Farah: more than an urban outfit.

The old-school icon Farah has lead a versatile lifetime. Starting off as a slacks company in the states, their journey which started in the early twentieth-century has had many milestones that has made them the classic they are today. Throughout their career they have slowly added various pieces of clothing to their line which has eventually made them a complete menswear brand.

Now you’re probably wondering why I’m talking about an American menswear brand on a British lifestyle website. Well here’s what happened: during the late 70’s rise of mod culture, Farah became popular among this particular generation of youth, many nostalgic fashion elders will tell you that they used to wear the iconic Farah slacks at school. Although we may feel bad about it now I think a lot of us can say children are cruel and sometimes endlessly terrorizing your ‘mate’ about his still-flared trousers was a little too much fun. If you didn’t have the iconic little yellow ‘F’, you were definitely on the receiving end of the schoolyard taunts. The current version of these trousers can be found on the Farah Classic collection only on the Farah website.

Almost overnight, with a youthful subculture behind it, Farah went from a small unknown American slacks company to a piece of British history. Now part owned by the Perry Ellis International fashion label, all designers remain to be British. The only Farah store currently open to the public is located in London’s very own Covent Garden, yet you can find and purchase Farah products across Europe and the states.

The Farah Covent Garden store

But enough of the history lesson and let’s look at some pieces that really stand out for this coming spring. The Drakes slim-fit cotton jeans (I recommend the blue and grey denim) and the Brewers slim-fit oxford shirts, who have a reputation for their quality and their comfort, are a perfect summer look. You don’t need to be a fashionista to be able to put together a comfortable and stylish look from this brand as everything’s compatible to some degree.

I would like to draw your attention to the Drawley blazer and the Kearton blazer. Forgoing the idea Farah is purely for those dress down days, this brand has reinvented itself and can truly battle it out with the other big boys on the ‘all-round’ scene, such as Ted Baker. The simple addition of a white shirt (or a colourful undertone if you’re feeling bold) and you’ll be recognized by the other ex-school-ground bully fashion elders, but I mean that in the best way possible. Now an accomplished Farah discoverer, feel free to send us in some pictures of your Farah inspired looks!

The demise of the gentleman’s hat.

Here at Royalty London we love hats. We miss hats. We miss the days when every gent walking down Oxford street on the way to work would be adorned by a trilby or bowler, a newspaper tucked under one arm and the other carrying an umbrella. Less and less real headpieces are seen on the high street now and we guess it’s partly down to the fact very few places sell them any more. London does however have a couple of hidden gems that it couldn’t do without when it comes to saving the hat.

The winter trilby, fedora and summer boater have been replaced by over-sized beanies and snap-backs. We don’t necessarily have a problem with this, technically if you make a beanie work for you with a good street-style look then nothing but praise for having your own unique style. But when people try to replace a real hat, day-to-day, with something that has a sports brand on it, we weep a little.

If you’re lucky enough to be invited to a garden party in the last dwindling days of summer (basically any occasion where Pimms is served), please swap the t-shirt and snap-back with a straw boater, casually cool Oxford shirt (bow tie or open collar) and braces. This will give you a look that is both smart-casual and sadly in this day and age, unique.

Summer drinks of choice include; The classic Martini (or Negroni for those with a sweet tooth), Pimms and the great G&T.

Lock and Co.

Established in 1676, Lock and Co Hatters provide a very diverse range of gentleman’s hats, from fedoras to boaters to the army’s big feathery favourites…this is the place to begin your collection. They are without doubt London’s finest hatters and as expected have the ability to custom make your hat to your exact sizes, no need to buy off the shelf here, nothing but bespoke. Sadly, the prices are also bespoke. This brings us on to our next hidden gem. 

Laird Hatters.

With stores in London’s Covent Garden, SoHo and Cambridge, Laird and Co Hatters offer a truly incredible range of gentleman’s and lady’s head-wear that covers everything from the eccentric country lord to 80’s mod. Less formal and less stuffy than some bespoke sartorial atmospheres, the chaps are happy for you to walk in, try on the merchandise and have a long chat (a nice informal calling we sadly don’t see any more on the high street). When we visited their store in Covent Garden the guys behind the counter greeted us warmly and even offered a drink from the whiskey decanter next to the till. Laird are a piece of London’s heritage and are very reasonably priced, you’re able to pick up a nice felt fedora for eighty or so pounds which we think is a great deal considering the range of “uniqueness” they offer!

