Journal
King & Allen bring you all the very best style advice, news and ‘tailored’ articles. If you have a question that you’d like to see answered on our blog, send us an email to [email protected].
The King & Allen Guide to: Designer Suits
A ‘designer suit’ by definition is one that has been created by a designer, but the phrase has become synonymous with fitted, stylish, modern suits. At King & Allen we define a suit as a ‘designer suit’ when all the contributing factors that go into it have combined successfully: the fit is right; the cut is right; the cloth is right; the style is right. The suit has elevated beyond the realms of a practical work tool or a smart outfit for events. The suit has distinguished itself (and therefore its wearer) to a higher, more stylish level.
Style Tips & Advice Celebrity Style
Focus On: The Prince of Wales Check Suit
There is a not more quintessentially British suit than a Prince of Wales check suit. To wear a POW suit is therefore to wear an icon of British heritage – a timeless style that will be enjoyed and treasured for a lifetime.
Style Tips & Advice Style History
Suiting trends for 2012
Firstly I’d like to welcome you to King & Allen’s all new blog. Expect to find style advice, competitions, and news and views from the world of bespoke tailoring, suiting and high end fashion.
Style Tips & Advice Accessories
We have opened a new store in the Square Mile.
On Monday the newest branch of King & Allen opened opposite Liverpool Street station in London’s Square Mile. We have been visiting the area on Mondays and Thursdays for 8 years so it is a great feeling to be able to plant the King & Allen flag in an area we are so fond of and in which we have enjoyed so much success.
King & Allen News
James Bond’s Hacking Jacket from Goldfinger is set for ‘re-release’
Tweed is back in the news again. The clever chaps at Harris tweed in Scotland have recreated the original pattern that James Bond’s hacking jacket is made from in Goldfinger. The new cloth will also be lighter than traditional tweed so it can be worn all year round.
Celebrity Style Style History
Focus on: Linen Suits
As Summer approaches more customers are asking about lightweight suits and linen suits in particular. Finding a linen suit off the peg is not easy: choice is minimal and quality varies considerably.
Style Tips & Advice Vegan
The Siege of Savile Row
This morning I popped down to Mayfair to report on the Chap Magazine’s ‘Siege of Savile Row’. They have been drumming up support recently for a petition to stop American teen sportswear brand Abercrombie and Fitch from opening a childrenswear store at Number 3 (next to Gieves and Hawkes), culminating in a protest outside the proposed store to coincide with St George’s day.
Style History King & Allen News
Spotlight on… summer cloths
As I mentioned in last week’s post, there are 5 ways to keep cool in your suit this summer. The most significant factor, however, will always be the cloth you choose, and that’s what I’d like to focus on today.
Style Tips & Advice
What does a bespoke tailor wear to his own wedding? Part 2
My journey began in Primrose Hill, at the beautiful house of one of London’s true modern dandies – Guy Hills. Guy runs a very unique cloth company – Dashing Tweeds. The house is a true reflection of the brand – the lounge was adorned with beautiful furniture upholstered in his cloths and downstairs was a recently built penny farthing bicycle, next to a cardboard box full of ‘Dashing Tweeds’ hand-made flat caps and customized Converse All Stars. Next to that: rolls and rolls of the most innovative and creative cloth designs I had ever seen. One particular cloth stood out to me, and I had made up my mind before I left the house.
Style Tips & Advice
The King & Allen guide to… choosing the perfect Summer suit.
Just because the temperature is rising there is no need to lower your sartorial standards. Follow my 5 tips below and you can look and feel your best whether it’s on the sweltering commute to work or a wedding on a hot summer’s day.
Style Tips & Advice Accessories
Our flagship store in Surbiton has had a beautiful new refurb.
Just like so many of our customers, we decided to start 2012 by smartening our appearance… we want to make a good impression after all!
King & Allen News
How Alterations Can Transform Your Old Suits
Do you have an old suit at the back of your wardrobe that you no longer wear? It might be one that you’ve bought off-the-peg or even an old bespoke suit.
How to Wear Your Suits as Separates
Whilst it may seem controversial at first, wearing suits as separates is a fantastic way of getting more wear out of your favourite pieces and bringing more versatility to your wardrobe.
Style Tips & Advice
How to Wear a Suit in a Heatwave
It has been a hot couple of weeks. With temperatures consistently soaring to nearly 30 degrees, men across the country have been sweating through their shirts, whilst attempting to get on with business as usual.
How to dress right for your height: the shorter, larger man.
As with so much in life: drinking, eating, staying up late… it’s all about balance. Looking fantastic in a suit when you’re small and a little overweight is no exception.
King & Allen explains: The Finishing Process: Handle & Drape
Before the finishing process, cloth is usually hard, unworkable and unpleasant to touch. ‘Finishing’ is what gives a cloth its handle and drape – its two most significant characteristics.
The King & Allen Spring / Summer Collection – 2016
In previous collections we have made every effort to push the boundaries of what’s possible in tailoring, often using the most avant garde cloths and designs – with a view to showcasing the latest styles from the the men’s fashion weeks of Paris. Milan, New York and of course London. For this season, however, we have been a little more subtle in our approach.
Why it’s no longer socially acceptable to wear a work suit at a wedding
Men’s wedding suit style has seen a dramatic shift in the last few years. It used to be that a man was applauded for making an effort to look good at a wedding. Now, with our attitudes towards suits, grooming and mens style far more modernised, a well-tailored lounge suit is expected. It’s not that a charcoal grey or midnight blue two piece would be unacceptable at a wedding, it’s just that it would be clear to most of the guests that you’re wearing a work suit – which would show a lack of care and attention. Even simple accessories such as a pocket square or waistcoat would have stood out a few years ago. Now they are the norm.