The London Lounge

What is your tie storage solution at home? For some strange reasons, my Sharper Image tie rack stops rotating after 40 ties or so even though it is supposed to hold 60 or 70 ties. Is there a better tie rack than the Sharper Image/Brookstone model or do you gentlemen have other storage facilities? Id...

I've had both Brigg and Smith, and I have to say that after one Smith umbrella, I would probably not go back to Brigg. The Smith makes the Brigg looks flimsy.

I'm having a linen suit made. Just wondering what most of you do with the lining on a linen suit - none, quarter or full? I know it's going to crease, but would having it fully lined helps making it less proned to excessive creasing?

Would someone recommend me a water-based spirit cleaner? I intend to use it on some of my older shoes (6-7 years).

Which is considered to be more classic, all other things being equal? Classic English is always round with a defined point or vertex, not a blunt, circular round. I don't think modern men would consider the Cleveley chiselled toe a classic; most would vote on Green's 202, I think. Edit: By defined ...

I am interested in classic boutonnieres, as those worn in the old films by Astaire and the likes. Where in the world can I find these? Or should I just speak to my florist about it? If I were to use fresh flower, how long can they stay fresh?

A Savile Row tailor I've used puts pearl buttons on my pants. The buttons are dyed to match the colour of the fabric. They are not thick like those on shirts, but flat, ridged, and have a gentle gleen on them. No particular feelings towards these, but I always have a feeling that they might crack so...

So I'm finally packing for Napoli. I will be there from July 2 till 21. Didn't someone made a list of must-visit craftsmen in Napoli? I'm certainly looking forward to visiting suit/shirt/shoes establishments, but is there any other branch of sartorial craft that I am missing here that is a must-see ...

I will be traveling to Napoli for at least two weeks, attending a music festival. I would definitely love to have a LL gathering in Napoli if possible, not only to take advantage of the beautiful city but also an opportunity to share (in my case, learn) experiences in our sartorial ventures. Any rec...

Regarding front darts going all the way down to the bottom: From the way it looks and sounds, the darts prevent any flair on the jacket skirt, giving a more stream-lined silhouette. Am I right in saying that? I would love to see a picture of this, preferably with arms hung straight and not crossed.

Congratulations, Manton! We've been waiting for this a long time, and what a great job you've accomplished.

Hope all of you had fun at Venanzi on Thursday, which happened to be my birthday!

In my opinion, and to paraphrase another poster, I think the history and working method of a craftsman will eventually lend themselves to become a 'house style', though I also have to admit that to recognize such characteristics requires the eyes of a connoisseur. Prokofiev's "Classical Symphony" st...

I never liked Ascot Chang shirts, but they never got my chest measurement wrong by well over two inches. Sorry for cutting in like this, but what do find disagreeable with Ascot Chang's shirts? I have made a few, but I haven't worn them much. I made them in Hong Kong and they don't offer any sample...

Maybe we should make a list of craftsmen and their addresses in Napoli.