The London Lounge

In so many areas of life one finds as a customer that if an error is made but is recognised by the other party, who then takes prompt action to remedy the position, the relationship is strengthened rather than weakened. I was recently witness to an incident when a tailor and his customor were standi...

One very practical device that I miss and have not seen in many years is the "spiffy". It was the trade name for a very simple and cheap spring that fit behind the collar points and under the tie knot. It always remained unseen but held everything in place neatly and perfectly. I would very much li...

MrKirk, if you are in New Zealand I assume that you will not be sending them back to the factory for repairs. If you were, then attaching a rubber sole would certainly result in Barkers refusing to resole the shoes on the original lasts. In any event it would affect the balance of the shoe when walk...

Does anyone have experience of skiing in tweed?

As far as I am aware scarlet coats should only be worn by two groups of people - Masters of Foxhounds at their own Hunt Balls, and somewhat anachronistically the Captain (and possibly also former Captains) of the Royal Lytham & St.Annes Golf club at formal club dinners. Of course golf clubs have nev...

You might try Stephen Haughton of Burford Valet Service for a S&P in London. Email stephenhaughton@aol.com

I have not used them yet myself but I understand that they are used by one of the London tailors which does not provide the service in-house

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Cinema, if you had a look at the Permanent Style blog you should let them know that when you call in. In those few days between Christmas and New Year they are offering a discount to PS readers commissioning a new suit. Obviously it would not be the done thing to claim the discount if you haven't se...

Amazon's recommendations have caught up with me and as well as the usual style books there are a couple of technical books recommended. Classic Tailoring Techniques: A Construction Guide for Menswear by Robert Cabrera and Tailoring: The Classic Guide to Sewing the Perfect Jacket published by Creativ...

Cinema, I have had three commissions with Graham Browne - summer trousers, a sb suit and recently a pair of Plus 2s. I expect to use them for the odd jacket I will ahve made with the LL blue herringbone when it comes out and also a db suit in Minnis grey flannel in the New Year. Russell is extremely...

BespokeMex wrote:I'm sorry, but there is something fundamentally wrong about this type of shoes. I just don't like the style or the idea of it.

I have to agree. I can't help thinking that they look like fish gills.

Whatever one thinks of the celebrity dancing shows on television it does make me envious when the professionals dance together. The ability to move so smoothly and elegantly yet with such control over both oneself and one's partner must transfer to daily life. Sadly, Mrs H has no desire to learn and...

I still prefer buttons despite having to get my hands wet when one came off at a most awkward moment.
Check the stitching regularly

Strawberry jam on white bread followed by raspberry jelly, ice cream and fairy cakes. Ginger beer from fine crystal cannot be beaten.
Is it fancy dress ?

To update my tale of woe, I too received the circular email but as yet there has been no follow up from the new customer service manager, and the expected call about the readiness of my coat is now two months overdue. A frustration is that the Norton name is still used to boost the profile of the Ta...

Good to see that the Emperor's old tailors are back in business. Sadly the tale never mentioned whether they were drape or structured!
That's a hell of a way of taking measurements though!