An Interview With Alex Assouline

Alex Assouline carries himself differently than most people his age. At first impression, it takes a second to remember that he’s only in his mid-twenties. When I met him in his office one afternoon, he greets me in a three piece suit, immediately apologizing for making me wait an extra three minutes. He’s had a busy day, he explains. I, however, hadn’t even noticed those three minutes as, sitting in the lobby, I’m intrigued by the gorgeous coffee table books that surround me. Highlighted in a striking red, all-encompassing book case, the titles catch my attention. Dior. Chanel. Bentley. Vintage Cars. Up next, he tells me, is a book with design family Missoni. But, it’s not the book you’d expect: it’s a cookbook. It’s unique, and it’s on brand with Assouline, the publishing company Alex’s parents started that records culture in an elegant, timeless way.

Our conversation took us through some of that culture, with more upcoming additions to the Assouline catalogue, his passion project, and his fashion inspirations.

For those of us who are not already familiar with your family’s publishing house, give us an introduction to Assouline and your role within the company.

“So Assouline is a nearly 25 year old coffee table book publisher. We specialize in books about art, lifestyle and culture. I joined a few years ago after working in consulting. I’m now the director of marketing, and I work a lot on interior design, where I curate libraries, especially in New York.”

Other than the Missoni book, can you tell us what’s coming up for you? 

“I’m working on a fantastic book on [Azzedine] Alaia, who passed away a few months ago. It’s a very dear project to me because he was my godfather. We’re working on a special edition as well, leather bound with three different covers. It’s going to be a good homage.”

Tell me about the process of curating a library.

“So I started that a few months ago as an organic extension of what I was doing, but just on the side. So I met with a friend of mine for lunch and she was working on a building with her family as well, and she was just saying that she needed a space where–she needed a library, you know? She needed a space where people could just sit down and unplug from everything and feel safe and troubles with their minds are gone. And it just was a perfect fit, so I started one there, at The Shephard with the Naftali Group. Then I started having some requests, from word of mouth, and then started to structure it as a part of the business. So I go to a very specific place, whether it’s a hotel, restaurant, office, apartment or amenities for a library building, I just study the place, the neighborhood, the tenants, who goes there and their interests, and after a few days or weeks I just come up with something. A little drawing, a proposition. It’s a passion at this point.”

I can tell. 

“It’s my own thing. Something I developed that I’m happy about and proud of. It’s kind of the extension, when you have a family business, that you need to find your area to develop, while still being in the family business. And I found it, so I can have my own thing on the side.”

So let’s talk about style. Do you have a style philosophy? Do you have some icons you look up to? 

“I just saw a documentary on Gianni Agnelli. It absolutely changed my philosophy of fashion. It was so interesting because this guy was super well dressed, and he wasn’t scared of going his own way and his own style. Like putting the watch over the cuff, for example. And he did it in such a stylish way, that’s very inspiring. There’s no real boundary that you have to set for your style.

I like to wear suits. I feel good in a suit, I feel comfortable in a suit, which may sound a bit not genuine, but to me I really feel comfortable. You need to present yourself in a way that people can receive well. It’s an action of respect as well. I keep t-shirts for Sundays.”

Where are some of your favorite places to buy suits? 

“I have the two extremes. I have a tailor in Hong Kong that comes once a year or once every two years. So I just see everything, all the patterns that I can do. I’m very into plaid, so I’m very experimental in that way. So that’s fun. And then, I have a store in Paris where I buy most of my suits called Wicket. I trust them, I know every time I go I’m going to leave with a couple. It’s exactly my taste. In New York, I just buy my shirts at Brooks Brothers. Cufflinks, only vintage and on eBay. And suspenders as well, only on eBay. I have a big collection of suspenders. I’m very proud of it. I used to go on eBay and start betting on crazy suspenders and I would try to get a pair once a week. I cannot stop, but I don’t have space anymore.”

Do you have any brands of suspenders that we would recognize? 

“There’s vintage Ralph Lauren and there’s Trafalgar. These are the only two I find, but when I go to a vintage store or something, I might stumble upon something unusual, but it’s very rare. It’s not really in today’s culture, even to carry in vintage stores.”

Where did your love of suspenders come from? 

“That’s the thing. I didn’t see them anywhere, and I wanted to have something different. I wanted them with different colors, like an accessory that wasn’t something you couldn’t see on everyone. I wanted to build my own identity from that.”

What about timepieces?

