We would like to express our gratitude to all our customers, friends and family – your continued support means so much to us. By way of thanks, we wanted to take time to pause and reflect on one of our favourite books, Nan Shepherd’s THE LIVING MOUNTAIN, a work which captures Scotland’s landscape and spirit like no other. Inspired by Shepherd’s sublime prose, we asked the talented Scottish photographer Richard Gaston to share his vision of the country we call home.
“But now and then comes an hour when the silence is all but absolute, and listening to it one slips out of time. Such a silence is not a mere negation of sound. It is like a new element, and the world is suspended there, and I in it...”
Water
Frost & Snow
Air & Light
Senses
Plants
Mountain
Objects at Dick's
This season at Dick's we have hand selected various objects that we admire, not only for their practicality, but also for their visual appeal. Our selection, including handmade candles, brooches, and various items made of horn are all perfect for their intended functions, while also acting a beautiful objects of observation. Pens from Parafernalia are streamlined and chic, perfectly functional and good-looking.
Written by Clara Hranek
De Bonne Facture at Dick's
De Bonne Facture is a French expression describing a way of doing things well, something Déborah Neuberg encapsulates through her timeless, utility inspired pieces. With its ethical production and superior craftsmanship, Neuberg's collection acknowledges the skill of the individuals involved in the manufacturing process – from knitwear to leatherwork. Classic menswear with a quiet French elegance. Here at Dick's we have a beautiful collection of pieces from the brand, from wardrobe staples to stand out pieces that last.
Written by Clara Hranek
Men's Winter Travel Selection
Travelling throughout the holidays is no easy feat, but this winter at Dick's we have worked to curate a selection of our favourite pieces and our Winter Travel Wardrobe , ideal for travel and movement throughout this holiday season. Wether by train, plane, or automobile, these pieces boast ultimate functionality to keep you comfortable, warm, and unrestricted amongst the stress of a busy airport and trips to distant relatives. Ideal not only for travel, this selection of pieces highlights easy layering, and the softest of accessories, perfect for stuffing into a stocking, or bundling up on a holiday winter walk.
Written by Clara Hranek
Introducing Albeni
Established in 1905 in Gallarate, Italy by Pietro Albeni Tessitura, Albeni first manufactured wool fabrics for flags, linen and linings. The company was subsequently run by Pietro’s daughter, Edwige, in partnership with Giannino Orani, an expert in new textile technology, who decided to extend the range into fabrics for tailoring.
In 2020 Albeni launched the Merino wool project, building on the expertise developed at the beginning of the last century and updated with modern techniques and technologies. This resulted in a clothing line made of pure Merino wool.
The use of Merino wool, a fibre with numerous qualities— produces a garment which is antibacterial, isothermic, breathable, and elastic. The perfect combination came from merging an iconic garment like the t-shirt with the most high-performance material nature provides. The Merino wool fabric is made from an ultra-fine fibre, soft on the skin, lustrous, precious, and easy to care for in terms of washing and ironing.
At Dick's we are carrying a small collection of Albeni wardrobe staples, ideal for comfortable layering without sacrifice.
Written by Clara Hranek
Introducing Norlha
Committed to sustainable development, Norlha works with local artisans to create the world’s finest yak khullu scarves, clothing and homewares. Their story is one of shared vision, meaningful collaboration, and a belief in taking things slowly…
Founded by mother and daughter team Kim and Dechen Yeshi in 2007, Norlha is the first yak khullu atelier of its kind, located a small valley in the beautifully remote Tibetan Plateau. Embracing ethical practices above all else, Norlha carefully collects Tibet’s precious yak wool and employs traditional techniques to craft their luxuriously soft and warm scarves, clothing, and homewares that have put the rural village of Ritoma on the global fashion map.
Tibetan-American anthropologist Kim and her daughter Dechen place immense importance on the animal without which their creations would not exist: the yak. These majestic yet gentle creatures, affectionately known as ‘Nornag’, or ‘black jewel’ have a quiet strength and timeless beauty that embodies the ethical philosophies behind the brand. Indeed, the word Norlha itself translates to “wealth of the gods” in the Tibetan language, a phrase which further demonstrates the animal’s revered status as a precious natural resource. Throughout history, locals of the Tibetan Plateau have lived amongst the yak in a nomadic existence and, respecting these traditions, Norhla uses the yak khullu for their entire collection, selecting the wool from across the Plateau before it is hand-spun in the grasslands of the Gannan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture.
