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To be honest Marcus I'm not much of a fan of moleskin for a jacket like this - it doesn't tend to age that well or feel that nice, kind of a poor man's suede to my feeling. I'd rather have wool or normal cotton…

Introducing: The (brown) reversible Valstarino

You mean the brown donegal coat, with the orange shetland?

What Ivy means to me

It will be Drake's, Fatih, and therefore probably not a cloth available for bespoke. Also from several years ago

Subtlety and drama: The appeal of the purple sock

Thanks Peter. That isn't a loud tie by the sounds of it? Did it refer to the pattern or the make?

How Florence changed with the pandemic: Abbarchi, Ugolini, Vestrucci

We do have the tradition of the silk ‘neat’ . It was very common in Manchester, (Although that might be due to the close proximity of Macclesfield ). During my first office job in the 80s. I was very solemnly told to go out and…

How Florence changed with the pandemic: Abbarchi, Ugolini, Vestrucci

Very nice read. And I appreciate all the thoughts that someone puts in an article about an allegedly simple matter as socks. Any chance you can find out the exact gun club fabric the jacket from the first picture is made of?

Subtlety and drama: The appeal of the purple sock

Hi Simon, thanks again for the tips and knowledge as always. I’m trying to narrow down a bomber/blouson purchase. Based on my wardrobe, I’d say a dark brown is most versatile, and apart from the Valstar in brown suede, the moleskin bomber in brown from…

Introducing: The (brown) reversible Valstarino

Simon, what is the gorgeous coat you're wearing in the photo right underneath the "My Ivy is" section? The playful pairing of formal and sporting is spot on in that picture!

What Ivy means to me

The crazy British tie thing was best epitomised by Duchamp, who went into liquidation in around 2017. Perhaps having Berco as a poster boy did for them.

How Florence changed with the pandemic: Abbarchi, Ugolini, Vestrucci

Thanks Simon.

A short guide to ties

I think Antonio's style in accessories has always turned that way - see the bright scarves (some with donut patterns) they've done for years. He's more admired usually for sense of colour in tailoring. I do hope crazy ties aren't particularly British. There's certainly no…

How Florence changed with the pandemic: Abbarchi, Ugolini, Vestrucci

Ah, one more for the list then. Thanks Alexander

How Florence changed with the pandemic: Abbarchi, Ugolini, Vestrucci

Interesting article. Over the next couple of years I think things are going to be very tough for our Artisan brethren and many will go to the wall. Cutting your overheads in a labour intensive business is always difficult and adding spiralling raw material and…

How Florence changed with the pandemic: Abbarchi, Ugolini, Vestrucci

I think I sold it to you 😅

How Florence changed with the pandemic: Abbarchi, Ugolini, Vestrucci

Generally you'll want a more casual tie, so I would look to knitted silk and wool or cashmere first

A short guide to ties

Thanks, great to have the recommendation

Subtlety and drama: The appeal of the purple sock

It's a saddle shoulder. It would be smart in dark green if it was more of an olive probably - a browner, more muted green

Three things I’ve bought on lockdown: Stevenson Overall, Harley, Hamilton & Hare

He told me that there is no shop there any longer. Sadly. I was looking for it last year.

How Florence changed with the pandemic: Abbarchi, Ugolini, Vestrucci

Yes, mostly the waist - a straighter cut

Introducing: The (brown) reversible Valstarino

I think you're right, yes. And if you think they're more your style than cords, for example, then absolutely got with them

If you only had five pairs of (casual) trousers

Good point, I don't know actually Paul. It was always more of a studio, and Benedikt is now living in Japan, but I don't know whether that Florence is still there, I'll ask.

How Florence changed with the pandemic: Abbarchi, Ugolini, Vestrucci

My image of Florence during the pandemic is that of incidentally running into Antonio Liverano with his mask on at the local market. I adore the person and the tailoring style of Liverano just like most people who are into tailoring. But since his personal…

How Florence changed with the pandemic: Abbarchi, Ugolini, Vestrucci

Good point John, thanks

Coloured summer jackets: Final Anderson & Sheppard commission

Hi Simon. I'm looking to get some new ties to go with PS and Drake's oxford shirts. Which ties go best with them? I've been looking at silk, ancient Madder silk, knitted silk, grenadine, wool and cashmere. Would any of these be a no-no? Do…

A short guide to ties