Tag Archives: Bespoke Tailoring

Scotch Whisky

BESPOKE tailoring and Scotch whisky are considered to be true partners in style. The sophisticated refinement of a handmade suit is perfectly matched by the provenance of the daringly flavoursome, grain-based amber liquid. Both deliver premium quality with a heritage stamp attached.

scotch

Substance and Style

The Scotch Whisky Association was set up in order to protect the whisky trade from imitation. It fights producers seeking to pass off their product as authentic Scotch. In terms of heritage, class and fashion Scotch whisky is the premium product. Bespoke tailoring also has standards that reflect the same level of craftsmanship, refinement and quality, and the Savile Row Bespoke Association (SRBA) is made up of member tailors with an agreed code of practice. The Association was founded in 2004 to protect and develop the art of authentic bespoke Savile Row tailoring.

Deluxe style is appreciated by the discerning palette and admired from afar. It is created by craftsmanship that shares values and skills that are centuries old. David Beckman’s Haig Club single grain whisky TV advert may have elevated the amber liquid, for new audience awareness, but the style and image still ooze the sophisticated bespoke charm of centuries.

Modern Interpretations

Blended whisky is the biggest selling variant of Scotch, although the popularity of single malts has continued to increase over the years. In comparison, Savile Row tailors have altered and tweaked their services to deliver all of your sartorial expectations. Whether you want to invest in a classic handmade suit, with complementary bespoke shirt and accessories, or simply long to wear a tailored suit that makes you look your very best the heritage tailoring establishments are ready to meet your needs.

Personal taste is reflective in the style of clothing you wear and the lifestyle you choose. According to drink experts and uber cool style influencers drinking wood-spiced whisky is currently ultra hip. Sipping your tipple, whilst wearing an elegant handmade suit is obviously a few notches higher up the style gauge.

Bespoke Tailoring and Scotch Whisky

Whisky is the hot hipster drink that is fast attracting new connoisseurs. Whether you appreciate the elegance of vintage malt, triple distilled single malt or a voluptuous spicy finish character blend, whisky is always fragrant and mysterious.

  • A full-bodied artisan Scotch whisky is rather like a bespoke three-piece tweed suit. The highest quality and finest craftsmanship is echoed in the finished product and garment.
  • Masculine style is epitomised by sophisticated bespoke dressing and mirrored by rich and distinctive amber blends.
  • Bespoke tailoring inspires appreciation of the finer things in life, like vintage malt whisky and James Bond cars.
  • Blended whisky impressively complements signature tailoring – which includes bespoke, made-to-measure and ready-to-wear garments that smartly bridge the gap between traditional individually crafted wear and off-the-peg suits.
  • The discerning modern gentleman appreciates craftsmanship, authenticity and value. This is why he chooses bespoke tailoring and opts for premium brands of Scotch whisky as his off duty tipple.
  • Prime marketing investment has focused awareness of whisky brands, particularly around seasonal gifting periods. In much the same way, bespoke tailoring enjoys renewed interest whenever fashion and film trends highlight sophisticated style and glamour. You only have to think James Bond, Mad Men or Kingsman: The Secret Service to identify the influential fashion trend.

One For The Road: Cycling & Suits

108112545bc3f79d26f80e935ee0f897

 

WITH an increase in the number of businessmen taking to the road on two wheels, bespoke tailoring has adapted to suit. This time, we are not talking about scooters (on which Henry Herbert tailors can often be found!), but the rise and rise of the bicycle commute.  However, looking fashionable without appearing flustered on a bike requires some sharp tailoring and clever details. The modern businessman can now opt for a suave and sophisticated handmade suit that can be tweaked to take them straight from home to the boardroom, via the cycle path.

Bespoke tailoring is all about the details. To travel in style fabric, function, fit need to be considered, and it is possible look like a cool cyclist without layering on the lycra. Cutting a dash in a smart bespoke suit that has been made with cycling in mind is the practical, sensible and logical (not to mention time-saving) choice for power dressing professionals and elegant executives.

What to look for:

The perfect cycling business suit provides comfort and flexible dressing without any compromise on classic bespoke tailoring or style. An active lifestyle requires a suit that incorporates practical features like visibility and shape retention for wear and tear on the road.

  • Choose a stain resistant fabric that is breathable and suitable for extreme weather conditions, and a cut that allows for freedom of movement and minimal creasing.
  • Make a few adjustments by lowering the jacket armhole to enable extra arm reach and additional shoulder support for riding comfort.
  • Pick a contemporary narrow trouser fit for safe cycling. A little extra padded support in the seat and crotch ensures a comfortable ride in the saddle. For additional comfort wear the trousers over padded shorts (get your lycra fix underneath!).
  • Select high visibility lining in a striking colour. Vibrant yellow reflects the Tour de France style influence and gives the bespoke suit a sharp, modern designer edge. For ease of physical movement and comfort opt for a jacket that is half lined, and keep your undercollar melton in sync with lining – so that when you flip up your collar to protect against windchill, the bright lining will show and allow for extra visibility to other road users.

Pay attention to the details:

article-2359258-0D328F3100000578-122_634x572

The ultimate cycle friendly bespoke suit takes you from A to B without any major dressing (or undressing) adjustments along the way. You will arrive at the office ready to do business.

  • Keep your cool by adding a sailor’s tab collar (see an example here) that can be adjusted according to temperature and weather conditions. This also provides wind protection around the neck and chest.
  • Add detachable fluorescent pocket flaps to increase visibility on the road.
  • Choose smart high-vis trouser turn ups to complement and finish the elegant cut of the bespoke suit.

