An iconic British gentleman’s brand, Dunhill, like so many of its peers, started out as a saddlery business that offered various equestrian accessories for well-heeled customers. When Alfred Dunhill took over the family business he began to manufacture various accessories for the motoring enthusiast and for wealthy travellers. A successful foray into smoking accessories for the travel market opened an entirely new business for the brand which opened its first tobacco shop in 1907 and continues to trade in cigars and smoking instruments today, now under the watchful eye of its parent company, Richemont. Dunhill is a quintessential English gentleman’s outfitter, continuing its tradition of supplying “everything but the motor”, with various accessories, leather goods, apparel and even bespoke tailoring.
Tag Archives: BESPOKE
VAN CLEEF & ARPELS
Van Cleef & Arpels is one of the world’s pre-eminent jewellery houses, famed the world over for their beautiful iconic pieces. The brand was founded in 1906 in Paris and, today, has boutiques in key markets across the world. Fashioning pieces to order, VCA is a high jewellery brand with a significant ready-to-wear selection, earning them a loyal and even royal customer base. Van Cleef & Arpels pieces are highly collectible. The marque is part of the Richemont conglomerate.
MOYNAT
Moynat is one of the great Parisian malletiers alongside Goyard and Louis Vuitton, famous for it’s high-end luxury trunks and luggage and synonymous with the golden age of travel. Similar to their rivals, Moynat is easily identified by their distinctive patterns and colourways and the high-quality finish. The brand became a darling of European society, with many celebrated and royal patrons. The brand fell out of favour as air travel replaced ocean liners but the brand was revived by LVMH with Luvanis and reinstated as one of the world’s pre-eminent luxury brands, specialising in leather goods, bags & handbags, luggage and fragrances.
EDE & RAVENSCROFT
The oldest tailoring house in London, Ede & Ravenscroft has carved out a reputation as the leading specialist for academic robes, legal and clerical attire, livery wear and peerage robes. Founded over 300 years ago in 1689, the firm has been the go-to supplier for the judiciary, Oxbridge universities and the Crown since, with Royal Warrants awarded. The house maintains two branches, the primary location being on Chancery Lane and the secondary is in the West End’s Burlington Gardens, giving the firm the rightful claim of being a traditional Savile Row tailor to boot. Indeed, customers, many of whom share generational legacies with Ede’s, may commission any manner of tailored piece from the team of master tailors and cutters.
ROLLS ROYCE
Henry Royce was an engineer who believed in the highest standards and a quest for perfection. His first car did not satisfy those precise and exacting standards and so, in 1904, he endeavoured to create his own, market-leading engine for the burgeoning automotive industry. Car dealer, Charles Rolls, was so greatly impressed that he sought to become the exclusive dealer of Royce’s cars which would be sold from his London business to the most discerning customers. In 1906, Rolls-Royce was born and their legacy would be forever determined and, today, Rolls Royce cars are still recognised as the ultimate status symbol, the pinnacle of automotive engineering and a byword for luxury.
ARMORIAL
A legendary stationers based in Paris, Armorial was founded in 1890. The maison has been a go-to for Parisian society ever since. Armorial’s range includes luxury stationery, which can be customised to a client’s exact needs. The firm also produces a range of luxurious leather goods and accessories.
CAMBRILLÓN
A highly sought-out bespoke shoemaker, Cambrillón makes its shoes by hand in the traditional fashion from their workshop in Almansa, the heart of Spain’s historic leather industry. In addition to beautiful, fully custom footwear, the brand also produces a range of luxury leather goods.
ACHILLE MANNARA: A CLASSIC NEAPOLITAN CAMICERIA
Achille Mannara is a classic Neapolitan shirtmaker, offering a range of handmade, bespoke shirting and off the rack options to a discerning, international client base. The camiceria was founded in 1995 and, over the years, has grown their exquisite product range to include various handmade silk ties and accessories to complement their legendary shirts.
JAMES TAYLOR & SON: A LEGENDARY LONDON SHOEMAKING FIRM
James Taylor & Son is a renowned British bespoke shoemaker that has been crafting exquisite footwear since 1857. Over the years, they have established themselves as one of the most respected shoemakers in London, renowned for their impeccable craftsmanship, unparalleled comfort, and timeless elegance. The house was founded by a well-regarded Norfolk shoesmith of the same name, who established himself in London, bringing with him that great shoemaking tradition for which that region of England between Northampton and Norfolk is so famous.
MAROL: LUXURIOUS SHIRTMAKER OF CHOICE TO THOSE IN THE KNOW
Marol is a fine Italian shirtmaker that was founded in 1959 in Bologna, that remains an inside secret for discerning customers seeking the highest luxury. The company is known for its high-quality, bespoke, hand-finished shirts. Marol uses only the finest fabrics, such as silks from Como, cotton and linen from Egypt and the Caribbean Islands, and mother-of-pearl buttons from Australia. The company’s shirts are made with 13 stitches per centimeter of seam, which is the highest number of stitches used by any shirtmaker in the world. This results in a shirt that is both beautiful and durable.
FITZGABRIELS 