Craig Green, born in London in 1986, has established himself as a transformative figure in contemporary menswear. After graduating from Central Saint Martins in 2012, where he studied under the mentorship of the late Louise Wilson, Green launched his eponymous label the same year. His debut at London Collections: Men in 2013, as part of the MAN initiative, introduced audiences to his distinctive approach that melds utilitarian workwear with conceptual design. Green’s early collections, characterized by their exploration of themes like protection and vulnerability, set the tone for a career marked by both critical acclaim and commercial success.
Green’s design philosophy centers on the interplay between functionality and emotion. Signature pieces, such as the quilted Worker Jacket, exemplify his commitment to creating garments that are both practical and symbolically rich. His work often features elements like lacing, modular construction, and sculptural silhouettes, challenging traditional notions of masculinity and uniformity. This approach has garnered him numerous accolades, including the British Menswear Designer of the Year award at the Fashion Awards in 2016, 2017, and 2018, as well as the BFC/GQ Designer Menswear Fund prize in 2016. In 2022, he was appointed a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) for his services to fashion.
Beyond his own label, Green has collaborated with brands such as Moncler, Adidas, and Valentino, bringing his unique aesthetic to a broader audience. His designs have been featured in major exhibitions, including the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s “China: Through the Looking Glass” and “Heavenly Bodies: Fashion and the Catholic Imagination.” In 2023, Green was appointed as a professor at the University of Applied Arts Vienna, reflecting his influence on the next generation of designers. His recent return to the runway after a two-year hiatus, marked by a show held in his London studio, signals a renewed commitment to live presentations and a continued exploration of the boundaries of menswear design.