BEGGARS GAMBLE PAYS OFF

There are many new menswear companies opening up that aim to provide good quality at a reasonable price. Though not fully bespoke, their aspirations encourage and are in keeping with a desire for stylish, well made designs rather than fast fashion among young men about town.

Beggars Run is one of these companies, another of the original and independent brands that have started up in the East End of London. Where once it was all sweatshops producing cheap, mass produced clobber, now it is increasingly the home of firms seeking to cater for the fashionistas who flock to the area.

It takes its name from a high-risk gambit in a dice game and, says creator Cian McAuliffe, was inspired by the long odds associated with his launch. But the move seems to be paying off. Having launched two years ago and now into its sixth collection, the range of suits, coats and jackets combines a savvy take on modern demands, with "an honest respect for classical styling" says McAuliffe. It has built up an enthusiatic following among London's art and music cognoscenti.

Hailing from the West Coast of Ireland, McAuliffe headed for London to set up his menswear business, with the aim of offering high quality tailoring at moderate prices. He had no formal training in design or fashion but clearly confidence in his ability.

He took inspiration for this latest collection from August Sander's Weimar Germany, America's Ivy League Prep(see Style p6) and contemporary to classical cinema, such as Wes Anderson's 'The Royal Tenenbaums' to Francesco Rosi's 'I Magliari'.

Fabrics are mainly sourced from the north of England, fittings taking place in showrooms above an old East End pub and a contemporary art gallery. Such is the mix that gives the area its creative vibes.

Block patterns provide the basics, with customer measurements taken and relayed to a tailoring team in Delhi, India. Given that McAuliffe does the designing, sourcing of materials and fitting of clients, an average turn around for a suit of two weeks is quite something.

It may not be Savile Row, but it most certainly is stylish, illustrates the increasing interest at a young level in elegant, even classic clothes, and has the laudable aim of giving reasonable quality at a reasonable price.

At top, a fur collared db overcoat, over a button-one white dinner jacket. Above, emerald green cord suit. Right, brown version of the top coat, with the looming presence in the background a nod to earlier formality. And left, jacket with edge trimming.