Best of British
As the latest London Fashion Week demonstrated, British menswear is alive and still leading the world when it comes to cutting edge couture. Here we highlight the fashion brands that put the ‘Great’ into Britain and which can all be found in the heart of Covent Garden.
Paul Smith
While other British designers are known for outlandish creations, Paul Smith continues doing what he does best – taking a cue from current trends and mixing it up with a some unique English eccentricity. The result is that he’s arguably the most commercially successful designer working in London today. His glorious wood-panelled Covent Garden store, dotted with Sir Paul’s collection of art and other worldly objects, offers colourful yet refined suits, gorgeous knits, preppy casual wear and, for Spring/Summer 2009, a collection of bold Hawaiian shirts, inspired by author Hunter S Thompson’s book Fear And Loathing In Las Vegas. Every man should own a piece of Paul Smith.
Fred Perry
As Britain’s best tennis player (sorry Tim, sorry Andy), Fred Perry’s successes on the court throughout the thirties have been eclipsed by the famous British fashion brand that bears his name. It’s a legacy that the former world number one would be proud of, as the distinctive laurel logo has become an iconic symbol for the street casual connoisseur. Their 2009 collection comprises a mix of elegant athletic shoes and polos, plus some highly covetable bowling bags. Look out for the limited edition collaborations with artists and designers too, all available at the label’s expansive Covent Garden store.
Reiss
Reiss launched in London in the seventies and continues to set the standards for high-street menswear. If you’re looking for good quality, aspirational items at affordable prices, then the brand’s own-label ranges will provide all your sartorial needs. They’re best known for their knits and suits, but there’s also an exceptional choice of basics, such as a black cotton Harrington jacket, indigo slim-fit jeans and a classic mac raincoat, all new for 2009. A dandy-ish cream raffia trilby and lightweight summer scarf complete the spring look.
Hackett
20 years ago, a chance meeting between Ashley Lloyd-Jennings and Jeremy Hackett, both combing London’s Portobello Market for good second-hand traditional men’s clothing, led to them opening a stall there themselves. This was the birth of Hackett, a classic British clothing and accessories brand that has resisted the vagaries of fashion and continued to supply timeless pieces to men of all ages. From personal tailoring and bespoke services to casual wear and even a ‘Little Britons’ range for stylish kids, Hackett‘s essential British kit is sure to tick one of your boxes.
Simon Carter
What began as a business selling quirky men’s cufflinks in the mid eighties has grown into a respected international brand, offering everything from accessories to polo shirts, cardigans and excellent value suits, cut from Italian fabric, which start at £275. It’s 2009’s casual shirts that really stand out though, with large floral prints, oversize checks as well as typically Simon Carter quirky designs including a telephone and dice motif. Look out, too, for the West End collection, targeting younger buyers with suits cut for a slimmer look and priced around 25 per cent lower than the main range. The Covent Garden operation is Simon Carter’s flagship store.
Moss Bros
With over 150 years of tailoring history behind them, Moss Bros is Britain’s best-known branded suit specialist. If you’re looking for a tux or smart suit for hire then the company’s affordability is a big draw, with dinner suits available for around £50. For those who want to make a bigger investment, the store carries suits and shirts from top designers such as Pierre Cardin, Ben Sherman, Hugo Boss, Calvin Klein and many more – look out for the quirky pink bow ties, a new addition for spring/summer 2009.
French Connection
Quirky design, quality tailoring and affordability – the holy trinity that has made French Connection one of Britain’s most successful clothing brands. Founded by Stephen Marks in 1972, the company has branched out from clothes into sunglasses, watches, shoes and more, all underpinned by the fashion-forward savvy that’s been the hallmark of the sometimes controversial brand’s success. 2009’s key pieces for men include retro-style sports tops with chequered flag patterns, high shine nylon jackets and casual shirts with granddad-style collars. Oh, and some fabulous cream canvas travel bags for those Great Gatsby moments.
Nicole Farhi
What, you might reasonably ask, is a French-born fashion designer doing in a top 10 of British fashion? Well, after 27 years in business in Britain, Nicole Farhi has earned her Brit fashion stripes and even, in 2008, a CBE for services to the industry. From her early work as principal designer for a fledging French Connection in the seventies, through to the launch of her own label in 1982, Farhi’s rise has been unstoppable. Her fans rely on her for stylish, comfortable classics with clean cool lines, all of which is evident in the light and airy spring summer 2009 menswear collection. 2009 marks the 20th anniversary of Nicole Farhi menswear and beckons a limited edition collection, which we all know won’t be on the rails for long.
Ted Baker
With stores as far afield as Taiwan, Japan, USA, Denmark, Switzerland and Thailand, Ted Baker is a British brand that’s captured the imagination of fashion-conscious types worldwide. The former Glasgow shirtmaker’s Covent Garden premises have an inspired selection on offer for 2009, from colourful and refined casualwear such as candy-striped and gingham shirts through to tailored shorts and sharp macs. If you’re looking for the perfect capsule wardrobe at a reasonable price, an hour spent perusing Ted Baker could see you sorted for the yea
