Cyprus born Hussein Chalayan has created an empire with his own label which receives high acclaim in the fashion circles. Educated in Cyprus as well as England’s highly acclamed St Martins Chalayen is work has not only included designing with past work in costume design for theatre and curating and editor of C Magazine. His design work wthat really epitomizes the minimalist look has always had an edge to it which creates a distinctive and individual feel to basic colours and classic items. His latest work which we previewed here, includes a collection designes purely for Japanese store Yoox who are in their 8th year of business. The collection really has a great feel using black and white as the main focus and adding some great shades of grey, natural and navy to some of the finest items which includes some really great denim in addition to the usual great pieces.

Take a look at the items from the Hussein Chalayan collection below and get over to Yoox to get your hands on the line.

I’ve been a big fan of Chalayan’s since I studied fashion, soon after he launched his menswear line and I became an even bigger fan. Chalayan has now released a capsule designed for online fashion retailer Yoox. In a similar agreement thats seen Kate Moss design collections for Top shop amongst numerous other capsule collections, Chalayan’s classic and wearable collection will be available S/S 2008 only online at Yoox. Wallpaper magazine spoke to Chalayan about the collection, read the article below.

Renowned for his innovative use of materials and meticulous pattern cutting, Cypriot-born Hussein Chalayan has decided to re-launch his men’s capsule collection. Created for S/S 2008, the thought-provoking designer fashioned the collection exclusively for online boutique yoox.com at the end of 2007, but has decided to continue the collaborative success.

Inspired by architecture and science, Chalayan has applied his beloved minimalist aesthetic to this new compact collection, which features both signature styles as well as Chalayan’s latest design additions. With an emphasis on modern classics and wearable pieces, the collection focuses on neutral tones of black, grey and whites – supplying the modern man with the perfect solutions for everyday wear.

Multi-pocketed box jackets sit alongside 1950s-inspired polo shirts, whilst Chalayan’s foray into the unavoidable world of the skinny jean ensures the collection remains up to date with current trends. However, always experimental, Chalayan combines sleek skinny chinos with his signature drop pockets, adding a new twist to the modern favourite.

We took the opportunity to ask Chalayan a few questions about his innovative style.

Your name is synonymous with cutting-edge, contemporary fashion design. Who or what are your principal influences?

I would say life in general but namely current anthropology, philosophy of science, institutions, cultural codes, geography and migration of peoples…

How do you feel your work has changed the way people view fashion design?

Perhaps make them see fashion as a part of culture rather than an elite bubble?

Many of your designs are heralded as works of art. Why do you think there’s an increasing crossover between the worlds of fashion and art?

For me my ideas were inseparable from the beginning. Currently I feel it’s more to do with a global environment where anything goes…

What are you working on at present?

Primarily the collections, but also a few up and coming art commissions.

What excites and/or terrifies you on a daily basis?

My phone ringing…

You can view Nick Knight’s video of Chalayan’s latest collection here too.