A Thursday evening in Mayfair and St James’s was the time and location for May’s walk; the topic was the British gentlemen’s wardrobe. Perhaps ironically, given it was a warm and sunny evening, we started at Mackintosh in Conduit Street, home of the handmade genuinely waterproof coat. Still individually made, with each coat made by a single craftsmen. Conduit Street used to be home to more tailors than Savile Row, but that’s where we went next, home of the bespoke three piece suit – created by King Charles II and modernised by Beau Brummell – and the Tuxedo. For accessories such as hats, shirts, shoes and braces we made our way to Jermyn Street and then St James’s Street hearing how working men’s attire was adopted by the upper echelons of society (the flat cap, the bowler hat and brogued shoes) and how the humble Wellington boot had its less than humble beginnings (thank you Duke of Wellington). The British gentlemen’s wardrobe it may be, yet all its elements are internationally recognised as the mark of a well-dressed man all over the world and the world still flocks to London to be kitted out.
Organised by Tim Murphy