Tusting x Grey Fox - A Backpack Collaboration

I'm delighted to announce another collaboration with one of my favourite British brands. Tusting has been a family-run leather business since 1875 and many of their craftsmen and women come from families who've worked for Tusting for generations. I've worked with them to design a stylish and practical tweed and leather backpack which is made to order. 

Here are a few words about the collaboration:

"As a lover of everything British-made, it’s a real privilege to have worked with Tusting on this backpack. It started some time ago when I visited their factory and spotted a gorgeous heavy tweed in their archive. Made by Lovat Mill of Scotland it was designed as an extremely robust tweed whose high twist yarn construction provides natural water resistance, making it perfect for its original intended use for outdoor and country activities. 

After some discussion, and a couple of sample iterations, a final prototype backpack was made, and I have used it extensively for over two years to ensure that every detail of practicality, construction, comfort and robustness was just right. 

We used Tusting’s Crazy Horse leather which I was familiar with as I’ve been using a Tusting Clipper bag for many years and I loved the way it has gained a beautiful patina of use but shown no signs of wear. 

I selected a bright Guards’ tunic red for the lining both to provide a cheerful contrast to the tweed and also to acknowledge family links to the five Foot Guards regiments of the Household Division. 

I’m enormously proud of this product featuring the best of British manufacture. Packed with useful pockets and compartments, this is a well-tried and comfortable backpack which I’ve used for everything from business trips to country dog walks and which has stood up perfectly to several years of use."

We've worked hard to make a practical, robust, comfortable and stylishly retro backpack. After using the prototype for over two years I'm confident that the Tusting x Grey Fox backpack is all these things. For more information and to order, see Tusting's website

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Note: This is a collaboration between Tusting and Grey Fox Blog - see also on Instagram @greyfoxstyle

Grey Fox x Cordings of Piccadilly - A Collaboration

It's an absolute delight for me to announce a collaboration with classic British brand, Cordings of Piccadilly. They are everything I love about British menswear. They've  been around since 1839 and have remained true to their solid, practical, quality British heritage (see links below).

Wearing the Cordings x Grey Fox cord suit and wool check tie

I've written before about British style and its influence on western menswear. From preppy American and Ivy League to contemporary Japanese street style, staples like tweed, corduroy suits, polo and covert coats and outdoor and country sportswear have become classics of style and fashion. Cordings' longstanding place in the heritage of British men's style makes it a great privilege to work with them to put together this small largely British-made collection.

The collection is designed to be the start of a capsule wardrobe. By this I mean that every can be paired with the others. Rich reds and natural green runs through the palette, with the textures of corduroy, brushed Shetland knits and earthy Loden holding it together and providing contrast and variety. 

The collection comprises five pieces:

• Two Shetland jumpers in a rich red and a mossy green (crew and V-neck respectively), made in Scotland. I was keen to have the wool lightly brushed as a nod to the heritage of Scottish knitwear (the jumpers are brushed using the dried spiky seed heads of the teasel plant). I also wanted to recall the popularity of brushed Shetland ('Shaggy Shetlands') as icons of preppy and Ivy League styles.
• A check wool tie. This is inspired by a vintage tie which I own, made in Scotland in the 1950s.
• A brown corduroy suit. This is based on one made for me by Cordings a few years ago and which proved very popular when I showed it on Instagram. My suit was made from Italian cord but I'm delighted to say that the collaboration suit is made from a similar corduroy made in England some years ago and found in the archives of Brisbane Moss. Like all Cordings' suits, it's tailored to a high standard but at an affordable price.
• A Loden 'Coldstream' coat. Based loosely on the double breasted coats worn by the five British Foot Guards regiments during the colder months, it's made in London from a gorgeous mix of alpaca and wool. The buttons are real buffalo horn. The luxury cloth means that it isn't heavy and the coat is comfortable and warm to wear during the colder months.