“I don’t like extravagant or showy timepieces. I love my Cartier Tank because it’s meaningful to me. I got it when I was 18, and there was a big story behind it. My father, when he was an assistant and he was 18, saw it on his boss at the time in an elevator. And he said, “wow, this is what I want for my son one day.” And he got it for me when I was 18. So I just keep it at all times.”

Take me through a day in your life. 

“I wake up at 6:30 or 7, depending on what I did the night before. Then I jump on my rowing machine for about 20 or 30 minutes. I have to do that every day because it keeps my body moving at all times. It gives me the right energy. Then I have a big glass of water, shower, go to the office, meet with my team around 9 or 9:30. I try to separate my day around the tasks in the aspects of marketing or the library or communications. Mostly, I start with working on the new products we’re going to release–for example, we’re working on bookstands, candles. Then I answer e-mails for partnerships that we’re doing, and work on marketing products for books–how to make the book come to life. And then quick lunch with my parents to debrief about what’s happening in the company. And after that go back to the office, until I finish the day and I take out my pencil and I just draw a library. For a client or just to practice. I leave the office around 7 or 7:30, depending on whether I have a drink with a client, or dinner, which usually happens.”

What’s your favorite drink? 

“I’m in my spicy margarita with salt phase. I don’t know how long that’s going to last. But, usually, I love a pisco sour. It’s a Peruvian drink made of pisco, lime juice, sugar and egg whites and a bit of tabasco.”

What do you feel like is different about New York? 

“What I see the most is the energy and the willingness for people to achieve. That’s a pretty cool trait.”

You can follow Alex on Instagram at @alexassouline and Assouline at @assouline. Assouline is on Twitter at @AssoulinePub.

Featured photo courtesy of: Assouline, by Josh Deveaux.

Ermenegildo Zegna’s Couture Winter 2018 Menswear Show

The snowy runway was set by Swiss artist Thomas Flechtner and designed by Grafton Architects at Bocconi University in Milan. This frozen landscape with irregular lines of white plinths, showcase 45 diverse outfits in a suggestive scenography; that is the ambiance for the Ermenegildo Zegna Couture Winter 2018 Menswear Show.

“We work around sartorial neologisms, which this season I have labelled with another neologism: Snowriting. Formal merges with informal in a sublime snowy scenario” described Alessandro Sartori, Zegna’s Artistic Director. “I wanted to emphasize the man versus nature aspect, so I thought of artist Thomas Flechtner and his incredible work. Our exchanges have been extremely interesting and constructive, which finally led to Thomas being actively involved in the design of the show experience. Outdoor spirit clashes with evolved tailoring, technology merges with tradition in a new expression of winter couture”.

The show had the opportunity to host many renowned celebrities, whose heads and shoulders were sprinkled with flakes of freshly fallen (yet artificial) snow. This snow was partially inspired by Oasi Zegna, the family’s natural reserve situated in Northern Italy.

The mountaineering capes feature jackets and coats inspired by bird’s footprints in the snow: especially the colors of the jacket, rust against violet, come respectively from tea and tobacco for the first, Crocus flower for the latter.

The innovative aspect of this collection is characterized by experimental fabrics, which were courteously supplied by Bonotto SpA, the high-end textile manufacturer that the Ermenegildo Zegna Group acquired last year.  These included matte cotton corduroy used for jackets and a new woven leather fabric for a tennis-bag-style. Now, sport coats and top coats are in double-faced Oasi cashmere, a new fabric obtained by chemical free process with natural ingredients only.

The collection presents adjustable geometric necklines, carved and curved lapels, and tie scarves, but what really catches the attention is “one-and-a-half-breasted” construction: it’s a mix between single and double breasted, it is used on jackets as well as coats. This is like a single-button jacket with a sharp line when open, but it fits like a double-breasted jacket when closed. Moreover, long felted cashmere coats and cashmere jumpsuits featured semi-articulated pockets with color inserts at the seam.

With this collection, Sartori aimed at creating a different shape for menswear by combining traditional heritage with modernity, using new techniques and concepts inspired by nature itself. Sartori added, “I am interested in expanding traditional techniques, creating hybrid shapes that are apt for new uses, getting contemporary function out of traditional craft”.

For more information visit:  Zegna.us

Huntsman of Savile Row’s A/W ’17 Collection Featuring Zackary Peck

The Savile Row House, Huntsman has just unveiled their Autumn/Winter 2017 Ready to Wear collection, which celebrates three centuries of sartorial excellence.  This collection was designed by Campbell Carey, formerly of Davies & Son, who joined Huntsman as creative director, back in 2015.  For this year’s collection, Carey found inspiration via his 20 year career in bespoke tailoring as well as through Huntsman’s own extensive archives.