Patience is key to the harvesting of yak khullu – or underdown – which is prized across Central Asia and beyond for its durability, softness, and ability to stand the test of time. Unlike other animals, the yaks are never clipped or combed for their wool, rather their soft khullu can only be gathered when they molt in late spring. From their atelier in Ritoma Village, a nomadic settlement, Norlha works with local artisans who collect the dense khullu by hand, ensuring that the production is entirely sustainable. The soft wool yarns are then dyed, using a palette of colours obtained by natural pigments made by a team of craftspeople. This entire production philosophy follows the lifeline of the yak and respectfully avoids disrupting the natural cycles of their life or stripping them of their natural protection over the cold winter months. A labour-intensive process, certainly, but one with genuine bonds to the natural world that yields incredible results.
It’s been quite the journey for the Yeshi family, who 17 years ago imagined the possibilities for working with Tibet’s precious wool. Today the atelier is home to over 100 experienced local employees across seven different departments, each dedicated to a different stage in the production process, combining tradition and modernity through techniques, technology, and the art of the handcraft. Norhla’s finished garments and accessories have a delightfully tactile feel, with rugged weaves in earthy tones that echo the tundra and grasslands of their adopted home, as well as rich red and indigo hues. Earlier this year, the brand opened a flagship store in Ritoma, despite the nearest major city, Chengdu, being the best part of a day away – a further testament to the understated allure of the Norlha collection.
Kim and Dechen describe these slow, sustainable creations as ‘made from memories and miracles’, and as proud stockists (and regular wearers) of their impeccably soft All-Weather scarves, we’d be in inclined to agree.
Written by Clara Hranek
Men's Overshirts
Coming into the colder months at Dick's we have curated a selection of our favourite Men's Overshirts , including pieces from brands like Finamore and De Bonne Facture . Perfect for layering over a t-shirt or a light sweater, these overshirts add colour, texture, and dimension, and are a great gifting piece that will soon find its way into your everyday wardrobe. These ideal layering pieces are produced in Italy and France from some of the best fabrics the countries have to offer.
Written by Clara Hranek
From the land comes the cloth
Globally renowned for its exceptional craftsmanship and unique authenticity, Harris Tweed is a quintessentially Scottish fabric that is recognised as one of the world's premier textiles. From humble origins on the Outer Hebrides of Scotland, where it's still exclusively woven today, this expertly crafted cloth has grown to become a menswear must-have, instantly identifiable and widely admired for its coarse texture, weighty warmth, and highly protected quality standards. As the temperature begins to drop here in Edinburgh, we thought it timely to look at three of our current favourites cut from the hard wearing Hebridean icon that never goes out of style.
Drake's Harris Tweed Games Jacket in Navy
The perfect embodiment of Drake’s relaxed elegance, this tailored jacket in navy sits at the more casual end of the formal spectrum, with a slightly shorter, fuller cut. Warm and durable thanks to the sturdy 13.8oz Harris Tweed fabric, the blazer features a patch chest pocket, two flap patch side pockets, notch lapels, and a 2.5-button front closure.
Orslow Harris Tweed Jacket in Black
Trust Ichiro Nakatsu and the team at Orslow to take a wardrobe staple and transform it into something even more covetable. This relaxed, unstructured three button blazer in a timeless black Harris Tweed is part lined in tonal cotton and finished with three curved patch pockets. Thoughtfully made in Japan.
De Bonne Facture Harris Tweed Geography Teacher Jacket in Grey Windowpane
Déborah Neuberg’s De Bonne Facture brings a quiet French sophistication to proceedings with this casual jacket cut in a grey windowpane Harris Tweed. Quite frankly, if any of our geography teachers had sported something as striking as this back in the day, we’d have a lot more to say about longshore drift and soil erosion.