For more on these items, how we came to design them, their costs and how to buy, go to Cordings x Grey Fox

Follow me on Instagram to see more @greyfoxstyle

More about this collaboration: This is a sponsored collaboration with Cordings of Piccadilly. For me, collaborations are like buses; you wait ages and then they all arrive together. This collaboration is the second since the blog was founded nearly eleven years ago and I have a third coming soon (the first was launched last month here). I've long wanted to apply my tastes to a real collection. After so long curating Grey Fox I have a fair idea what I like and, more importantly, what you like. I welcome any comments and feedback - you can message or e-mail me from my Instagram account (above).

Joshua Ellis Cashmere x Grey Fox Scarves: A Collaboration

I'm delighted to announce a collaboration with Joshua Ellis Cashmere who manufacture luxury textiles at their mill in Yorkshire. I have selected four cashmere scarf designs to form the small and limited Grey Fox x Joshua Ellis Cashmere Collection. 

Introducing the Grey Fox x Joshua Ellis Cashmere Scarf Collection

The scarves are made in Yorkshire from 100% cashmere with a lightly brushed finish to give a luxurious soft finish. I've selected them to be a fusion of the best of high quality British manufacture and classic styling that complements any look, formal and casual. The scarves measure 30 x 180cm (plus fringes) and cost £129.00 each.

Please note that this is a sponsored collaboration as every scarf purchased will help with the costs of running Grey Fox Blog. For more information and to purchase please click on the links under each image below or follow the link at the end of this feature.

Grey Fox Modern Tartan & Plaid Scarf - Bedale

Grey Fox Tweed Cashmere Scarf - White, Tiger & Cobalt

Grey Fox Tweed Scarf - White Sapphire & Green

Grey Fox Modern Tartan Scarf - Crimson

I visited the Joshua Ellis factory in Yorkshire earlier this year and, as I always am when I visit British mills, workshops and factories, I was impressed by the pride and enthusiasm of those making the scarves. They know that they are using the best materials and manufacturing techniques to make products that are appreciated around the world, where British luxury products are sought after for their quality and heritage.

In buying a scarf you will not only be supporting this blog and  my media, but also supporting British manufacturing where products are made to last, sustainably and ethically.

Below are photos taken on my visit to the Joshua Ellis mill this year:

Teasels used to brush the cashmere to give a soft finish

The Grey Fox x Joshua Ellis Cashmere Scarf Collection

Click here to purchase or to see more about The Grey Fox x Joshua Ellis Cashmere Scarf Collection. 

Please note that I am paid a proportion of sales: this will go towards my costs of running Grey Fox Blog and @greyfoxstyle on Instagram.

Billy Tannery X Laird Hatters: A Hat Collaboration

 For the past four years Billy Tannery have been taking goatskins, the previously discarded by-product of the meat industry, and tanning them in their own tannery to produce soft, robust and colourful leather from which they make a variety of products from bags to keyrings. In a new collaboration they've worked with another favourite brand of mine, Laird Hatters, to produce a collection of caps with goatskin peaks. The Newsboy and Baseball caps are made from British tweeds and wool cloths which go well with the black or brown leather peaks. Each comes in two colours.

I was asked to model the collection on a beautiful autumn day in Bushy Park in SW London and here are some of the images. The caps are beautifully made (as you'd expect from Laird) and comfortable to wear: these are hats for life. They can be ordered now and will be available from Billy Tannery from mid-December. Baseball cap £85 and Newsboy cap £100. Note orders are now closed due to huge demand, but you can sign up for news of future collaborations and products at the bottom of the page on the Billy Tannery website.

The Billy Tannery x Laird Hatters caps and the forest green ziptop tote

Links:

Billy Tannery

Laird Hatters

This is unsponsored. I have received nothing in return for the feature or photoshoot as I do what I can to support British manufacture and young brands.

Barbour at Fenwicks

Last week saw the launch of an exclusive collection by Barbour for department store Fenwick which, since 1882, has sold quality goods to discerning customers in its stores throughout the country and online. Like Barbour, Fenwick is still family-owned and both brands mingle a modern outlook with a very British spirit that appreciates heritage presented in a contemporary way.

The two brands have worked together to produce a four-piece collection, two jackets, based on the classic Barbour 'Bedale', a gorgeous heavy brushed cotton shirt and wool scarf; all in an exclusive red/blue tartan. 

