Our Best Dressed Friend, Nature...

Shades of brown would have been hard to find in London’s Jermyn Street 20, or even 10 years ago. While the traditional suit, shirt, and tie have not disappeared but have been joined by more relaxed men's dressing, we have had to take some tips from our stylish European friends, who have been combining elegance without formality for many years.

First, the lovely combination of blue and brown began to be appreciated, giving this soft colour a way into shirt checks and stripes. Then, a chocolate or tan coloured woven silk or cashmere tie with a pale blue shirt.

As this revolution in traditional men’s dressing was taking place (!) GQ magazine asked me why I thought the colours married so well together. I imagined our eyes loved the colours of nature, the dark brown of the earth meeting the blue of the sky and lighter tans, the colour of sand meeting the blue of the sea. I am not sure what they thought of my answer, but they did print it.

Our cutters and seamstresses in Gloucester have really enjoyed working with our SS26 cocao, chocolate and tobacco linens, which are of course meeting many shades of the blues we love too as they pass over cutting tables, sewing machine beds and finally pressed and folded into the finished shirt, dressing gown, boxers, trousers or pyjamas.

I am currently sourcing every fan in the county for our Style for Soldiers Summer Reunion Dinner this evening in Gloucestershire, for the very deserving injured servicemen, women, their wives and partners we have got to know so well over the last 15 years. Many bottles of very cold champagne and beer are chilling ready for drinks in the garden soon!

Best wishes,