Crescent Down Works: A Legacy of Quality and Craftsmanship
I first visited Crescent Down Works in November 2015 on a trip to see friends whom I had worked with over a summer spent in the outerwear design team at another well-known Seattle-based brand. Having discovered Crescent Down Works at Dick’s Edinburgh I got in contact with the owner’s Andrew and Uli to see if I could coordinate a factory visit to coincide with my trip.
I was lucky to meet with Crescent Down Works Founder, Anne Michelson. Anne was hired by Eddie Bauer in the late 1960s to set up their first ever down testing laboratory. Anne was a pioneer in her field and over the years she contributed to the down-filled industry with her research and testing devices.
Anne welcomed me for a cup of tea and a tour of the factory. Back then it was on East Pike Street in the bustling creative neighbourhood of Capitol Hill. We went through the archive trying many pieces on, delving into the process of picking fabrics and design details; inspiring me to purchase my very own Crescent Down Works Down Sweater in a 60/40 Cotton.
Nine years have passed and my Down Sweater is still going strong, keeping me comfortable and cosy on long-haul flights and seeing me through many cold Scottish winters. In August of 2024 I was back once again to Seattle, this time for a friends wedding. After eating the best bagel of my life on the front stoop of Mt. Bagel, (I recommend the Everything Bagel with Spicy Scallion Cream Cheese), I decided to make one more pitstop before starting the road trip to Idaho, squeezing in a quick visit to Crescent Down Works in their new home.
Still a family run business to this day I was able to meet Annie, Anne’s daughter who oversees the business at their new location in SoDo with a team of long standing employees.
The Autumn Winter pieces in production were bagged up and ready to ship off to their select stockists across the globe. We were shown iconic pieces made for film and television and some newer parka styles in development for next season. I was pleased to recognise fabrics from prestigious UK mills, Brisbane Moss and Halley Stevensons which are used in their 50 Year Anniversary Collection.
This season the Dick’s buying team have selected The Classico Parka and The Down Sweater in a water-resistant, recycled nylon ripstop in Rust, a pleasing nostalgic orange tone.
The Italian Vest is fabricated in Black Streak-free Nylon for a sleek layering piece and in a more rugged Navy Ripstop.
As we move into the cooler months, what better time to highlight these pieces which keep us warm on our outdoor adventures. Whether that’s simply walking the dog, a hiking trip with friends, or your next cool-climate holiday. These garments are lightweight, built to last and designed with practicality, and comfort in mind. Each Crescent Down Works garment is hand made with pride in The Pacific North West, using high quality materials, and ethically harvested goose down.
The business has supported a community of designers, sewers and pattern-cutters over the years. The head sewer Lam has over 30 years of experience - a true master of her craft. When you buy a Crescent Down Works you're not just buying a great piece of outerwear, you're buying into a legacy and supporting a community of people who care about quality goods made in the USA.
Mentioned: Crescent Down Works | Brisbane Moss | Halley Stevensons | Pendleton | Mt. Bagel
Discover new men's outerwear pieces from Valstar, Cini Venizia, and Casey Casey.
Coming into the colder months we've curated a collection of some of our favourite men's outerwear and overcoats to keep you warm through the fall and winter seasons. Designed and manufactured throughout Europe, this collection of outerwear takes on sartorial, historical, and tactile references, to ensure complete protection from the elements as the season starts to turn.
Valstar Wool Overcoat in Grey Herringbone
A classic raglan sleeve overcoat is a men's outerwear staple for winter, allowing for easy and comfortable layering with its relaxed shoulder construction and slightly wider armhole. Valstar has combined this timeless design with a warm and soft herringbone patterned wool that adds a subtle boldness to any winter coat collection.
Cini Venezia Caffé Coat in Dark Grey
Cini Venezia's modern take on the classic peacoat draws inspiration from the outerwear of Venice's iconic gondoliers, utilising weighty and hard-wearing wool fabrics that are able to withstand long exposures to harsh winters. Its heavy melton wool fabric and ultra-high collar ensure warmth and protection, while the unique shape and placement of the pockets offer refreshing design.