Rather like the compact, quick-change folding bike, the bespoke suit offers a practical solution to dressing the part ready for work and play.  Choose durable and versatile fabric and distinctive details to create the perfect bespoke suit for business and leisure. Team with a complementary cycle helmet and leave the spare set of clothes at home. Say goodbye to lycra and hello to the modern fitness wardrobe for the busy executive.

 

Glorious Seersucker and All That Jazz

Seersucker Wedding Suit Seersucker The Coolest Cloth

Seersucker Wedding Suit by Henry HerbertTailors

Henry Herbert was extremely privileged to make the above suit: privileged on two counts in fact. The first, because the suit was created for the wedding of Ray Goold (above), a wonderful and talented musician. Ray plays with the Solent City Jazzmen in Southampton. The second, because Ray asked for an extremely rare, but special, fabric for his suit – Seersucker. We chose a seersucker fabric from Holland & Sherry. Unfortunately, the photograph may not do it justice, looking at it on a computer, as seersucker fabric is woven in such a way that it gives a glorious texture and is great, either as as suit or stand alone trousers or jacket. Richard Green for The Big Black Book (Illustration)

Time for a Three-Piece Suit

Three Piece Suit WaistcoatBespoke Wedding Waistcoat

An example of an excellent and very fine cloth from Taylor & Lodge of Huddersfield, England, in a recent Henry Herbert three-piece suit. The customer chose a simple and elegant style to the suit – a two button single breasted jacket, with a straight pocket either side. The suit is enhanced hugely by:

1. Excellent choice of cloth,

2. Savile Row tapering to the sides of the jacket, and

3. A very simple coat style complemented by a waistcoat.

Bespoke Waistcoat for a Bespoke Band!

Bespoke Savile Row Tailored Waistcoat

Freddie2 Freddie1

A great looking waistcoat we made, using a rare fishtail lining for Freddie Smith who, with Phil O’Farrell, is part of the band Freddie Smith & Phil O’Farrell. (We made Phil a great looking shirt too, which you can see under our shirts section). They play uplifting Irish inspired tunes and you can listen to some of their music on their MySpace account here.

Spectacular Scottish Linen Jacket

Bespoke Linen Jacket Bespoke Linen Jacket Lining

This is a great example of how linen can work wonderfully well as weekend and casual sports jackets. This is a linen jacket that Henry Herbert made for a gentleman in the military – hence, the reason he is camera shy and wearing the dark glasses. The linen is spectacularly complemented by the lining – great looking Bengal stripe. Both the linen and the lining are from Harrisions of Edinburgh.

Wow – what a suit!

Special Bespoke SuitBespoek Suit with Bespoke Trim

An extremely rare breed of suit – brown. It is made even more rare by the special velvet trim collar and made even more special by the very difficult sewing surround of the last cuff button! (The colour matches the lining). This was an incredibly difficult three-piece suit, which took Henry Herbert 37.5 hours of tailoring to complete, but well worth the toil. The fabric is a splendid Super 100’s wool from Holland & Sherry.

Wow – what a waistcoat!

Bespoke Waistcoat

Bespoke Waistcoat with Bespoke Buttonhole

A special brown waistcoat, made even more special by the very difficult sewing surround of the last button! (The colour matches the lining). This was part of an incredibly difficult three-piece suit that took Henry Herbert 37.5 hours of tailoring to complete, but well worth the toil. The fabric is a splendid Super 100’s wool from Holland & Sherry.

An Electric Blue Suit for a Henry Herbert Customer

Bespoke Baste Suit Fitting

A Henry Herbert Tailors work in progress: a brave and very striking fabric for a suit we are making for the Managing Director of a large media firm. The fabric is from Bateman Ogden, a Yorkshire based mill who are so old-school they don’t even have a website. The colour looks fabulous and will serve as a great suit for all occasions, professional and special.

Henry Herbert Suit in Holland & Sherry Fabric

Suit 3Suit2

A great looking Holland & Sherry fabric in a tailored suit Henry Herbert has just made for a young man from J.P. Morgan. The pictured suit is at its first fitting stage, or what is also known as a baste fitting. This is followed, a few weeks later, by a second fitting , or what is sometimes called a forward fitting. And a little while after that, depending on any necessary alterations, the suit will be completed after a third fitting, or what is known as a finish-bar-finish. This is all part of the bespoke suit making process. Henry Herbert Tailors cuts, makes and finishes every single suit in England.

Tailor made waistcoat in Taylor & Lodge fabric

Bespoke Wedding Waistcoat

An example of an excellent and very fine cloth from Taylor & Lodge of Huddersfield, England, in a recent Henry Herbert three-piece suit. The secret is, “always keep the style simple and the cloth special.”

Henry Herbert use the most luxurious fabrics

Holland and Sherry

Henry Herbert Tailors use the most luxurious wools in our suits and the smoothest cottons in our tailored shirts. We visit customers whenever and wherever is good for them, with our Savile Row by Scooter service. However, for those customers which prefer to meet on Savile Row, we meet customers by appointment at the Holland & Sherry showrooms. The photograph above (taken by the excellent photographer Greg Funnell for Henry Herbert) is a glimpse into one of the many cupboards of fabrics they house there. If you ever have a special or unusual fabric request, the chances are extremely high that they will have it. To have a Henry Herbert Tailors visit you, or if you wish to visit us simply call 020 7837 1452, or book a tailor here.