As I’ve been traveling more and more Internationally, one of the tactics I’ve adopted is to blend in more and look “local” and not like a “tourist” or a “foreigner.” Given I work as part of the Net economy, this means fashion covers a broad spectrum from jeans to up-market business wear in London, to a very snazzy blazer and just about anything in Paris, to hip colors in Barcelona and Madrid.
As someone who eschews neckties, I’ve adopted socks as my “statement” and vibrant shirts, pullovers and sweaters. Gone are my days of monochromatic black, khaki or green. Now I’m all about the bright and professional, using the fact that at heart I’m a creative and fashion is one way of expressing that widely.
So here’s a short list of where to shop in London:
85 Jermyn Street
London
SW1Y 6JD
United Kingdom
Tel: +44 20 7930 6364
The Pink stores dot London and while there are a few in the USA, they are behind by a good six to nine months in styles and colors. Plus the costs in the USA are much higher. Pink sets the standard in my eyes for the tasteful and proper British look, but where they excel is in their linen (100 percent) and Traveler lines. This just look good whenever you take them out of the bag style of shirt is perfect for the guy on the go. Plus their Sox rock.
My favorite location is their flagship store on Jermyn Street.
87 Jermyn Street
London
SW1Y 6JD
United Kingdom
Tel: +4420 7930 130
If Pink is first on my list, then Hackett is right up there. The slightly more sporty style helps, but it’s their slim fit style that I really like in trousers. They also have very kicky school boy blazers.
92 Jermyn Street
London, SW1Y 6JB, United Kingdom
+44 2078396060
The shirts here are some of the “softest” in cotton you’ll find. That and their amazing collection of cufflinks that even pal Om (who suggested this shop to me recently) would agree.
Perhaps the most modern of the traditional “City” shirt designers, their use of color and design is very eye-catching.
T.M. LEWIN
103-106 Jermyn St
London, SW1Y 6EQ, United Kingdom
+442078393372
High value for money is what I thin of Lewin’s shirts. Very much on the mark with colors and styles, these shirts are great for everyday work and their link selection isn’t too shabby. Their stores seem to be everywhere too so finding what you want is never more than a call away usually.
JOHN SMEDLEY
24 Brook St
London, W1K 5DG, United Kingdom
+442074952222
The Smedley line is more on the higher end “designer” level, and I find the colors to be some of the best of the season. I’m a very big fan of their light weight pullovers as they have a great body hugging style and yet don’t make you sweat.
As far as the rest of me, I’m a jeans kind of guy so I tend to like the cross brand selections at Selfridges and at Harvey Nichols. There you can find just every label and find the pair that’s just write for you.
take a look at M&S made to measure shirt service. prices between £29 and up to £49 for the ulta-luxurious shirt. i used to buy at thomas pink (and had to have the shirts altered :)–so why not have them made to meaure at half price!!
http://tinyurl.com/mfcv63