Men's Style Tips: The Studio Collection
Known for his playful use of colour and razor sharp red carpet fits, Michael Fisher has been styling his A-list clients in London Sock Company socks for years. With his instinct for colour and class, it is no wonder that his first sock collaboration with London Sock Company – The Block Collection – became a best-selling cult classic. Now, the man behind celebrities like Sebastian Stan, Jake Gyllenhaal, Paul Rudd and Peter Dinklage is back with a brand new collection. The Studio Collection is fresh, fun and, naturally, incredibly stylish.
We sat down with Michael to learn about his inspiration for this six-pair set, why socks are such a great way to add something special to your wardrobe, and how you can play more with colour if you are new to adding a pop.
What was the inspiration behind this collection?
There were two studio artists that really inspired this collection: Larry Zox and Ollie Guyon. Both work with colour theory, space and lines. I wanted to channel their seamless use of colours to make a sock that would work like a solid, but could subtly change to make a more considerable statement. The way the elegant ribs widen to reveal more colour in The Studio Collection is a playfully understated way of adding a pop.
The Studio Collection (left to right) Pacman, Dress Code, Steel, Young Cab, Monroe, Geranium.
What attracted you to the colour combinations?
These softer colours feel fresh, especially when combined together. I wanted to work with more pastels for this collection – colours that feel powerful without being overpowering. Introducing the ribbed ‘plaiting’ to the socks was a way to do that. We had to really test the combinations: the back bed colour with the front bed colour. We sampled several pairings but these six combinations really work – individually and as a set.
Why do you think socks have such power to transform an outfit?
Socks are such a subtle but definitive statement. They also feel slightly more intimate maybe – like a first layer – so they feel more personal. When socks are really chosen with a look, they speak to the character of a personality. It’s the small details that make the difference.
Why reach for colourful socks?
Socks are a small but important detail that carry a lot of weight and style influence. Like with all pieces in our wardrobe, we tend to get comfortable, repeating items and hitting a ceiling with our style. When you can make considered choices – even with socks – I think something interesting happens. You get noticed. As a stylist that’s what I’m always trying to do for my clients. There's not a huge range with men’s dressing items: jacket, shirt, knit and trousers. Fabric, colour and silhouette may change but not the overall item choices. So how do you make an outfit fresh? You tweak the details, play with colour and alter combinations. Socks are a great way to do this.
The Studio Collection is available as a smart six-pair gift box.
What would you say to someone who was nervous to wear colourful socks?
It’s a light lift but can make a big impact, so why not experiment? Socks can make your staples feel fresh and new. Your go-to-suit, for the office, special occasion, or date night, for example. Each occasion can be defined by your accessory and sock choice. Even with shorts – a fully visible sock can really shift the look.
With a suit: Always Dress Code.
On a date: Monroe is perfect for a date night and/or celebrity event.
Almost anything: Steel is your go to.
With neutrals: Steel – I would pair them with light denim or khakis. Clean white shirting.
Darker, more grown-up looks: Young Cab looks great with earth tones and grey scales, dark greens and brown.
To get noticed: Monroe on a night out with black or navy trousers and a leather jacket.
The 9-5: Dress Code is effortless.
Weekend: Geranium is your day off. Wear with your relaxed off hours wardrobe staples.
Vacation vibes: Pacman – think white trousers, linens, shorts, sneakers and slides.
Shop all of Michael Fisher's sock designs for London Sock Company here.
