Naples: A sartorial shopping guide

July 12th 2017

Naples has the biggest concentration of high-end handmade menswear in the world. Although not so much for shoes, for tailoring and shirtmaking this is the motherlode, with hundreds of tailors in the city and surrounding region, and thousands working ...

Naples: A sartorial shopping guide

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Probably not, but worth asking the maker if they can perhaps prepare a fitting for you in that time, so you can be fitted and have the finished shirt sent to you...

July 12th 2017

Heurtault umbrellas, Paris

December 21st 2015

“The opening of the umbrella should sound like a car door,” said Michel Heurtault, looking me meaningfully in the eye. I didn’t get the connection immediately, but he slowly pushed the umbrella open, and as it locked open there w...

Heurtault umbrellas, Paris

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It's been fine, but then I have three umbrellas and don't use them very heavily. I wear hats more....

Umbrellas and glovesDecember 21st 2015

The Finest Menswear in the World

July 17th 2015

Finally, wonderfully, the book on luxury craft I began writing three years ago is coming out: The Finest Menswear in the World. – You can buy your own personalised copy of The Finest Menswear in the World in the Permanent Style shop &...

The Finest Menswear in the World

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Thank you, Simon. Yes, I think makers, especially with own brand, like Zilli and Seraphin schould be in prioritet position. That's why I would add Hettabretz to your selection. I read what Hattabretz small maker with own...

July 17th 2015

Brio menswear store – Beijing, China

June 15th 2015

  Last month we had a book launch at the Brio menswear store in Beijing. It’s worth running through a few more details of the shop – because the stock is interesting, and because it is part of a pleasing trend in more s...

Brio menswear store – Beijing, China

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I haven't tried Inglese enough (one shirt a long time ago) to really comment on other areas like fit...

Bags - ShoesJune 15th 2015

Clothes for travel

June 20th 2014

Attire for flying out to Florence this week. Polo shirts make great travel items, particularly long-sleeved under jackets. They are comfortable, cool and versatile, and navy is the smartest option. Just make sure the collar is tall enough to not sl...

Clothes for travel

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Aha, I see yes, that makes sense. Which is why knitted polos are so attractive...

Shoes - StyleJune 20th 2014

Revisiting Mario Talarico umbrellas, Naples

October 26th 2012

One of the pleasures of revisiting Naples was catching up with friends, such as Mario and Mario Jr at Talarico. My ego has never swelled to the point where I assume such men will remember me, but this does have the nice result that I am frequently an...

Revisiting Mario Talarico umbrellas, Naples

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I don't know I'm afraid, sorry, and they are pretty poor on communication....

Umbrellas and glovesOctober 26th 2012

Giancarlo Maresca

March 16th 2012

There are characters. There are dandies. And then there’s Giancarlo Maresca. A Neapolitan man about town, he knows everything and everyone, dropping in on a shoemaker here, checking in on some shirts being made there. Saturday, he says, is for ...

Giancarlo Maresca

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Thank you Giancarlo. As ever, you put it better in your second language than I do in my first. Simon...

StyleMarch 16th 2012

Mario Talarico: master umbrella maker

February 13th 2012

The atelier of Mario Talarico is the least prepossessing of any craftsman I have visited. Sitting in a tiny alley off the Via Toledo in Naples, it is festooned with cheap, tacky umbrellas. Most cost €10; all are made in China. There is clearly ...

Mario Talarico: master umbrella maker

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@Daniel / @Simon I thought James Smith & Sons carried out repairs? https://www.james-smith.co.uk/...

February 13th 2012