Unique for this year, Huntsman hand selected Zackary Peck to model the A/W ready to wear collection.  Zackary is the grandson of Gregory Peck who, aside from being one of Hollywood’s golden age stars, was also one of Huntsman’s most devoted clients.  Throughout Gregory’s life he ordered no less than 150 suits from the Savile Row House.  Zackary’s appearance in the campaign goes on to demonstrate generations of admiration for this timeless bespoke tailor.

This season’s collection’s most prominent style is an iconic single button jacket, featuring Huntsman’s classic slim silhouette and tapered waist.  One such example is the Fresco Suit in dark grey hopsack, that’s open weave makes for an ideal travel garment.  In addition, Cashmere sports coats are abundant and are offered in multiple colours including both the quintessential autumn Blue Sussex and Green Dorset. The sports coat’s cashmere is manufactured in a check style motif with eight layers of yarn by Joshua Ellis, who is currently celebrating their 250 year anniversary.  The end result are patterns who’s level of material depth is rarely rivaled.

Additional insights into Campbell’s design philosophy become inherently apparent in the midnight blue evening suit, inspired by Daniel Craig’s midnight blue tuxedo in Skyfall.  The suit is completed in a highly unique Matt finish with a satin lapel, and a design which tricks the eye to emulate a longer more narrow waist line.

The Autumn Winter collection also highlights a collaboration with shirt-maker Turnbull & Asser, who’s shirts are made from handpicked Egyptian cotton and offer two floating collars for the Huntsman collection (Huntsman or Hammick).  More casual options include lightweight polo shirts, knitwear cardigans, and merino wool jumpers in brown, blue, green, and red, which pair well with jeans or chinos.  Accessories for this season include leather soled slippers in your choice of Green Cawdor tweed or Four Point Star cashmere tweed.

ISAIA’s All-New San Francisco Boutique

Italian menswear brand ISAIA has launched their first ever boutique in San Francisco at the historic Frank Lloyd Wright building located at 140 Maiden Lane.  Once home to the V.C. Morris Gift Shop, the new ISAIA boutique offers an expansive 7,900 square-feet of space, along with approximately 4,000 square feet intended for retail sales.

The new ISAIA location retains all of the building’s original materials designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, leaving everything intact and unmodified; from its original wall plaster, millwork, trim, flooring railings, bubbled ceilings, suspended planter, glass store front planter on entry, and of course the brick and stone façade.

Spanning back to it’s official launch in 1957, ISAIA has been widely acknowledged as one of the top luxury lifestyle brands in providing the sophisticated and stylish gentleman with the highest quality in sartorial tailoring.  “This year marks our 60th year as a brand. It is personally very important to me that we are always pushing to do new things, while paying homage to our heritage. Opening a shop in the landmarked Frank Lloyd Wright building, accomplishes just that”, according to Isaia.

The interior of the new ISAIA boutique on Maiden Lane features furniture from the gallery Esprit Nouveau, located in Naples, Via Calabritto 20, which were personally selected by Interior Designer, Alberta Saladino.  ISAIA San Francisco’s newly introduced furniture includes unique pieces such as the ones listed below.

• Jelly Pea sofa: great semicircular sofa upholstered in cotton velvet fabric, designed by architect and designer India Mahdavi.
• Vintage armchairs: Italy 1955, designed by Paolo Buffa, upholstered by hand in cotton velvet fabric by a Neapolitan artisan.
• Swinging bar: Italy, late 1940’s, birch wood and gold leaf decorations, attributed to Osvaldo Borsani.
• Pair of round rugs: handmade products based on interior designer Alberta Saladino and architect Martino Ferrari drawings, who have been inspired by a design from the ‘50s, readapted to respect the round shapes of the spaces.
• Brass floor lamp, Italy 1970.
• Pair of floor lamps: brass structure with Murano glass leaves, Barovier e Toso, 1960 ca.
• Wet Bar with stools: late ’50s, mahogany wood with engraving and decorations.
• Fragments Modern sculpture by Michele Iodice.

The original fixtures have been preserved and integrated with other new elements, giving the boutique a ‘modern meets classic‘ sort of approach.  ISAIA has modified the V.C. Morris Gift Shop’s space, where it was needed, to thoroughly correspond and fit with the concept ISAIA is revered for.  The colors and materials used were very imperative to reflect this approach.  Considering ISAIA’s long history with their Mediterranean Red color and unique artifacts indigenous to the Bay of Naples, it was essential for them to choose the most appropriate vintage pieces that neither overwhelmed or disappointed the design.

