During LFWM this season, and to celebrate five years of London Fashion Week Men’s, Topman evolved the traditional show format (what they would normally do) and launched ‘Transition’ – an immersive exhibition carefully curated by a series of collaborators who truly reflect the spirit of TOPMAN DESIGN.
Collaborators include the immensely talented and poster human for diversity Campbell Addy and the brilliant poet Max Wallis.
I am honoured to have been a part of this, and included in Max’s piece, titled ‘I Love You, Man’ which showcases the vulnerability and how you can encapsulate the whole range of human emotion through just four words. The videos were directed by Ashley Joiner and you can read Max’s poem below.
I LOVE YOU, MAN – by Max Wallis
Hey. I love you man. You know that right? I know what it’s like. When your days and night start to spiral and all you see is that washing black noise of a phone that won’t connect. I’m getting flashbacks. You know that time – we were playing football – Tom had his kit on the wrong way round and he tripped and we caught each other’s eye. I love you, man. I’ve been meaning to tell you. Every day, I walk around this city and I try to come up with the words to make you realise what it is about you that matters the most. You know, it’s okay if you don’t want to talk about it? I’ve been there. It’s hard going through this alone. I’ve been thinking and I know why you said what you said, and did what you did. I mean, I don’t understand it properly. But, I love you. Man, I love you! Remember our first pill? No? How about our first drill in school. Fire alarms in primary school. Mrs Hodgkins giving it all that. Or what about our first cigarette when the teachers weren’t looking? I know it’s difficult where you are. I wish I could write to you in emoji. Tell you a dirty joke. Give you a ball to hit back. My phone’s down to 4%. There’s no way to get through to where you are. If you get this, give me a sign. I love you, man.