TOP GUNS IN THE STYLE FIELDS

It’s the huntin’, fishin’ and shootin’ crowd that demands authentic country styling and who better to know about what is needed than the two most prominent names in country sports, Purdey and Holland & Holland.

Rivals in various country fields, both started life as gun-makers, Purdey in 1814, Holland & Holland in 1835. They continue to make guns that are works of art as well as coveted pieces of deadly craftsmanship. 

ALL Purdey guns are hand made at their headquarters factory in London, with bespoke pieces taking between 18 months to two years to complete. A new Purdey, as the Starter gun above, costs from £31,625, excluding the beautiful engravings that may be applied. Bespoke guns start at £66,125. Older versions have considerable appeal - a pair of 16 bore guns built for King Edward Vlll when he was still Prince of Wales went for £120,000 at auction in Geneva in 1991.

The company has blossomed in recent years into supplying of all manner of country accoutrements, including practical but very stylish and luxurious countrywear. Their latest collection for later this year was presented recently at Purdey’s Mayfair premises in South Audley Street, a splendid old building where they have traded since 1882, with gunshop and cartridge loading facilities alongside the clothing and accessories shop.

Here are coats and jackets to keep out the rain and keep in the warm, with capacious pockets, snug collar and sleeve tabs.  In addition to the conservatively classic in Scottish tweeds and country tones there are brightly coloured versions, and some particularly glamorous women’s outfits.  The very best of riding boots, silver handled sticks, luggage straight out of Agatha Christie, knives for every occasion, and all sorts of fine bags and luggage provide a full cornucopia of country style.

In addition to this full ready-to-wear collection , they also offer a bespoke tailoring service.

At top, the intricate embellishment on a Purdey Sporter 1 gun; above, classic but eminently stylish women's check suit, and left a man's sleeveless shooting jacket and matching vest, atop a brown sweater and cords, all from Purdey.

OVER at Holland & Holland, in Mayfair’s Bruton Street, there is another emporium of country classics with updated styling, in a splendid setting redolent of the British Empire at its epoch.

New here is the introduction of a bespoke shirt service, with an extensive selection of  cloths, patterns and colourways.  Prices start from around £295. New too is their first blazer, and a range of canvas luggage.

Design director Neils van Rooyen firmly believes that the essence of British country style is best interpreted by being made in Britain, and so everything is, from heavy Scottish tweeds to horn buttons, leather goods and crystal gifts. The ambience of the shop conjures up the British country gent – though he may also be kitted out here for a tropical safari.

In addition to the full collection of ready-to-wear clothes and all accessories, Holland and Holland also provides a bespoke service, for men and women.

Above, classic shooting vest with suede gun patches and bellows pockets, worn with plus-two's.
Left, cashmere jacket with tab collar, worn with a colourful mixture of yellow cashmere sweater, multi-coloured silk scarf and red cords.