“The design team worked closely with the Preservation committee at the San Francisco Planning Department to develop solutions that would meet the new requirements for a retail boutique, while satisfying the elements of a historical building,” said James Shay, President of ISAIA North America.

ISAIA’s new San Francisco location features vintage fixtures like the iconic Campari bar, red lacquered piano, and tranquil seating area, which are a part of all of ISAIAs shop designs.  The boutique will be offering a blend of sportswear, tailored clothing, and Made to Measure, as well as a lineup of exclusive product options available for the sartorial gentleman.

ISAIA San Francisco is rather extensive, boasting a Frank Lloyd Wright Library within the boutique for those who want to look through books on the famed architects designs and other historical information.  Additionally, the library was curated by the Frank Lloyd Wright Conservancy, explicitly for ISAIA.

“Experience is a big part of what we offer to our customers. We want each of our stores to have a setting where our guests can relax and escape, while at the same time, enjoying anticipatory service for whatever their needs are”, asserts Isaia.

Frank Lloyd Wright designed the Morris Gift Shop for Vere C. and Lillian Morris in 1948.  His work on the building was distinctively renowned for two reasons; the exterior brick façade that cloaks a considerable amount of the interior and the applicability of the spiral ramp as the main focal point of that interior.

Wright was working on the early stages of design for the Guggenheim Museum in New York City when at the time he designed the V.C. Morris Gift Shop.  These two projects both shared a similar layout in which they exhibited spaces perfect for the display of objects of high quality.  For instance, the Guggenheim design featured non-objective art while the Morris Gift Shop had put china, silver and glassware on display.  This demonstrates how Wright’s choice of using the ramp as the prime focus of the Gift shop was quite a brilliant move on his part.  This allowed those who ascended the ramp to observe objects on display from a multitude of vantage points in a two-story space brimming with natural lighting.

The store officially opened on September 22nd, 2017, and ISAIA San Francisco is currently only accessible by a select group of VIP’s and influencers, which is “by appointment only”.

For more information visit:  www.Isaia.it

New Ermenegildo Zegna Atelier Opens in Milan

It has been approximately 40 years since Ermenegildo Zegna started their made-to-measure suiting offerings, but until now the Italian luxury fashion house has never created such an preeminent and extensive bespoke wardrobe as they do today.  Just recently opening a new atelier in Milan, Ermenegildo Zegna will be offering everything from bespoke suiting to sportswear, as well as an assortment of knitwear, footwear, and leather pieces.

Ermenegildo Zegna’s new atelier, which is located on the top floor of the Zegna building on via Montenapoleone and is only accessible through a private entrance, brings together the perfect bespoke experience for those visiting Milan.  The 1,152 square-foot space gives customers an elegant yet minimalistic impression, complete with Harry Bertoia chairs as well as Fontana Arte lamps, which adds an inclusive Milanese allure.

Regardless of whether its the day of your first introduction or your final fitting date, each visitation to the new Zegna atelier delivers exceptional service in order to give their clients the most out of every appointment.  Clients are given a broad selection of materials and fabrics to create their ideal garment the exact way they had envisioned it to look.

The new atelier introduces fabrics supplied by Ermenegildo Zegna’s very own factories in Trivero, Italy.  Garments from Zegna’s new Milan location include suits, jackets, and overcoats that can be preferred in over 900 different fabrics, as well as more than 230 distinctive fabrics for shirts.  However no matter what kind of garment is chosen, the entire process will still take nearly three months and four separate appointments to perfectly design and fit it to suit both your physique and personal style impeccably.

As for those unable to make the trip to Milan, no need to worry because Zegna’s master tailor is anticipated to journey internationally; providing clients made-to-measure appointments all across the globe.

Photos courtesy of Ermenegildo Zegna

For more information visit:  zegna.us

Ready for Hunting Season? Check out Huntsman’s new Sartorially Savvy Collection

Historic Savile Row tailor, Huntsman has always placed significant emphasis on fine hunting, ridding, and shooting wear.  Founded in 1849 by well known sportsman, Huntsman almost instantly established themselves as one of the premiere makers of sartorially savvy sporting & shooting wear.

Whether you are looking to go horse back ridding or hunting this season, it is imperative to approach sportswear with the same keen eye as when bespoke suit shopping.  For the beginning of this year’s season, Huntsman advices their customers to look towards a light Gabardine.  In the colder month’s options abound such as, fishtail brace backs for your trousers, and elegant tweed jackets.