The jacket comes in navy blue and a new red waxed cotton colour, the first time this shade has been used on this jacket. After initial doubt, I quickly came to love the red which will soon acquire the usual Barbour patina, softening with age and the passage of time. Who wants their Barbours to look brand new?

The Bedale has been slightly remodelled and slimmed down for this collaboration and, while Barbour jackets are often sized generously, this one fits true to size. It feels well-made and fitted me perfectly (I'm a 38" chest and ordered that size). 

The Bedale, with its equestrian origins, is slightly shorter than some Barbours, which makes it ideal for both stylish town and country wear. I've worn a number of their jackets over the years (including a battered old Border bought 35 years ago). This example of the Bedale strikes me as one of the most adaptable Barbour jackets in terms of its uses. I wear mine over knitwear, a pair of cords or denims, but equally it would complement the new smart casual workwear styles that have developed as we turn from over-formal work clothing.

With this small but perfectly formed collection two great British brands have produced a truly robust outdoor jacket, combining style and practicality with shirt and scarf that match the tartan lining. Prices range from £28 to £249 and they are available from all Fenwick stores. For more information and to buy see Fenwick.

This feature is sponsored by Fenwick. I was sent the clothes to try and review. All views are mine.

Oliver Spencer x Brompton Cycles Blazer

There is nothing new in the idea of a blazer designed for cycling, but the conflicting demands on it require clever design. The city cyclist and commuter needs a jacket he can wear on the bike and which is also wearable in the office. Oliver Spencer has collaborated with Brompton Cycles, whose folding commuter bikes are famous worldwide, to make a practical, comfortable and exceptionally well-designed blazer for all-round use.

The Oliver Spencer x Brompton Cycles Blazer

Features needed for such a jacket start with the cloth: an airy, flexible, weather and crease resistant fabric is essential. Then comes requirements like reflective sections, good and secure pockets and a means of carrying the coat over the shoulders if removed. It needs to fit well, the should be longer than usual to accommodate reach to the handlebars, an action back helps reach and movement while cycling and finally the garment needs to be robust.

Oliver Spencer is no stranger to garment design and his blazer has all these features. On first seeing my review sample I was immediately struck by the feel, quality and the complexity of the construction. There is even a cloth messenger bag with a shoulder strap that provides yet another way of carrying the blazer (which can be folded up small without creasing) when removed - fiendishly clever.

Some of the features of the Oliver Spencer x Brompton Cycles blazer

This is a remarkable garment, the product of exceptional design and construction. A small observation relates to the sleeves, which are, of necessity, longer than normal to cover the wrists when riding. For those who notice that the cuffs ride down over the top of the hands when off the bike, I wondered if a further set of cuff buttons, or a Velcro closure, would have allowed them to be tightened to keep the cuffs in place; but this is a minor point indeed.

The fabric is stretchy and the jacket feels comfortable to wear - particularly when riding - yet it looks good off the bike as well. There are a lot of excellent features packed into a blazer costing £385. Go to Oliver Spencer for more information and to buy.

See also Brompton Cycles for information on these London-made folding bikes.

This is an unsponsored post. The blazer was given to me for this review.

Oris x Momotaro Denim: A Timely Collaboration

Collaborations between brands are common. Those making often dissimilar products find common elements to their approaches to manufacture, style and even marketing. The link has been made before (and covered here on the blog) between the production of denim jeans and fine engineering so it's no surprise to find Swiss watch makers Oris teaming up with Japanese company Momotaro who weave the best Zimbabwean cotton to make denim cloth for their jeans.

Wearing the Oris x Momotaro diver: 40mm and slim on the wrist

Momotaro denim

Momotaro have only been making jeans since 2006. Indeed, the Japanese denim industry is still young, having grown from the enthusiasm of Japanese youth for all things American (read the book Ametora by Marx W. David for the full story). Inspired to start creating their own denim, Japan now produces some of the world's most highly sought after cloths, renowned for their colour and the beauty with which they age as they wear. 

Weaving deeply indigo-dyed cotton using vintage shuttle looms produces a cloth that has a handmade quality, a variation of texture and colour that denim enthusiasts find lacking in the more uniform denim produced on modern machines. The link with Oris, also a smaller and independent company producing quality products by hand, was obvious and the collaboration was born.

