Five Legs Up

(NEW YORK) Topman hopes that its new Black Trousers project will affect men's dressing in the same vein as, say, Givenchy's LBD.

As part of its ongoing series of design projects--which recruit designers to interpret their ideas of a certain iconic product like white shirts--the UK-based fast-fashion chain has enlisted Patrik Ervell, Tim Hamilton, Todd Lynn, Ann-Sofie Back and Aitor Throup to interpret the black trouser, fashioned in 100 percent wool.

"The brief to design a future classic black trouser has to be one of the most challenging  for a men's wear designer," said Gordon Richardson, Topman design and product development director. "Each of the hand-picked designers contributing to the Black Trousers project have managed to design a pair that not only reflects their own design aesthetic but challenges the existing Topman one. All immediately desirable, wearable and ultimately collectable."

For Hamilton, who was recently nominated for the Council of Fashion Designers of America's Swarovski Award for men's wear, the opportunity presented a unique challenge. "I wanted to create a modern trouser with a lot of detail--without adding a third leg," the designer said.

The resulting designs, priced at approximately $120, will be available from the end of August at Topman's London store and at the brand's new New York flagship on Broadway in SoHo this fall and online at topman.com.

JIM SHI