35-year-old British designer Lou Dalton graduated in 1998 from the Royal College of Art, where she now lectures on the very same MA course. She strives for a quality and craftsmanship that salutes the gentlemanly styles of a bygone era - a rare thing in a fashion climate obsessed with glitter and glue guns - with knitwear sourced from as far afield as William Lockie's woolen mills in the Scottish borders. Drawing inspiration from Studio 54-era glamour, the colour palettes of Guy Bourdin's photography, and 50s heroes like James Dean and Marlon Brando, Lou hopes to encourage men to experiment more with their image. "The Lou Dalton man is someone who can afford to play with the way he dresses without any fear of losing his masculinity," she says. The result is details such as detachable linings and lapels, one-of-a-kind Fair Isle knits and heavily woven scarves. Lou Dalton is currently stocked at the Library boutique in west London and United Arrows in Japan.

Why menswear?
I love men - they are far more challenging to dress than a woman. Men often have a regimental approach to clothes, and I like the idea of trying to get a man to see outside that box. 

How would you describe your style?
Extroverted, slick and effortless. 

What inspires you?
Turn-of-the-century Menswear. The latest work by John Currin. Guy Bourdin's good use of colour.  

Were you interested in fashion when you were growing up?
Absolutely - I remember watching Zandra Rhodes on This Is Your Life and thinking, "I want to do that."   

What was your favourite outfit from your youth?
A red mohair hand-knit sweater, Levi's jeans, and a pac-a-mac anorak.

Who are your favourite designers
Martin Margiela, Comme des Garcons, Alber Elbaz. I like a designer who's not afraid to experiment with cut and colour.

Who is your ideal customer?
Eugene Hutz, Billy Childish, John Byrne, David Hockney - any one with a bit of a story to tell.

What are your plans for the future?
To build, build, build - maybe a diffusion line, maybe an accessories collection, maybe a catwalk presentation in Paris. One day I want my business to be in the same league financially as Paul Smith.