New dandy style - fashion for gentlemen

London Collections: Men should have its name changed to Gentlemen's Fashion Week, if yesterday’s Savile Row showcase at Spencer House is anything to go by. The event was an elegant display of all things uniquely British and beautifully made – interiors, furniture, art and afternoon tea, as well as men’s tailoring, hats, shoes and accessories.

The presentation, sponsored by The Woolmark Company, was a reminder of the fact that London is still the world capital of masculine style – as it has been for over two centuries – certainly way before Downton Abbey (the television series at least).

A mix of models and ‘London men’ were dressed by Savile Row Tailors, from Ede and Ravenscroft (established in 1689) to Richard Anderson (opened in 2001). The outfits were styled by Jo Levin of GQ Magazine, with accessories from the likes of James Lock and Co, John Lobb Ltd and Holland and Holland.

A delicious tea of sandwiches, mini-cakes and cocktail curiosities was served, washed down with Nyetimber English champagne and King’s Ginger from Berry Bros and Rudd – or a nice strong cuppa.

Spencer House, described as London’s “most magnificent 18th century private Palace,” belongs to the Trustees of the Spencer family and is open to the public on Sundays. You can also hire the venue for private events. I can confirm that it is even more spectacular when lit up by candelabra for a dinner, plus you get a private tour of the house and a box of Spencer House chocolates when you leave. Even the loos are curiously splendid!

Anyway, getting back to fashion… Shopcurious noticed that some of the male guests, like Masahiro Murase (below), wearing Celine, had their own arty and original interpretations of gentlemanly dress.

But British dandy style doesn't have to be traditional...

Are you?

Funk, fashion and pheasant for groovy guys

A belated Happy New Year!

Christmas has flown by and the past week has been a blur of catching up. On a Sunday night in early January, I fully intended to be sitting quietly at home in front of the television. In fact, I would have been watching the first episode of Mr Selfridge, if I hadn’t been invited to Harvey Nichols for an event to celebrate the launch of LondonCollections: Men. The party was held in the 5^th floor café, where curiously creative canapés courtesy of Salon in Brixton Market included crispy fried pheasant and Welsh Rarebit with pickled walnut (yum!)

Guests at the event exuded a cool, offbeat vibe and dressed with a smart-casual quirkiness, like Boy Meets Fashion blogger, Jai’me Jan.

Harvey Nick’s new Fashion Director, Paula Reed, buzzed around, overseeing the proceedings. Amongst the international fashion glitterati, was male supermodel, David Gandy. I squeezed my arm around his waist, and can confirm that his body is just as taut as it looks in the photos.

I later saw him chatting to Men’s Health Style Editor, Dan Rookwood… With so many fit men under one roof, I’m already enjoying this week of men’s fashion.

The highlight of the evening was a special performance by Kindness to preview 1205’s Autumn/Winter 2013 collection. The band members modelled 1205’s forthcoming clothing range, as they wowed the audience with an impromptu jam (see below) in their distinctive contemporary funk style.

Adam Bainbridge showed off his fabulous mane of tousled locks (see top and below), 

whilst the band’s talented drummer rocked an enormous afro. Seems like big hair is getting bigger.

ShopCurious looks forward to more uniquely British men’s fashion and style over the coming week.

Do you?