This past weekend saw the Coronation Festival in the gardens of Buckingham Palace, at which holders of royal warrants exhibited.
The royal warrant is not exactly the mark of quality that some might assume, given that it includes Austin Reed and Daks among its clothiers. But bespoke tailors at the event included Gieves & Hawkes, Henry Poole, Benson & Clegg, Dege & Skinner and Kent Haste & Lachter, as well as Permanent Style favourites such as John Smedley, Corgi, Swaine Adeney Brigg and Turnbull & Asser.
A handful of menswear people were invited to lunch by Gieves & Hawkes, whose stand was probably the best there: an exhibition of 200 years of work under royal warrants, plus a few pieces from the fantastic new Royal Collection. This, Jason Basmajian’s first full collection, is a huge step up for Gieves ready-to-wear: all made by Cheshire Bespoke in England, fully canvassed, English materials, unfinished sleeves/trousers and with alterations available from the bespoke department.
Stephen Lachter and Terry Haste on their stand.
Henry Poole had some basting work on display. Cue a lovely conversation with some amateur seamstresses.
I’m a big fan of Swaine Adeney & Brigg. Great English luggage, hand sewn and reasonably priced. This is their Lifetime Trunk, with a selection of compartments and boxes intended to be filled with personal effects and kept throughout one’s life. Launched to tie in with the impending royal baby, of course.
He may not have a royal warrant.
In front of the stage, in Henry Poole 8-ounce DB, Drake’s tie, Satriano Cinque shirt and John Lobb (Paris) shoes.
PR James Massey, Luke Leitch of The Times and stylist William Gilchirst.
Vintage Daks adverts, on the side of their stand.
