers exploring through the next few seasons?
We are already seeing designers exploring so many initiatives that will only gain more traction and credence going forward. Then, hopefully, they will gain the commercial success they merit, too: true sustainability, the rise of the circular economy, the new plant-derived “leathers” etc. Accessibly priced, good design that uses sustainable and ethical manufacturing processes that enable more consumers to buy into a brand that makes them look good, whilst doing the world good, is something we need to see more of, for sure.

How have these past years shaped the way you explore fashion through social media and the virtual world?
Social platforms have enabled us to explore, discover, engage, and support fashion with a mere swipe, like, or scroll. Smartphone travel has been transformative for the fashion industry for a long time. It has brought the world closer, created communities that could never have come together before, and helped us share, learn, and reach out. It also kept the fashion world together during the pandemic when there were no presentations or appointments as we all learned to communicate and comprehend, to sell and to buy, in new ways. I have discovered so many young brands I like through Instagram, and have been asked for advice and support from brands and customers I’ve never met through DMs. It will be interesting to see how this evolves as the ways we work and play merge with the Metaverse.

This interview has been lightly edited for clarity.