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Savile Row tailoring giants Huntsman have led the tributes to David ‘Shane’ Airoll who has sadly died. On its company website, Huntsman wrote: “Shane was a cherished friend and colleague and a source of warmth and inspiration to all who knew him. A truly gifted trouser maker, the dedication, precision, and passion he bought to his craft was unwavering. His loss will be felt throughout Savile Row.”

In a piece in Savile Row Style Magazine back in 2017, David told David Ward, also a leading Savile Row tailor, about his love of the business. “I had the opportunity to learn the art of Savile Row tailoring from a master tailor with over 30 years’ experience,” he said. “To start, it was not a paid apprenticeship and I spent a number of years without being paid a penny. I was told once by one of the great masters that it takes 10 years before you can truly call yourself a Savile Row tailor. It has taken a great deal of time, sacrifice, dedication and passion to achieve the honour of being called a Savile Row tailor and after years of being taught by some of the true greats of the industry I can now justify calling myself a master tailor in my own right.”

James Gray spoke for many when he wrote: “Such a tragedy. I send my deepest condolences. You will undoubtedly feel his loss on a very personal and human level. Huntsman is not only full of hugely talented individuals who create the most wonderful clothes, it is such a strong family that every item is imbued with a human touch and as a customer you are invited in to that family. There is so much more to the relationship than the clothes one takes away. I will wear my Huntsman clothes with even more pride out of respect to Shane. To his own family away from Savile Row, I am so deeply sorry for your loss.”

Another tribute from Mickael read: “Shane was someone who always had a kind word to share, time for a chat, and a smile that could brighten any room. His warmth and genuine spirit touched so many of us in the tailoring industry and he will be remembered for the joy and kindness he brought to those around him.”

William Kenny wrote: “The world of tailoring has lost another talented artisan. Sending our deepest condolences to his family and close friends during this difficult time.” while Clayton wrote: “I am deeply sorry to hear about the loss of such a skilled and talented trousers cutter. Their craft was a true art, and their expertise left a lasting impression on many. Please accept my heartfelt condolences during this difficult time. May their memory live on in the beautiful work they created.”

David from the Masons Arms in Mayfair wrote: “Sending our condolences and love to Shane’s family and to all at Huntsman. He will be greatly missed on The Row.” while a few tributes were left anonymously, including: ” What a brilliant soul. Maybe the greatest trouser maker in current times.”… “A shining ray of golden light. Warm, electric, splendour & kind love. We will miss you.”

Savile Row tailoring giants Huntsman have led

Rising Formula One star George Russell was the surprise guest when IWC Schaffhausen celebrated a decade of success on New Bond Street with an exclusive event at its boutique. Joining IWC CEO Chris Grainger-Herr, pictured above, to welcome guests and clients, Russell emphasised his connection to IWC’s legacy of precision and innovation through a short Q&A. The Mercedes driver added an exciting and dynamic element to the event, reinforcing the brand’s association with high performance and excellence.

The celebration underscored IWC Schaffhausen’s enduring presence in one of the world’s most prestigious retail locations and its commitment to creating extraordinary experiences for its clientele. The event was a blend of heritage, innovation, and a shared passion for precision and performance, as exemplified by both IWC’s craftsmanship and Russell’s success in Formula 1.

Located in the heart of London’s luxury shopping district, the boutique is a testament to IWC’s dedication to timeless craftsmanship and innovation. Over the years, it has hosted numerous exclusive events, like the presence of the F1 Car outside the boutique in 2017 to celebrate Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS win at the British Grand Prix. Plus, product launches like the Big Pilot’s Watch PPC, London Boutique Edition, launched in 2014 (IW502805) and the Big Pilot’s Watch, London Boutique Edition in 2018 (IW501008).

Rising Formula One star George Russell was

One of the world’s largest collections of graphics by David Hockney is currently on display at Halcyon at 148 New Bond Street. Spanning six decades of Hockney’s career, the works date from 1961 to 2018, and include his iconic pool images, self-portraits, portraits of friends, still lifes and landscapes. As an artist, Hockney has always embraced the latest technological innovations. In the 1980s he harnessed photocopy machines as part of his practice and, more recently, the iPad, which he uses to capture the world as he sees it – through the technicolour guise of the digital age. Visitors will discover various iPad drawings, providing a rich insight into his unique exploration of this new medium.

The exhibition, called Living in Colour, also provides a window into Hockney’s personal life: views of his studios, household objects, portraits of friends, family and his beloved dachshunds – these works document his life and travels from Yorkshire to California. Two figures Hockney has captured particularly frequently are Gregory Evans, his former lover and Celia Birtwell, a celebrated textile designer and lifelong friend. The exhibition features two exceptional portraits of these individuals. These large-scale, vibrant, idiosyncratic portraits are from the Moving Focus series (1984–1987). Visitors will discover works from the Moving Focus series, which is perhaps his most ambitious and experimental output of prints, consisting of portraits, landscapes, interiors, and still lifes. Through this body of work, the artist explored unconventional methods of articulating space, as if the subject is captured from multiple viewpoints, rendering his sitters with an electric feeling of dynamism. These works are notable as a demonstration of his masterful use of colour and as a pure expression of Pablo Picasso’s impact on his work. Hockney acknowledges this impact in two pieces that he created in 1973, which hang in the exhibition. In The Student, Homage to Picasso and Artist and Model, the artist represents himself confronting his idol, the pioneer of cubism.