We understand it is difficult to find inspiration for great men’s fashion when it comes to bringing back real hats. With only a handful found in high street chains and even the likes of GQ featuring them very rarely, we urge you ladies and gents not to give up!

Look to a few popular TV shows and films set anywhere from the 30’s-70’s for style inspiration… Johnny Depp as John Dillinger puts together an incredible summer look that features a straw boater for the film Public Enemy. For a more suited and booted conservative look, check out the wardrobe of Boardwalk Empire and The Godfather films.

We know we are being vague, we are just very tired of embroidered jeans, baggy jumpers and over-sized beanies that today’s population seem to rock in every second of their down time. Sadly, gone are the days of tipping the brim of your hat to a lady and I doubt anyone of today’s generation would realise the etiquette of removing a hat when indoors. But we have faith that real style still exists…especially in this little old city of ours.

Style, class, elegance; the Beaumont is coming to London!

Excited is an understatement. If we could design our own heaven on earth, this is it. The Beaumont is more than a hotel, consider it a portal to a time where men are gentlemen, women are ladies and everything around you screams elegance. When you step through the front doors you are stepping back to pre-war London and the roaring 20’s jazz age (except with nice modern amenities I don’t think any of us particularly wish to go without).  If this place doesn’t make you want to pull out your best double-breasted suit, fedora and grab a martini, nothing will.

Corbin & King

This is Jeremy King and Chris Corbin’s first hotel and if you look back at these two chap’s history you’ll realise they know what makes a fine establishment. The pair have worked together for over thirty years and have birthed some of the most desirable restaurants in London, receiving both praise and votes from Taste of London and Zagat and Hardens guides. This however is their first hotel, and the much anticipated launch is set for early autumn 2014.

 The Beaumont

Boasting an impressive yet intimate fifty rooms and 23 suites, The Beaumont is managing to combine the efficiency of a top twenty-first century London hotel, with the grand decoration of the Waldorf and personalised hospitality of a prohibition age speak-easy! This facility carries all the usual features you would expect of such an establishment including the Colony Grill Room, American Bar, private Resident’s Bar and Lounge, Boardroom and of course a Gymnasium with Spa and Hammam.

But these are all things you would quite rightly expect of such a lavish (and lavishly costing) hotel in the heart of Mayfair. However what makes The Beaumont particularly special is not only the attention to detail they are putting into their décor to give us that authentic Gatsby feeling, but also the fact they offer a chauffeur-driven courtesy car service (real upstairs-downstairs stuff) as well as the customary valet parking, which today is the last mark of a quality establishment.

ROOM

Included in the 73 bedrooms, as well as the Presidential Suite of five interconnecting bedrooms and private terrace (the entire top floor), The Beaumont features an inhabitable sculpture by the internationally celebrated Anton Gormley, named ROOM. In the form of a giant crouching figure on the façade of the Beaumont and four metres by ten metres high, this attention-getter is said to provide a personal and intimate experience. We think this is a brilliant addition to The Beaumont as the new kid on the block. The clever combination of Gormley’s ROOM with the overall nostalgic feel will undoubtedly give the Beaumont an edge over its competition and attract clientele from far and wide.

The Beaumont is not just a hotel. Located on a quiet garden square in Mayfair (a few minutes’ walk from the equally nostalgic Selfridges), this facility is a chance to forget what Airmax’s are and a chance to forget you can buy everything you’ll ever need via the internet. Lastly, an opportunity to surround yourself with the class of the Mad Men age, a time when gentlemen would not dream of checking into a hotel or boarding a plane without suiting-up.

Checking in or planning a visit? Then here’s a few quick style tips for a conscientious gentleman looking to both fit in, and make a statement at the same time –

The suit should have none of this skinny cut, extra thin lapel look about it. Choose a conservative colour jacket of navy, grey or brown and combine with a bright pair of tailored trousers (white is a winner this season) to give a feature piece to you smart summer attire. If you opt for a double breasted jacket, even better.

