Charbonnel et Walker is a British luxury chocolatier founded in 1875. It is the oldest luxury chocolatier in the United Kingdom and is known for its high-quality, handcrafted chocolates. Charbonnel traces its illustrious history back to a partnership between a Mr Walker of London and a Mme Charbonnel of Paris. Mme Charbonnel trained at the famous Maison Boissier before establishing her business in London where her fine chocolates quickly became popular with British society, ultimately attaining a Royal Warrant as purveyors to HM Queen Elizabeth II. The firm’s standing has remained to this day and they are still highly regarded for their delicious chocolate truffles including such classics as Marc de Champagne and lavender creams.
Tag Archives: LONDON
ERDEM: LUXURY DESIGNER LABEL LOVED BY HIGH SOCIETY
Erdem is a luxury fashion house founded in 2005 by Canadian-born, Turkish-British designer Erdem Moralioglu. The brand is known for its romantic, feminine designs with a focus on craftsmanship and attention to detail. Erdem’s collections often feature bold floral prints, delicate embroidery, and luxurious fabrics.
MAPPIN & WEBB: A GRAND TRADITION IN SILVERSMITHING AND JEWELLERY
Mappin & Webb is a luxury British jeweller and watchmaker founded in 1775 by Jonathan Mappin. The company is known for its high-quality craftsmanship, exquisite designs, and commitment to excellence. Mappin & Webb has held Royal Warrants to British monarchs since 1897 and is considered to be one of the most prestigious jewellers in the world.
JIMMY CHOO: THE ICONIC SHOE DESIGNER
Jimmy Choo is a British luxury fashion house specializing in shoes, handbags, accessories, and fragrances. The company was founded in 1996 by Malaysian Chinese couture shoe designer Jimmy Choo and British Vogue accessories editor Tamara Mellon. The brand claims to have been a favorite of Diana, Princess of Wales.
ROLEX: THE WORLD’S MOST SOUGHT AFTER TIMEPIECES
Rolex is a Swiss luxury watchmaker founded in 1905 by Hans Wilsdorf and Alfred Davis in London. The company is known for its high-quality watches, which are often considered to be status symbols. Rolex watches are popular among celebrities, royalty, and business leaders.
BURBERRY: THE RENOWNED BRITISH FASHION HOUSE
Burberry is a British luxury fashion house founded in 1856 by Thomas Burberry. The brand is known for its iconic trench coats, as well as its tartan check pattern and equestrian knight logo. Burberry’s early success was due in part to its focus on high-quality craftsmanship. The company quickly gained a reputation for its durable and stylish outerwear, and its products were soon being worn by royalty and celebrities.
AIREY & WHEELER: A TRAVELLING TAILOR TAILORING FOR TRAVELLERS
Legendary tropical weather tailor and a Savile Row institution, albeit located off-Row in Piccadilly, Airey & Wheeler was the first-choice tailor for distinguished gentlemen and military officers seeking lighter weight suits and tailored pieces for warmer climates, including the much-dismissed London summertime. Famous patrons of the House include a number of former Prime Ministers, Sir Winston Churchill and Sir John Major amongst them. The firm remained under the control of the founding Airey family until 1996 when it was acquired by and incorporated into the house of Anthony J Hewitt, itself now under the watchful eye and stewardship of renowned master tailor, Ravi Tailor.
PATEY HATS
One of London’s most illustrious hatters, Patey traces its history back to 1695. The brand’s first store, however, opened in the West End in 1799. The firm garnered a reputation as standard bearer in the industry, producing fine hats by hand to the most esteemed customers, including HM the Queen of England who bestowed a Royal Warrant upon them. Patey Hats was the preferred maker for the legendary hat designer, Herbert Johnson whose own hat studio ultimately absorbed parts of the Patey house before becoming part of Swaine Adeney Brigg in 1996. The Patey brand remains today as part of the Firmin House group.
LAIRD HATTERS
A relatively new arrival to the gentlemen’s hatters scene, Laird was founded in 2009 and has branches in London, Oxford and Cambridge. The house focuses on producing high quality products for discerning, fashion and style conscious customers who seek hard-wearing apparel. This ethos has been driven forward by the launch of the brand’s own range of clothing, under the Laird Utility label, which includes countrywear and workwear pieces made to the same quality and standards as their hats. Their luxurious, traditional hat boxes have become collectables in their own right.
SWAINE
One of Britain’s great luxury goods houses, Swaine (Swaine Adeney Brigg) has been supplying high-end accessories, leather goods, luggage and accoutrements to Europe’s upper classes for more than two centuries. Founded in 1750 as a saddlery, Swaine became synonymous with the finest quality riding equipment and travel accessories, a reputation that persists today. The house acquired noted umbrella maker, Brigg in 1943 and milliner Herbert Johnson in 1996 to place the firm at the forefront of the luxury accessories market.
FITZGABRIELS 