The London Lounge

The Nature of Alexander by Mary Renault: less a biography than a character potrait shrouded in an admiration-tinged haze, and as such in complete contrast with the incisive and and balanced Alexander biographies by Robin Lane Fox, but as with Renault's historical novels her vision is utterly convinc...

First of all, congratulations on your first bespoke suits. They are the first steps in what will hopefully be a fruitful life-long journey. My own tastes are constantly evolving and quite frankly the minutae of dress escape me since I tend to look at the overall impression or effect of dress rather ...

But why would anyone buy "handmade" shoes simply because he believes them to be "handmade"? Instead (I imagine), he chooses a shoe because he likes its style or its leather, or because he thinks its construction is sturdy and comfortable. Claiming that a shoe is "made by hand" when it isn't is just...

I found the previous post interesting and informative -- right until the last word. Such a failure to communicate without vulgarity disappoints me. With apologies for introducing vulgarity into a discussion amongst gentlemen, I must admit that I know of no other way to accurately describe my utter ...

The issue of brand exploitation, and the way many SR houses are diversifying, is a fascninating subject, and it was a shame that the programme makers didn't feature more of Gieves & Hawkes and Kilgour. G&H has rolled out dozens of RTW outlets in the UK and as a bespoke customer of theirs I do feel ...

...by giving us a little more information about your tastes, resources, etc. Since new Pateks at retail go for anywhere from $8,000 to $500,000, just saying "I want a big Patek" doesn't give us much information about what may be a good watch for you. Personally, I would forget about "investing" in a...

One of the real masters of the Florentine style - and the jackets have a distinctive style about them. Liverano himself is very humble and engaging. He speaks little English, but he does have staff that speak English. I just received my first suit from him today today, a single-breasted three button...

by firing off questions on every conceivable variation in shoe design...perhaps a bit of common sense is in order? Consider the shoes (or any other piece in your wardrobe) in the proper context, including the relevant situation and the standards of your own social circle. I'm hardly a shoe guru, but...

I recently had the exact same style of 6 x2 overcoat made by Panico. The material was a black cashmere in a large herringbone pattern. He is truly a craftsman and the coat came out wonderfully. Too bad it is just a bit too flashy to wear to the office...people here in Tokyo generally dress fairly we...

The majority of my suits have been made by:

(1) Antonio Panico (Napoli)

(2) Liverano & Liverano (Firenze)

Measurements and fittings were done during their trips to Japan.

Since I prefer "softer" suits with some drape, I hope to try Anderson Sheppard or some A&S alumni in the future.