MAYOR BORIS COMING TO SAVILE ROW

The blonde bombshell that is the Mayor of London, Boris Johnson, will be leading a gaggle of male models in Savile Row in June, not as one of his japes but as part of the seasonal London menswear collections.

Hardly to be seen as a slick dresser himself, his presence guarantees a media spotlight on the Row – and perhaps a new level of interest on his part in what the Row might do for him.

The Mayor and his supporting cast of models will be photographed along the street of tailors, which is to be closed off for the morning of June 18. This is part of a wide-ranging presentation of British menswear that makes up the 'London Collections:Men' event that occurs twice a year. From the wildest young designer creations to the most classic and traditional of tailored suits, this muster of exhibitions, catwalk shows, displays and receptions confirms Britain’s pre-eminence in male clothing.

The Mayor is keen to support both the men's and women's seasonal fashion collections in London, and perhaps this walk down the Row may yet lead him to be transformed into a suitably suited representative of its craft.

In this same week, some of the Row’s tailors are taking part in another major promotional event, at Lords Cricket Ground. Such activity is pretty well unprecedented for this generally rather reticent bunch of craftsmen, and shows a willingness to participate in publicity that has been markedly absent in the past.

The MCC has agreed to the hallowed Long Room being part of the setting for a showcase of bespoke outfits, as took place last year at Spencer House. That generated much good publicity for the Row, so tailors are keen to repeat the performance.

Tableaux of over seventy bespoke outfits will be shown from some seventeen houses, ranging from cricket outfits inspired by the venue through to lightweight summer suits and more formal attire. The Woolmark Company is again sponsoring the show, so there will be plenty of wool cloths included. We will feature photographs from the event in the next update.

In addition to the tailored contributions, bespoke shirtmakers, hatters, shoemakers and a top gunsmith are to show off their talents. Collectively, it represents the wardrobe of the show’s title – ‘The English Gentleman’. It is a press event but has all the ingredients for a successful public show. Perhaps that may be considered for the future.

At top, Mayor of London, Boris Johnson; Lords Cricket Ground; and a military assemble in Spencer House.

BRITISH LUXURY UNDER THE SPOTLIGHT

A whole range of exclusive luxury British goods and services will be in the spotlight at another showcase event in the same week as 'The English Gentleman'.

The Walpole British Luxury Show takes place two days later for the delectation of home and international press. Such is the chutzpah of this body, that it actually charges some press to take part, at a cool £1,500 each.

Somerset House is the grand setting and Henry Poole will be there representing Savile Row, showing practical skills as well as finished garments. Many other participants are similarly bespoke craftsmen and women, producing a wide variety of goods. It all helps focus attention upon bespoke.