Special attention should be payed to half-belts, bellow pockets, and vests to ensure a clean and elegant look.  One unique aspect of design, which Huntsman is offering clients this season, is custom designed linings based on either a photograph or artwork.  One such example is the spectacular client ordered jacket lining below, which has been completed with a ‘Grouse in Flight’ motif.  The above details all make way for a functional, elegant, and supremely refined set of comfortable sportswear included with shooting-focused expert design features.

Another standout offering from Huntsman is their time honored tradition of designing and weaving custom tweeds that are masterfully woven by one of Scotland’s oldest mills located on the island of Islay.  Additionally, Huntsman also offers clients the opportunity to commission their own custom patterns.

Now that you are thinking of your own custom hunting wear, be sure to remember to consider knitted ties, sharp shirts, and elegant knitwear that can be worn underneath your vest for added warmth in the colder months.  Are you a keen shooting enthusiast with soar shoulders?  Huntsman offers a vest lined with Technogel to absorb the kickback of your gun.  And last but not least, you mustn’t forget the quintessential Huntsman cap.

Mr. Porter x Kingsman Pop-Up Shop in London

Internationally acclaimed online Menswear boutique, MR PORTER has once again teamed up with Film Producer Matthew Vaughn to announce the launch of their most recent Kingsman collaboration.  Set within a new brick and mortar “pop-up shop” located next door to wine merchant Berry Brothers & Rudd on Saint James Street in London; Kingsman and MR PORTER are launching what they call a “costume to collection” collaboration of menswear inspired by the highly anticipated upcoming film, Kingsman: The Golden Circle, set for release in cinemas starting September 22nd.

This new Kingsman menswear collection is the second “costume to collection” release by MR PORTER, Vaughn, and Ms. Arianne Phillips who captained the original collection which followed the launch of Kingsman’s initial first release titled “Kingsman; The Secret Service“.  The highly successful original film starred Colin Firth, Taron Egerton and Mark Strong in a plot following the pursuits of agents working for an independent worldwide intelligence agency, who’s goal is to keep the world safe.

The collection, which will be featured in both the pop-up shop and online will offer pieces from some of our favorites that have been showcased in the last film such as Suits & Jackets under the Kingsman label, shirts by Turnbull & Asser, eyewear by Cutler And Gross, a brilliant collection of shoes by none other than famed George Cleverley, Ties as well as Handkerchiefs by Drake’s, outerwear by Mackintosh, umbrellas by Swaine Adeney Brigg (though they are probably not bullet proof), opulent pens by Conway Stewart, and last but not least cufflinks by Deakin & Francis.  In addition, MR PORTER has announced some new brands and products that have entered the playing, including the Connected Modular 45 Kingsman Special Edition watch by Tag Heuer, The Perfumer’s Story by Azzi Glasser fragrance, and even sneakers from Adidas.

“Kingsman has become one of MR PORTER’s top performing luxury brands, seven fashion seasons into its development and launch, and it sits naturally alongside the calibre of our 400-plus designer and lifestyle brands.  We couldn’t have imagined its blockbuster success, and we’re thrilled to be working with Matthew Vaughn and Arianne Phillips again on an even more diverse, and wearable collection for Kingsman: The Golden Circle, available exclusively on MR PORTER.”  said Mr. Toby Bateman, Managing Director, MR PORTER

So if you desire the style of a sartorially savvy secret agent, we can’t think of any better place to shop.  Highly unique in this case, is that every piece of clothing and accessories offered for sale are replicated straight from the films character’s costumes;  and as the new films plot is set for the Kingsman organization agents to collaborate with their American cousins (the Statesman), the collection will also be offering unique pieces from American brands across the pond, such as Stetson and Golden Bear.

For more information on the MR PORTER x Kingsman “costume to collection” release please visit: MrPorter.com

An Elegant Scent: Floris London 71/72 For Turnbull & Asser

In 2015 fine clothier Turnbull & Asser began their initial collaboration with historic perfume maker and Jermyn Street neighbor, Floris, to create a scent that perfectly represented their brands elegant quintessential style.  Floris is the oldest independent family owned perfumer in the world.  Founded by Juan Famenias Floris in 1730 at 89 Jermyn Street (where they still stand today), Floris has catered scents to individuals such as Marilyn Monroe, HM King George IV and HM Queen Elizabeth II over their nearly 300 year history. With that said, it is no surprise why Turnbull & Asser commissioned Floris’s industry leading expertise in the creation of the 71/72 scent.  Owing the new scent’s name to the Turnbull & Asser boutique located at 71/72 Jermyn Street – London.

