As Milan temperatures continue to sizzle out of control and the menswear fashion capital puts on the final touches for the opening of the men’s spring summer 2006 collections due to start tomorrow, the former 1986 British Designer of the year, Jasper Conran is due to do a little rejoicing himself as he celebrates 20 years of designing menswear which he began way back in 1985, the February opening of his first flagship store in London and simply wonderful fashion.

Son of the well-known designer Sir Terence Conran, it is of no surprise Mr. J Conran has become an authority on British tailoring, after all he was literally born into the world of design. With a background like that, what was young Jasper going to do?

Thank goodness for all the lovers of the perfect little black dress he never decided to do an apprenticeship in plumbing.

The man who has great admiration for Balenciaga, his craftsmanship, his design, his wit, took time out before the fashion heels begin to sink into the pavement to talk to FashionWindows.

So when asked about the next big directional change for menswear and its trends?

“The fusion of the casual with the formal. A dressed-up dress down approach. Relaxed but precise. Of course men want to be comfortable but they don’t want to have to forsake style to do so.”

Spring summer is mostly thought to be the time of colour, light and freshness --- is the seasonal change also a transformation in attitude as well as clothing for today’s man?

“I suppose there has been a change in the attitude for today’s man. He’s much less afraid to express himself through fashion. I think that’s both good for fashion and good for men. There’s nothing wrong with expressing yourself.”

If capturing the moment is synonymous of photography, what is synonymous of men’s fashion for you?

“I’m not sure there is an exact metaphor for men’s fashion. Men’s fashion should meet the needs of today’s man. It should be both stylish and versatile and a little sex appeal never went awry.”

Is there really a crisis in the fashion industry?

‘I can’t say that I’ve noticed it. I don’t really pay attention. I’ve been doing this long enough to know some people will say there’s a crisis no matter what the circumstances. Style and quality never go out of fashion. I’d rather concentrate on that than storm clouds, real or perceived.’

Adopted by Italy, Conran began a love affair with the country renown for its style, but while it hasn’t been easy, the food has had a lot to do with the ongoing romance.

Oh, yes, and as far as LA goes, Jasper feels like he’s in a Fleetwood Mac song driving on those undulating freeways.

It is a desert after all, “And they’ve simply paved it over and built it up. You have to admire the ambition if nothing else.”

Los Angeles of course, because if you have to drive everywhere, feeling like part of a song is a great feeling, and yes Mr. Conran, we all like that feeling to.