Another major influence in Hockney’s career is Vincent van Gogh, whom he acknowledges throughout his oeuvre, particularly in Van Gogh Chair (1998). This piece was created in direct homage to the post-impressionist who painted the same subject exactly 100 years earlier. Van Gogh’s Chair with Pipe (1888) is currently on display at the National Gallery in London. Hockney’s pools are some of the most memorable images of the 20th century – visitors will find a number on display – with iridescent pools, complete with sharp geometry, that illicit an irresistible temptation to dive in. Created whilst living in LA, these works have come to symbolise the exuberance and sense of freedom associated with the city.

Paul Green, President and founder of Halcyon said: “It is a privilege to put on an exhibition dedicated to one of the most important British artists of the 20th Century – someone who made his mark in the 60s and is still just as relevant today. This is a unique opportunity to tell his story and make his work accessible to a wide audience.”

Kate Brown, Creative Director at Halcyon explained: “It has been incredible to work with such a comprehensive collection of Hockney’s work. His unique approach to printmaking and joyful spirit resonates through this exhibition, and I am delighted to be able to share this at our gallery at 148 New Bond Street.”

David Hockney: Living in Colour is open free to the public until the end of the year at Halcyon’s flagship space at 148 New Bond Street and at Harrods

One of the world’s largest collections of

Angus Cundey, known affectionately as The Godfather of Savile Row and the driving force behind Henry Poole & Co for many years, has died after a short illness. He was 87. The company, now headed by his son Simon, made the following announcement earlier this week: “It is with a very heavy heart that we share this message. After a short battle with cancer, Angus H Cundey MBE, the sixth generation to lead our family business, passed away peacefully at his home on August 12.

“He lived and breathed Henry Poole, built special relationships with clients, and was fond of and proud of the skills of all the staff and of their achievements in making Henry Poole what it is today: one of the finest tailors in the world. He was called “the Godfather of Savile Row” as he fought continuously to achieve the Row’s global recognition, its protection and preservation. He was the chairman of trade-related organisations such as the FMT in Europe, the SRB and the BTBA. He was much loved by the trade and all the people involved in it, and was honoured with an MBE for his services to the industry. He leaves a legacy and will be greatly missed by all of us. Rest in peace.”

A few hours later, Savile Row Bespoke said: “Our deepest condolences go to the family, friends and team at Henry Poole. RIP The Godfather of Savile Row.”

It was back in 2018 that Angus Cundey was presented with an MBE by The Queen for his services to bespoke tailoring and trade charities. He acquired many accolades throughout his illustrious career and was a past president of the Federation of Merchant Tailors, Chairman World Congress of Master Tailors 1973, President Master Tailors Benevolent Association and a founder of Savile Row Bespoke.

Henry Poole’s finest: Simon Cundey, Philip Barker, Angus Cundey and Alan Alexander

In an interview with Savile Row Style Magazine back in 2016, he told one of his favourite stories – that, until his headmaster put him right a few weeks before he left school in 1954, he knew hardly anything about Henry Poole. “When I was about 17, my headmaster [at Framlingham College] summoned me to his study and said: ‘Now Cundey what are you going to do when you leave at the end of the term?’. I replied that I was going into the RAF as I wanted to learn how to fly, but he said, ‘Cundey have you not heard of your wonderful family business, the most famous tailors in the world?’”

Although Angus and his sister regularly came up to London in school holidays to see their father at work, Samuel Cundey never explained that Henry Poole was the family business and that Angus could be the sixth generation of the family to work there. Luckily for tailoring, the young Angus had time to mull over his future on the train heading back to London at the end of that final school term. “I sat there thinking: do I really want to be a pilot or a tailor? When I got out at Liverpool Street I asked my father, will there be a place for me at Henry Poole? A great big smile came across his face and he said, ‘of course’.”

Angus Cundey and friends celebrating his MBE at Henry Poole

And Angus was very supportive of Stewart Lee, publisher of Savile Row Style Magazine, when he wanted to launch his own gin brand – Savile Row Gin. “I had a heart stopping moment,” recalled Stewart. “The whole project depended on getting the whole-hearted support of Savile Row tailors. At lunch at Brown’s I told Angus Cundey about it, and for the longest ten seconds of my life, he took a deep pause…He cocked his head to one side and then said yes, he thought it was a wonderful idea.”

Naturally, Stewart was keen to pass on his words of sympathy to the family. “Angus was The Godfather but also the Gentleman of Savile Row,” he said. “It was an honour and a pleasure to have got to know him over many years. Sending my sincere condolences to all the family. The world of bespoke tailoring has lost one of its finest.”

Angus Cundey with Princess Anne

Click here to read Angus Cundey’s 2016 interview with Savile Row Style Magazine

Angus Cundey, known affectionately as The Godfather

Click here to read the magazine

The summer edition of Savile Row Style Magazine is now available online. It is full of interesting articles and stories of what has been happening on the Row in recent months. Cindy Lawford looks back on the life and times of Edward Sexton, the wizard with the scissors who died last year. The big interview is with Daisy Knatchbull, who runs The Deck on Savile Row and we listen in as Patrick Grant, the power behind Norton and Sons, tells his story. We also look back on Golden Shears 2023 and 2021 and recall the life of Robert Bright, the man who founded the competition back in 1974. Stewart Lee, CEO of Savile Row Gin, reveals his exciting plans for the company while Su Thomas explains how she is championing sustainability on The Row.

Click here to read the magazine

 

 

Click here to read the magazine The summer