The watch arrives in a Momotaro denim wallet and has a denim strap marked with the Japanese company's signature white 'battle stripes'. Its bronze and steel case is well finished and the dial has a graduated green/blue finish - not unlike faded denim, though I'm not sure that was the intention. 

I've not handled many Oris watches, but I like the fact that they are made to a distinct house 'feel', are always reasonably priced and are generally good looking timepieces. The Oris x Momotaro special edition diver is 40mm wide and, with its screw-down crown, is water resistant to 100m. It feels comfortable on the wrist and combines style with utility very well, making it useful as an all-round watch, although it has no date display should you want such a thing.

Priced at £1700, see Oris Watches. 

This is an unsponsored post. I was lent the watch for review.

Cheaney x Norman Walsh Trainers: British-Made

When two British shoemakers, making quite different styles of footwear, collaborate each must leave its own stamp on the final product. What happens when a traditional maker of Goodyear welted shoes works with a manufacturer of hand-made trainers and sneakers?

Cheaney x Walsh Ginger Pull Up - also available in mink/black and brown (the last have black soles)

Joseph Cheaney & Sons have collaborated with Bolton-based trainer manufacturers, Norman Walsh to produce a collection of three unisex trainers. Based on one of Walsh's most popular lasts, they have oily leather and suede uppers, bringing a touch of traditional British Northampton shoemaking to the Bolton-made trainers. 

Leather brings a touch of character to the shoes as they're worn. I've been wearing mine for a couple of weeks and already they are acquiring that look which only quality leather can have as it ages - for some this will be an improvement over a grubby pair of fabric trainers.

Comfortable? Of course: these are based on trainers that have stood the test of competition and time from a company with a sporting pedigree that goes back to 1948 and the leather, selected by Cheaney, is top quality, flexible and soft.

See Cheaney or Norman Walsh for  more information or to buy.

Comments: Please note that I have now disabled comments on my blog because of the huge volume of spam. However, I welcome and encourage discussion on my Instagram feed where you can leave your thoughts and queries and where I will respond as soon as I can. 

Dashing Tweeds x Charlotte Chaplin Herdwick Tweed Jacket Collaboration

Many of you will know Dashing Tweeds, the London-based store that does dashing things with tweed. Some readers will have picked up my love for a particular breed of sheep found mostly in Cumbria where it was allegedly introduced by the Vikings - the Herdwick. 

Herdwick ewe and lamb on Charlotte Chaplin's farm

Sadly, in recent years, the Herdwick's fleece has been used mainly for insulation and carpets and even wastefully burnt when the prices are low. But some, like shepherd Charlotte Chaplin, based in South Cumbria, see a wool that, properly processed, makes warm, durable and beautiful naturally-coloured cloth. Such properties appeal to Guy Hills of Dashing Tweeds who saw the possibility of a collaboration, tailoring this very British wool cloth to make unique clothing.

Charlotte Chaplin on her Cumbria farm

I've been long wanting something made from Herdwick cloth to celebrate my love for The English Lake District and the feisty sheep that live there. I've seen vintage suits in Cumbria tailored from the cloth, but hadn't yet found anything I could use, so I was delighted when Guy Hills approached me to suggest a collaboration whereby he made me a jacket from Charlotte Chaplin tweed.

From black through brown to grey and cream, Herdwick sheep cover a rage of natural colours

Charlotte Chaplin runs her family-run farm In Cumbria. With pastures in the valley, it extends up, through wooded hillsides, to the fell where the sheep graze throughout the year. Herdwick sheep are born black with white patches on the face and ears. They eventually live out on the fell with their mothers where they are 'hefted' or 'heafed', learning to survive the harsh weather within the bounds of an unfenced area of mountainside or 'heaf'. 

As they age they turn brown, then creamy white and older sheep develop patches of ginger. As a result, Herdwick fleeces contain a range of colours, from cream, white, brown, ginger, through grey to black. These colours make wonderful undyed woollen cloth.

Charlotte Chaplin with a Herdwick fleece and a garment tailored from her tweed

I visited during lambing time, which is in April through to May. This is later than many lowland breeds of sheep as weather conditions aren't ideal for lambing earlier. Even April brings occasional periods of snow - but the weather was beautifully spring-like as Charlotte showed me her flock and the workshop in which she develops her tweed products. 

