A GUIDE TO THE GOOD THINGS

THE SR COLLECTION
is a selection of products and companies chosen by
savilerow-style
for their craftsmanship and their elegance.

They are not all famous, some being suppliers to other global names,
and their prices reflect inherent quality rather than status value.

But they all cleave to the essential discretion and traditional values of Savile Row itself and are suited to THE MAN WHO KNOWS BEST.

ETHICAL QUALITY

INCLUDED for its ethical standards as well as its quality, this classic round-necked sweater is in fine-weight cashmere made on traditional frame machines.
The cashmere comes from well cared for goats in Scotland, and is then processed and made into knitwear by a small company that is dedicated to animal welfare as well as to high quality clothing. This sweater will look good with casual trousers or fit smoothly under a suit jacket. In taupe, orange and green shades, price £175.

FINEST CASHMERE SHOWS STYLE LEAD

SELECTED for its style value as well as its cashmere quality, this scarf, hot off the loom, is in luxurious cashmere with a distinctive pattern. From one of Scotland's top producers of textiles, clothing and knitwear, with a long tradition of making high quality merchandise, it is available to order only and will take four to six weeks to come through. It illustrates a new trend for patterned cashmere, this one reversing the colours on one side, and though distinctive is discreet enough to complement a Savile Row suit or overcoat. Colourways may be chosen from a shade card that is being finalised. Price £150.

THE CLASSIC GLADSTONE

THE GLADSTONE bag dates back to the British Prime Minister of that name, William Gladstone, who managed to be P.M. four times in the 19th century. He travelled frequently with a hard leather portmanteau, strengthened with buckled lanyards, and this became known as a Gladstone. The authentic model is made in English bridle leather, with brass fittings. The company that makes the bag shown here is one of the oldest leather luggage makers in Britain, with its own tannery and craftsmen. Such a luxury piece is not for consigning to the vagaries of public transport, and aesthetically it becomes more stylish as it earns a patina of wear, such antique versions to be treasured by the next generation. Personal monograms engraved in gold may be ordered. Price £2,150.

A GENTLEMAN'S FLASK

THE CONTAINERS that we know as Hip Flasks today started to emerge in the 18th century, to give members of the gentry a stylish way to carry their favourite tipple with them.
Now, sleek silver versions, as this one, are favoured, providing a warming tot for men out hunting, fishing or shooting or just out.
This one is made by English craftsmen in hallmarked stirling silver and will take 6 fluid oz. It has an attached cap lid. Antique versions of quality flasks are now sought after collectors items and as examples of the silversmith's craft they are set to continue to be valued.
A name or a sentiment may be engraved on the central panel. Price £695.

HAND CRAFTED FOR HAND WRITING

BALL POINTS may have done to the fountain pen what grey squirrels have done to the red, but for a writing piece to live up to a bespoke suit the classic luxury fountain pen must be the choice.
Hand writing standards may have fallen abysmally since the days of copperplate distinction, yet these handcrafted pens somehow demand more careful application. They are from new limited editions in sterling silver, gold-plated stirling silver and 18-carat gold and by the company that produced the original self-filling fountain pen.
Each has an 18-carat gold nib. The stirling silver version is priced at £875, only 200 available .

A VERY BRITISH BROLLY

ONCE the hallmark of an English gentleman, the classic rolled umbrella has lost out to cheap collapsible imports. But for those who still enjoy the swing of a full length, curved-handled traditional style, then this version is made to withstand the best and worst that the British weather can throw at it. The handle and stick are in one continues piece of cherrywood, strong as a walking stick, the cover in twill nylon, black only. A rolled gold or silver band may be fitted to the handle at additional cost, on which initials may be engraved. The company has been making umbrellas since the reign of Queen Victoria, supplying heads of state and royalty around the world. still using much handwork. Price £171.

THE RIGHT WALLET

MONEY should not spoil the line of a Savile Row suit by being folded in a bulky wallet but there is no sign that British men are prepared to accept moneybags, or 'handbags' as they see them, as used in some countries.
So the flat classic wallet remains the favoured choice. From another long established British house we have chosen this example.
Made to the highest standards of leather craftmanship by a company that is still family owned and still with its own on-site tannery, this will fit sleekly in the inside jacket pocket. It is handmade in a smooth Atlantic leather and comes in black, dark brown or tan. Price £100.

A PERSONAL SELECTION

The following selection of names are recommended as well suited to the Savile Row ethos and complementary to the SR Collection..

DRINK
Sales of vodka have overtaken whisky for the first time this year but for the sophisticated man, whisky is the choice. And of the many fine blends and malts, The Macallan whisky comes out the favourite with connoiseurs. This superior single malt has been distilled at its Speyside home since 1824 and has built up a loyal following around the world. Ultra special is the 50year old limited edition, bottled in a Lalique crystal decanter.

WATCHES
Cartier, Jaeger Le Coultre, Lange, Rolex and Omega are all fine time pieces and watch enthusiasts will aim to have one of each.  But by a slight tick we select Patek Phillipe, a watch for all seasons and all generations.

SOCKS
Much underrated but obviously an essential part of a man’s wardrobe. Corgi’s hand linked socks carry a Royal seal of approval, as suppliers to Prince Charles, and come in finest cashmere as well as wool and luxury blends.

CLUBS
Leaving aside those establishments that have a waiting list and a strict vetting process after proposal, the Royal Automobile Club welcomes new applications – and has one of the finest buildings in London's Pall Mall and certainly one of the best swimming pools in London.

GROOMING
In the gentlemen’s thoroughfare of Jermyn Street, Trumpers has provided haircuts since 1875 and still beats all the trendy new spas in terms of experience, good taste and personal service.

SHOES
The British shoe industry has been decimated by cheap imports but the hand made article continues with a few old established names. And showing faith in the continuing demand for such exclusive footwear, a new name joined their ranks. This is Carreducker, which combines traditional craftsmanship with updated style.

CHAMPAGNE
With so many to be enjoyed, it is difficult to single out just one but Bollinger makes a suitable case for selection. Still a family company after 150 years, it is small enough to care and has a long association with Britain. It has also just introduced a very quaffable non-vintage rosé.

HATS
Has to be Locks of St James's, a wonderful old establishment that has been making and selling all kinds of hats for men since 1676. Still family owned, it can supply everything from trilbies and riding hats to top hats and smoking fez.

CIGARS
Also in St James's, Davidoff is the cigar emporium for enthusiasts. Despite legislation banning the smoking of cigars as well as cigarettes in public places, and the extraordinary censure of their cigar website, there has been little falling off in sales of cigars or their associate accessories.

We will be adding names to this list. For further information on any of the above please contact us on: scotay@gmail.com