As soon as the new bespoke fragrance was offered for sale it nearly instantly captivated Turnbull & Asser’s devoted clientele.  In turn the demand soon exceeded their inventory.  Alast, on August 30^th  Turnbull & Asser will be offering a limited edition scent named 71/72 Eau De Parfum.  The scent is characterized by notes of mandarin, juniper, ground spice, warm oud, sandalwood, boisamber and frankincense; allowing for an elegant bespoke year round scent.  The 71/72 Eau De Parfum will retail online and in-store for $190 USD.

Huntsman Savile Row Kicks Off a U.S. Road Trip in an Airstream

To commemorate Huntsman’s recent opening of there New York City location and first boutique outside of London.  The Huntsman team are bringing Savile Row across the U.S. in a 1980’s Airstream camper, that has been retrofitted to match their Savile Row boutique.  The tour has kicked off at Spanish Bay Resort in famed Pebble Beach during Monterey’s annual Car Week, and has plans to visit several major cities across the United States; including Napa, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Dallas, Chicago, and Boston.

“I have long had a hankering for the timeless American trailers. I was fascinated by their design. So, after purchasing historic Savile row tailor, Huntsman, I was quick to find the perfect excuse to combine Huntsman’s bespoke tweeds with the silver-aluminium caravans.”             

– Pierre Lagrange, Huntsman Owner & Chairman

The Airstream’s design brings American Retro and quintessential British class together in perfect harmony, to showcase Huntsman’s brilliant collection of bespoke fabrics, with a particular focus on tweed.  The camper is finished in a shinning chrome exterior, featuring a vinyl strip in tweed pattern reminiscent of the camper’s interior, a red awning which toutes Huntsman followed by their founding year of 1849 in white letters, as well as Huntsman written directly above the vehicles front grill.  When entering the Airstream’s interior you are transported into a newfound world of the elegant London tailor’s home with tweed lined walls, warm wood finishings, hunting trophies, and copper accents.

The Airstream’s bedroom has been made into a luxurious appointment only, fully equipped mobile fitting room, even including a triptych mirror.  In this room, a Huntsman cutter will fit clients by taking measurements and working with them to achieve their perfect bespoke suit, to fit the client’s particular taste.  Paying respect to Huntsman’s English heritage and Monterey Car Week, the Airstream even includes a Leather driving jacket made for Bentley.

After leaving Pebble Beach, California the Huntsman Airstream will be traveling across the United States for one year.  Next stop?  Believe it or not, “The Burning Man festival” in  Black Rock Desert, Nevada.  Though if you are unable to visit the Airstream during its tour; Huntsman invites you to stop by their all new 2,000 sqft pied-a-terre boutique on 57th Street in New York City, where dedicated Cutter, Ralph Fitzgerald, can introduce you to Huntsman’s expert Savile Row Bespoke Cutting services.

Meet The Shirtmakers of Thomas Pink

Thomas Pink’s new video titled “Meet the Shirtmakers” gives an insight into the individuals behind Thomas Pink’s U.K. manufacturer, the Londonberry based “Smyth and Gibson,” which produces Thomas Pink’s 1984, Imperial and Bespoke Made To Order shirts.  The short film offers viewers a unique introduction to these talented and passionate craftspeople behind Thomas Pink’s premiere quality shirts.

The film gives us an intimate look into the exemplary skills and attention to details that these shirtmakers posses when manufacturing Thomas Pink’s premiere line of shirts made by this highly specialized group of individuals who have worked in the industry for many decades if not generations for some.   The 50 craftspeople at Smyth & Gibson possess over 1,000 years of combined experience in high quality shirtmaking.

Going into further detail, Richard Gibson, co-founder of Smyth and Gibson explains“lots of shirtmakers will tell you that they sew with ‘18 stitches to the inch’, but then they look like a ploughed field,” he laughs. “It’s not about the number of stitches, which is just a setting on a machine, but how flat they are.”  Mr. Gibson further explains that a true test of a shirtmaker’s skills are his ability to produce shirts that are flat stitched, hand trimmed high density buttonholes, the matching of a patterned shirt across the body, and the way that the sleeve is perfectly set into the body of the shirt holding no tension of its fabric.  “They’re what elevates one shirt above another” notes Gibson.

For more information on Thomas Pink check out the short film below, or visit:  www.ThomasPink.com