As much as one could possibly avoid recognising Summer as a valid concept in England, Summer solstice of the year has now passed which could only mean that my exams are over and we are working our way towards the end of June.

Coincidentally, at this golden time of the year, I'd like to think that the topic of 'ice-cream', which happens to be the symbol for the invitation and press release for the Topman Design SS17 collection, is as much talked about as the recent Brexit referendum. So appropriately in time is this collection which was described as 'a celebration of Britain and its glorious seaside towns'.

My experience with British seaside include Brighton (which apparently is not a city but a resort town), Southampton and Portsmouth (both of which call themselves cities and are less colourful), and Barton-On-Sea village for that Year 10 Geography trip on coastal defences. None of which helped in painting that Blackpool Mod/ Teddy Boy image in my head, but all the better in its meaning to strive for independence. After all, these seaside towns are independent centres of independent shops with independent customers who are now citizens of independent Britain... 

Through the eyes of Topman Design's Creative Director Gordan Richardson, the 'ice cream' founds its way into the tailoring in pastel suits and satin cowboy shirts. Prints and colours were as if taken from a seaside souvenir shop and its unique British graphics is supposed to be comparable as Hawaiian shirts are to Americans. There was some sense of irony in that, according to Richardson, no British Summer would be complete without sunburnt cheeks, wet hair and a surfing trip to good ol' Cornwall.

So if you're from Margate, or another equivalent seaside town, this one's for you.

Seagulls over Eagles. Matching tracksuits with palm trees, dolphins and mermaids. Life's a beach.

To be continued... #tbc