Casual? Just because you’re visiting a 5* establishment doesn’t mean a tie, cufflinks and pocket square are always necessary (but they are nice). One of our favourite casual summer looks involve a pair of tailored trousers, paired with a tucked in plain t-shirt instead of a regular shirt. Accessorise and smarten with a good pair of loafers or double-monks, and some form or chain. Finnish with a fedora or anything with a stiff brim to give that 20’s look.

 

 

Room rates:                                   from £395 including service and VAT

Address & Contact:                   Brown Hart Gardens

                                                          Mayfair

                                                          London, W1K 6TF

                                                          info@thebeaumont.com

Hugo Taylor Talks About His Latest Adventure!

Hugo Taylor talks about his latest adventure…Taylor Morris eyewear!

2013 saw a collaboration between two lifelong friends and British Designers Hugo Taylor and Charlie Morris to create the most revolutionary style of eyewear to hit the streets since Tom Cruise introduced us to the aviators. A company born out of the style of London obviously grabbed our attention, so we caught up with Hugo Taylor who walked us through their mission…
All the characteristics you expect form a top notch London outfitter, Taylor Morris eyewear definitely spared no expense and didn’t miss a detail. Impeccable quality has been cleverly combined with competitive prices, which is a niche in itself in an age of being charged an exuberant amount for a piece of tat with a particular logo!
So what’s unique, and what in particular caught our attention? Quite simply, class. Taylor Morris said “No” to the flimsy frames and garish designs that haunt every stag night and hen do floating around Magaluf, drawing their inspiration from the true style heroes of history. Inspirational figures whose level of class was never doubted, include James Dean, J. F. Kennedy, Audrey Hepburn and Steve McQueen (of course).
This inspiration was given a modern revamp to bring a touch of class to modern day, a personal favourite are the RollRight model, named after the Neolithic RollRight Stones on the Oxford boarder…

A classic and gorgeous brown and yellow tortoise shell frame (with a hint of Audrey in the shape), made adventurous and masculine with the double nose bridge gold frame, brought into the twenty-first century with the unique injection of vibrant purple acetate into the lenses. Class, modern, just brilliant!
These stunners are part of Taylor Morris’ new SS14 Capsule Collection born in May 2014, which plays host to a plethora of Hollywood elegance and London’s conservative class. Another example for you from the SS14 Collection that we feel have made a bold statement in today’s eyewear culture where, if it isn’t black or brown, it can’t be classy…well ladies, this one’s for you…
The Chelsea Cats Eyes

These 50’s style Hollywood frames with the rounded apex, should hit the spot for the sophisticated and fun ladies out there. Yes, we can definitely see a modern-day Audrey Hepburn rocking these – “I know what I’m doing and I know I look fabulous doing it!”
Getting down to brass tacks here, with an average price between £125 and £165, best believe an investment in a pair of these is just as good as a pair of classic RayBans or a pair of Moscots! These glasses are innovative, well-made and as stylish as the day is long!

 

The Q&A with Hugo Taylor

 

So yes, the glasses are gorgeous, the history intriguing and the mission simple, but we wanted to hear from the man that helped give rise to Taylor Morris, so we thought we’d ask Mr. Taylor some questions on everything from his passion for fashion to his favourite places in London to grab a drink…

Your brand was born out of London, has that or a particular part or aspect of London, in any way influenced your designs?
First and foremost Charlie and I are Londoner’s. London is the ultimate amalgamation of history and modernity and this fusion is a central tour de force of Taylor Morris. We like to describe our designs as modern and classical at the same time. London is also now a major global fashion bud and we are extremely proud to be part of the heritage of luxury brands which call the city their home.

Did you feel your “mission” of bringing back a touch of “beauty, sophistication and individualism” was a necessity or calling in today’s culture?
In eyewear over the last few years there has been a culture of more is more. Whilst we certainly recognise that there is a large market for designs which are avant-garde and outrageous we also recognise that there is an even larger market of customers who want eyewear which can be worn at all points of the day and with a variety of different dress codes. Whilst our designs are eye-catching and individual they are also elegant and sophisticated in a particularly British way. Rather Like an E-type Jaguar might not have the immediate presence of a modern Lamborghini, it certainly has the heritage and the classical proportions to be enduring to the changing tastes of fashion and beauty.