Herdwick tweed and yarns in natural undyed colours

Dashing Tweeds needs no introduction. Their fresh take on tweed design offers a welcome change to those looking for clothes that are different. From safe to challenging, their designs enable men and women to express themselves in ways that routine high street styles do not. Their support for British-made cloth is important and underlies this collaboration with Charlotte Chaplin.

The Charlotte Chaplin tweed jacket, made to measure from Dashing Tweeds

The jacket is made to measure and, as can be seen, I wanted it tailored to give a soft, unlined, unstructured outline. Tweed can be warm in anything but cool weather, but wearing it unlined extends its range further giving an adaptable garment that can be used well into early summer and autumn. It has been beautifully tailored; the internal seams finished with sky blue tape - a colour that goes well with the oatmeal tweed.

I now have a beautiful jacket made from a rare and fascinating tweed that gives individuality and interest and is as comfortable to wear as an old piece of knitwear.

Links:

Charlotte Chaplin Herdwick Tweeds and on Instagram

Dashing Tweeds - To book a Made to Measure appointment using Charlotte’s designs, email here or visit the store at 47 Dorset Street, Marylebone.

This was a collaboration with Charlotte Chaplin and Dashing Tweeds - the jacket was made and given to me. I was not compensated in any other way.

The Perfect Trousers from Susannah Hall Tailor

For some time I've had trouser trouble. Most are slim or skinny fits with low waistbands. This all adds up to the discomfort of material sticking to my calves as I sit and my shirt tails continually slipping out. I needed a solution and went to Susannah Hall, tailor, to find one.

Wearing a Susannah Hall suit incorporating The Perfect Trousers

I approached her with the tale of my trouser woes and she made me a pair of trousers with a higher waist and fuller cut. The result, as I described it to her, was 'The Perfect Trousers'. I asked if she would collaborate on producing these for a wider audience and she agreed. Susannah Hall's tailoring is done in the UK so I can be sure that I'm wearing a British-made product. 

What you see here is the result of my search for a solution to the discomfort of the modern trouser. I wrote some years ago that the fuller-cut trouser was on its way and, while it's not yet on the high street in any big way, it can be found on the legs of most of the menswear writers, bloggers and Instagrammers, suggesting that high street stores will follow in a year or two. The Perfect Trousers are designed to be a half way house between the fuller-cut and the slim - acceptable to proponents of both styles.

The Perfect Trousers in flannel, corduroy, tweed & cotton. Ventile mac, jacket, waistcoat Susannah Hall. 

Here is what Susannah Hall says about The Perfect Trousers:

"Moving on from skin-tight trousers, David and I have designed a streamlined classic trouser built for comfort and style. You can order a pair with a single pleat for a more vintage flavour, or flat fronted for a closer fit. ‘The Perfect Trousers’ include a generous 2” turn up. 

You can still wear a classic, fabulous trouser without introducing lots of pleats and excess fabric. The perfect trouser design works well as part of a suit or makes a great statement as a stand-alone piece. They are cut to suit every generation. 

This style translates so well in different fabrics, from a cool crisp pair of chinos to a soft, inviting flannel. Choose your fabric and make your pleat choice, then we will get the measure of you. 

You will only have to wait 4-5 weeks, from placing your order, until you have your very own pair of ‘The Perfect Trousers’. And of course, they are all made in England! 

Prices start from:

£250 for cotton chino

£290 for a 100% worsted wool

£350 for flannels / tweeds"

To find out more visit Susannah Hall's website or visit her at her Clerkenwell store in London.

The tailored Ventile mac above is available in a wide range of colours in many styles from £1000. The Fair Isle scarves are from Fraser Knitwear.

This feature is a collaboration with Susannah Hall.

Father's Day in St James's London (Sponsored Post)

As a Londoner I'm lucky to have access to several outstanding local destinations for Father's Day shopping, dining and culture. A favourite is the area bounded by Piccadilly and St James's with its finest menswear shops, luxury hotels and restaurants and cultural destinations such as The Royal Academy of Arts.

