NEWS from the SHOP
Ted Baker quick to the draw with its new Spring/Summer menswear collection
Ted Baker launched its menswear Spring/Summer collection this month, rather grandiosely dubbed The Great Exhibitionist and His Private Views. Its business-wear range focuses on suits in taupe, silver and navy jacquard, with a tendency towards lustrous material – very indicative of the bolder outlook for the upcoming season. It is also heavy on fabric mixes such as mohair, wool and silk. A Riviera-inspired pale blue suit is a contemporary nod towards traditional high-end tailoring. To promote the launch, the brand invited top illustrators to capture fans wearing the new line. A total of 111 customers received an original signed, framed, one-off portrait created by illustrators including Jacqueline Bissett, Niki Pilkington and Michael Frith. www.tedbaker.co.uk
Designer to the stars Spencer Hart goes smart-casual
Savile Row tailor Spencer Hart has launched a new casual range for the summer, promising to bring the high-end tailoring ethos to everyday wear. The line includes classic items such as polo shirts, cardigans, brogues and chinos. The range is available from Spencer Hart’s flagship Brook Street store. The tailor-de-jour recently dressed British actors Dominic West, Benedict Cumberbatch, Orlando Bloom and Damien Lewis at the Golden Globes in LA and counts pop stars including Robbie Williams amongst its bulging celebrity clientele. Its new range could bring its trademark, 50s inspired tailoring to a whole new market. And if you’re lucky you might be invited into its exclusive vaults at Brook Street, which served as an impenetrable banking safe in a previous life. www.spencerhart.com
Suitopia homes for boost from movie The Hunger Games
Online tailor Suitopia is hoping for a boost after some of its more colourful creations were chosen to feature in the surprise summer smash The Hunger Games. Lionsgate Films ordered 139 magenta, turquoise and black suits from the tailor, with specifications including shrunken lapels and additional velvet. To order a bespoke suit from Suitopia log on to www.suitopia.co.uk.
TM Lewin launches a brand new range of top class suits
The first new range of suits in more than two years has gone on sale at TM Lewin, promising “a million dollar look, that won’t break the bank”. The new suits are made to a slimmer fit and more modern cut than the traditional TM Lewin suits and are completed with striking linings, kissing buttons and strategic pocket placement. The new range signals a move toward higher-end tailoring in line with the shift in the overall market. If you’re a fan of high quality suits, this season could be something of a renaissance. tmlewin.co.uk
H&M target more luxury after successful high-end move
H&M has already conquered the high street – now there are reports it has its sights set on the high-end of the market. The retail giant is understood to be planning a new luxury range focusing on quality fabrics and tailoring. The store already has a Collection of Style range launched in 2007 and insiders say the new spin-off will be positioned at an even higher segment of the market. It has seen roaring success from its unlikely tie-up with Versace, which saw customers queueing around the block to get their hands on items (and later charging a healthy premium reselling them on eBay). www.hm.com/gb
Kenneth Cole moves further upmarket with new range
Designer Kenneth Cole is also targeting the high end of the market with his new Kenneth Cole Collection line. The range – which includes both men’s and women’s collections – will include cutting edge work wear, with an focus on mixing fabrics and emphasising functional elements including belts, buckles and zips. Cole’s range, which focuses on sharp twists on classic suit designs, is bang on trend so this new range should be one to look forward to. www.kennethcole.com
Moss Bros unveils new flagship store with a promise of West End bespoke tailoring
Moss Bros flagship Regent Street store has reopened, with a focus on bespoke tailoring. The store promises to provide a simple, no frills made to order service giving customers “limitless customisation of styling details such as signature embroidery, lining colours and construction”. The bespoke service will cost from £249. Customers will also be able to relax in the dramatic surroundings of the new store, which features parquet flooring on the walls, herringbone pattern detail on the floors and a collection of items from Moss Bros 160-year history. www.mossbros.co.uk