You mention gaining inspiration from great icons such as Steve McQueen and Audrey Hepburn, was there a particular reason, perhaps the class and glamour that’s missing from everyday life now?
Our debut collection was inspired by combining British sartorial elegance and timeless Hollywood glamour. The stage and screen icons of the late 50’s and 60’s took sunglasses away from been about functionality to be more about form. They became an extensions of one’s identity. McQueen and Hepburn after 40 years are still setting fashion trends because good taste never goes out.

Your campaign photos are very alluring, was there a particular lifestyle or look you were trying to capture, perhaps a message within a photograph?
Our most recent campaign, shot by Oleg Tolstoy, is all about British rock and roll chic. We shot in South West London and used two of our favourite British models, Sam Webb and Roxy Horner. The vintage AC Cobra we used actually belonged to Steve McQueen.

How would you recommend your products be styled, any advice to get that classy, London-gent look?
Charlie and I are all about combining smart and casual. For the summer time gents looks get some well fitted jeans, colourful loafers and then a loose fitting yet well-made colourful linen shirt. Accessorise with smart ethic jewellery a classic watch and then complete the look with a pair of our shades.

What product is your personal favourite and why?
God that’s like choosing which I prefer, my left or right leg. I think the frame we are most proud of is our Vredefort in Blue speckled tortoise with sky blue lens. This piece has sold out 3 times within the 10 months since we launched. My personal favourite has yet to be released. Charlie and I are trying to re-invent the classic pair of black sunglasses and are particularly proud of what we have done.

What are some of your favourite haunts in our beloved London, at which to grab a drink with friends?
I love the Phene in Chelsea, MODE in Notting Hill and most of all Le Petite Maison.

Ideal summer drink to refresh a gentleman on-the-go?
Pimms punch- Pimm’s No1 cup, fresh Pineapple, fresh strawberry, basil, homemade grenadine syrup and fresh lime juice. Will change your life.

What stance do you take in the current debate on “going sockless”?
It’s mandatory. Socks and loafers is out of the question. Purchase some inexpensive loafers, deck shoes and converse for the summer and accept that they have a 2.5 month life span and bin them.

Any words of advice to a young lady or gent interested in following in your footsteps of contributing to the world of fashion and style?
Listen to as much advice as you can from the top people in the industry. Take your time in having a clear stylistic direction and identity. Most of all do it with passion. Charlie and I fucking love sunglasses therefore getting up and going to work every day really is fun for us.

The Campaign 2014 shoot available on their website gives an incredible insight into their overall mission as well as the passion and incredible abilities of these two young designers. Photographed by the very impressive Oleg Tolstoy and featuring the (slightly too handsome) Sam Webb, the underpinning values of British elegance has been captured beautifully. Not forgetting their attention to detail which we here at Royalty London have fallen in love with…as the AC Cobra featured in the shoot actually belonged to Steve McQueen himself. It is details like this which is why they have so effectively not sold a pair of glasses, rather an insight into the romantically elegant days so nearly forgotten.

All-in-all, we find these guys and the work they’re doing very impressive. Their task at hand of bringing class and modernism to a 21st Century London is both noble and much needed, and they haven’t skimped on quality or passion in the process.
We strongly advice you check out the rest of their collection at http://taylormorriseyewear.com/shop/

Royalty London brings you our personal London lifestyle blog…

L.A.L.A – Life’s A Lavish Affair

As a consortium obsessed with the finer points of a lavish London lifestyle we aim to bring you advice, conversational pieces and topics of thought on everything involved in living the lavish affair that is life.

As mentioned, we are a London based styling organisation that will bring you the finest in sartorial elegance as well as all other aspects of a gentleman’s life.

Style is more than the clothes you put on your back, it is the way you choose to live every moment of your entire life.

Fashion, wine, cigars and gentlemanly etiquette. Royalty London is coming and we invite you all to share our artistic journey with us.

Good evening, gents.