I was recently invited to see what St James's style had to offer for Father's Day. Here are a few ideas, either as gifts for others or to allow you to indulge yourself:

Fortnum & Mason – Luxury department store. On the third floor of Fortnum & Mason Piccadilly, join their Master Barber for a haircut, hot towel head massage or wet shave. Complimentary drinks will also be available from their drink’s cabinet. 

A trim from Johnny Long of Saunders and Long

Aspinal of London – Leather goods and accessories. They're offering complimentary personalisation on all men’s gifts. Aspinal has also partnered with Bruichladdich Whiskey offering a 20cl bottle complimentary with Father’s Day purchases over £150 in-store. 

Buy in luxurious surroundings at Aspinal London

Osprey London – Luxury bags and accessories. In a Father’s Day Instagram competition running between 3rd – 13th June, entrants have a chance to win a large Clayton messenger bag worth £145. In order to enter the competition, follow @ospreylondonstjames page, share/like the picture and tag at least two friends in the comments including hashtags #ospreylondonstjames #ospreylondonfathersday. Anyone entering the competition will also be offered 15% off full price own brand items in their flagship store until 16th June. 

Luxury leather good, interiors and more at Osprey London

Harvie & Hudson – Tailoring and shirtmaking in Jermyn Street. Their new Spring/Summer 2019 collection is now available. The statement pieces within the collection yield inspiration from the sunsets abroad and are perfect for the fashion-conscious Dad. 

A bespoke shirt from Harvie & Hudson

The Stafford Hotel - A Five Star hotel in the heart of London. Built in the 17th Century by Lord Francis Godolphin and used as an air raid shelter during WWII, its cellars house over 8,000 bottles of the World’s finest wines. Today, Master Sommelier, Gino Nardella, hosts wine tastings and wine-pairing dinners throughout the year. 

A superb cellar and a drink in The American Bar at The Stafford

Addresses:

Fortnum & Mason: 181 Piccadilly, St. James's, London W1A 1ER

Aspinal of London: 16 Regent St, St. James's, London

Osprey London: 27 Regent St, St. James's, London SW1Y 4NQ 

Harvie & Hudson: 96/97 Jermyn Street

The Stafford London: The Stafford Hotel, 16-18 St, London 

This feature is sponsored.

Modelling Johnstons of Elgin AW19 at London Fashion Week

Well I'm always grumbling that brands don't do enough to sell their products to the older market so was both delighted and alarmed when my good friends at Johnstons of Elgin asked me to be one of five non-professional models at their presentation at London Fashion Week earlier in February. 

A grey model for Johnstons of Elgin at London Fashion Week (image Pietro Recchia)
I'm wearing AW19 menswear and Cheaney x Johnsons of Elgin boots. The sweater was embroidered by collection designer Alan Scott with the badge of the Scots Guards

I've followed the rise of Johnston of Elgin's designer collections, headed up by Alan Scott, elsewhere on the blog (link below). They combine design flare, the best of British (OK, Scottish) manufacturing and high quality products in a way that makes them stand up internationally to the best mens and womenswear around. 

With model Gabriela Rickli-Gerster, who had a busy LFW. Were we the oldest models at LFW?

The luxury cashmere and merino mix fabrics and knitwear drape with a softness that flatters any shape and feel a real pleasure to wear. The colours, textures and patterns are breathtaking (see the blue and green tartan coat in the image below).

You get what you pay for: they're rightly priced at the luxury end of the market, but you will never regret a purchase as their goods feel as if they will last for ever in both design and manufacturing terms.

See Johnstons of Elgin for their current collection. AW19 will be available later in the year.

A Scottish End Note: I've been happy and privileged to work with many Scottish brands, both large and small, over the last few years, including Johnstons of Elgin, Kestin Hare, Harris Tweed, Fraser Knitwear and Araminta Campbell (among others). There is a real creative buzz about Scotland when it comes to classic menswear design and manufacture.

Thanks again to Johnstons of Elgin for a wonderful evening. Click here for a previous feature on Johnstons of Elgin's designer collection.

I have worked with Johnstons of Elgin on various projects over the last few years. However, this feature is unsponsored.