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FOR MEN WHO KNOW BEST

LOOKING GOOD AND SEEING WELL

Seeing that sight is so precious, it dixeygroup.jpgwould seem logical that it should be treasured. But in fact many people in the UK do not go for a regular eye test, often opt for cheap over-the-counter specs at the chemist, and spend far more on looking good that seeing good.

A man in a Savile Row suit, however, will of course take a different view. Appreciating craftsmanship, he will expect his spectacles to be as carefully made as his suit, and in seeking out the optical equivalent of the Row's finest, he may find his way to C W Dixey.

Dixey has a pedigree that easily matches the longevity of Savile Row and the illustriousness of its customers. Dating back to 1777, it made spyglasses for both dixeysharp.jpgWellington and Napoleon, has helped at least ten British prime ministers see things clearly, and has held Royal Warrants from George lll onwards. Winston Churchill was a lifelong customer.

Simon Palmer inherited the business from his father some years back, when it had dwindled to a chain of optician shops. He has taken it back to its core business as a maker of excellent dixeyblack.jpgspectacles and over the past couple of years seen his efforts rewarded, with connoisseurs at home and abroad appreciating the handmade quality of these glasses.

“We now export to over 15 countries,” he reports, “either directly to patrons or via exclusive boutiques in major cities. We remain very exclusive, as we still produce in very limited numbers. We appeal to the dixeyround.jpgconnoisseur who is seeking something unique and special.”

Concentrating initially upon a limited collection, he has now extended the range of designs. All are made to the same high standard, designed by Dixey and made in France.

Larger, bolder frames are now more in demand, both for men and women, Palmer reports. "We don't really specify which are for men or women," he says.

Still included are faithful replicas of the round glasses worn by Churchill, featuring the white spots on the temple points that he specified, tohelp identify the spectacles he ordered for different uses.Sunglasses, both optical and plain are available. And all may be kept safe in the same slim leather case design that the Iron Duke ordered for his glasses.

In the UK, they may be found at up-market independent opticians, prices from £380 and online see www.cwdixeyandson.com

 

 
 

2013

:: SAVILE ROW Style Magazine ::

 
 
contact Home - Contents in brief
   
contact Huntsman's star ascending
   
contact Looking good, seeing good
   
contact Mixing drinks for Christmas
   
contact Gifts for the Have-it-alls
   
contact Following fancy footsteps
   
contact Tailor hosts art show
   
contact Living in London
   
contact Cultural attractions
   
contact Peacock's revival
   
contact Miracle on Savile Row
   
contact Dandy alive and well
   
contact Sporting Tailor
   
contact Bespoke shirts in Manchester
   
contact Tailors pick Hot Spots
   
contact English horology on show
   
contact Contact - Details and registration
   
contact Tailors of Savile Row - listing of top tailors and interviews
   
contact Archive - Back Issues
 
     
:: HANDY SET ::
 

NO gentleman was once without his grooming box, a copendium of bottles and files and brushes that he took with him when travelling.

These have long since departed, apart from antique versions, but there are some new smaller sets to help keep a gents hands in order.

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This is a neat set of manicure tools in stainless steel, stored in a leather-trimmed felt case. It is available from the interesting website of www.amantidirect.co.uk, price £20.