The Dogocle

I always feel bad when I see a dog that has been dressed up by its owner in some ridiculous outfit.  People do not look good in tracksuits (especially pink velour ones), slogan T-shitrs or anything with the superman logo on it,  so why would our canine friends?


I can always tell by the look on the dogs face that it feels ashamed to be wearing such awful attire.  


So I was happy when I came across Warby Parker's limited-edition "Warby Barker" collection of vintage inspired glasses for dogs.  Finally those beautiful animals to have an accessory that actually accentuates the aesthetics, something for them to be able to celebrate their style and elegance, and nothing celebrates that more than the 'The Dog-ocle'.

http://www.warbybarker.com/

The First Suit of Many

I was flattered when a friend of mine, a Mr Ed Jackman from the band The Strangerhood asked wether I would make his wedding suit for him back in the start of 2011.  Of course I accepted.  I was nervous to start as although I had been tailoring for some time this would have been my first commissioned piece and not to mention that it would be worn on the most important day of his live.

We started with a conversation about what he wanted from this suit.  We decided on something less formal than traditional wedding attire because he wanted something he could wear again and again.  We wanted something cool and casual, yet with style and presence.  So I put together a mood board and a fabric sample collection, and over a pint we came up with some good ideas.

Finally I put together this final design board with details and influences.  We decided on two beautiful brown wools from Holland and Sherry on Savile Row and Ed picked out an electric shot satin orange lining with a sky blue piping.  The final design was a teddy boy inspired design, something that said 50's rock'n'roll yet with a modern cut.  It was a tradition Savile Row style cut with nipped in waist, roped shoulders and slim sleeve that gives the wearer a leaner look.

After drafting a pattern from Ed's measurements I cut the cloth and did a first baste and a first fitting.  There were a few minor alterations that needed to be made, for example the shape of the trouser leg and the length of the jacket.  But that is why you have more than one fitting with bespoke tailoring so that you can sculpt the small details to a perfect fit.

After a few weeks and a couple of fittings we had a finish product.  Finished with an orange top stitch and horn buttons, I also added some personal touches like the design and a personal message sewn into the bottom inside pockets.  The finished result I think was fantastic and I was really proud of it.  As you can see they both looked beautiful on the day.

And now a massive congratulations on the birth of their first child, little Leonard Darragh Jackman, I wish you all the best.

Don't Forget to Vote!

Recently I entered an Ozwald Boateng design competition to have the chance to spend some time with the designer.  He is one of my role models and the reason I got into tailoring in the first place, so I really need to win this.  So please follow the links below and first 'like' the page then click 'vote', then proceed to click 'vote' every hour for the next week.  This would be an amazing opportunity for me and my career so anything you can do would be great.  I would like you to vote for all four boards of course but if you only have time to vote for one could you make it the bottom, the final designs board.  Thank you.

Here is my entry....

'Extraordinary Journeys, inspired by Ozwald Boateng and Joules Verne. A collection designed around an adventure. Like an early explorer, one would face many hardships and obstacles, eventually fabrics would become distressed and torn, but these are worn with pride that adds character and heritage. With this worn look and its binary opposition of a clean tailored cut and refined detailing, it shows a gentleman and a dandy that can return home from having gone to the end of the earth and back, and still have the sartorial elegance to have his top button done up, his bow tie tied and his pocket handkerchief square. '

Vote here - Mood Board

Vote here - Design Development

Vote here - Accessories & Fabric

Vote here - Final Designs

What to wear this summer

If there are any gentleman out there who are worried about what they should be wearing this summer, don't be.  Never fear, I have compiled a little list of things to keep ones eye out for....

Seersucker, linen, Straw Boater, Pastel Pink, 70's style, Double Breasted, Oxford Bags, Liberty Prints, Pastel Blue, Cotton, Regatta Stripe, Straw Panama Hat, Turn ups, Wide Lapels, 1920's cut, Ivory, Peak Lapels, Cigar Brown, Fedora, Pleated front trousers.

This is what I will be wearing.....

Images courtesy of Fashion Wall Street

But here are a few more examples...,