Casey Casey Men's Mili Parka in Black
Beautiful design and exceptional detailing set this Casey Casey raincoat apart from the rest, offering complete weatherproof protection using high-quality technical fabric, taped seams, and sealed zippers. All while maintaining the innovative and one-of-a-kind spirit for which Casey Casey is known.
ATON (A to N) is Japanese for A to Z. Based in Tokyo and created by Yasuharu Kuzaki in 2016 creating elevated, minimalist designs which emphasise personal style over fashion. Yasuharu starts with the most premium fabrics - silks, cottons, and cashmere - and celebrates the characteristics of the cloth; from his treatment of fabric and dyeing processes to the execution of timeless cuts. This attention to detail in every stage of the manufacturing process shines in the finished articles.
Uli wears the Aton Hemp Suede Coat and Aton Wrinkled Cotton Cami Dress.
The Aton Wrinkled Cotton Cami Dress is cleverly cut with an inverted pleat under each arm and at the back to add volume to the A-line structure of the dress. The straps are adjustable and there are two hip pockets hidden in the side seams (a handy unexpected addition for a dress of this style).
The cotton lawn material yarn-dyed in Nishiwaki City is wrinkled in the Nishijin district of Kyoto. Usually, cotton fabrics have a casual look and a crisp and heavy feel from the twisting of the yarn, but this material is specially finished so it has a soft and delicate look that retains the original characteristics of the material.
Anna wears the Aton Cotton Silk Crew Neck Sweater in Green and the Aton Compact Wool Tapered Tucked Pants in Black.
The ATON Cotton Silk Crew Neck Sweater is hand-dyed using a special Kasuri dye process, made from an ultra-soft cotton and silk blend with a thick ribbed collar and light finishing on the cuffs. It feels light and smooth against the skin.
This special Kasuri process is a form of Ikat dyeing, but this is done in a much more sophisticated and delicate scale to achieve this gentle gradation in colour - like a spring haze. By fine-tuning the random spacing and colour distribution by hand it is distinctly different from ordinary Kasuri.
"ATON's pride lies in the ingenuity to make the most of the original characteristics of fabrics and uncompromising manufacturing backed by years of experience."
"Made by nature not by rules" - Nc'Nean Organic Whisky
When we commissioned Anna Šebelová from Timberyard to create a cocktail for our recent Perfumer H Dandelion launch event she insisted on using Nc’Nean organic single malt whisky. It wasn’t just the flavour that made it Anna’s choice but also its rigorous sustainable credentials.
Annabel Thomas was determined to create an organic single malt whisky which holds the smallest possible carbon footprint possible. She is a leader in the field and inspires other businesses to follow pursuit. All aspects of the production processes are considered and evaluated. Her choice is to value nature and stay true to our responsibility to care for it. The beauty is in staying small and not to compromise, just follow your dream.
We travelled to beautiful Morvern on the West Highland Peninsula to visit the Nc’Nean Organic Whisky distillery.
Mentioned: Anna Šebelová I Timberyard I Nc'Nean
Dick's Edinburgh & Perfumer H | Dandelion Fragrance Launch
Earlier in May we celebrated the start of spring with our first in store event to launch Dandelion Eau de Parfum; the latest fragrance from Perfumer H.
Pyrus Botanicals created a floral installation using the window boxes outside and flowing around our women’s window, using both fresh and dried wild flowers inspired by the Dandelion fragrance to convey a whimsical, playful feeling throughout the shop. Using dried florals allowed us to keep the installation in place beyond the launch evening to extend through for the month of May.
Anna Šebelová from Timberyard created a special bespoke drink inspired by the Dandelion fragrance. Using foraged seasonal ingredients, mixed with Nc’Nean Organic Whisky this was served over block ice - stained pink with wild flower petals. Read more over on our Periodical entry on Anna and her creative process.
Local customers, friends, and neighbours joined us for an evening of fragrance with Ingrid from Perfumer H; who talked us through the inspiration and fragrance notes.
Dandelion: “A spring fragrance fresh with possibility. The dandelion is a wildflower, it runs with the sun. Spring is the first sight of its yellow petals amongst the morning grass: optimistic and untamed.
Inspired by Lyn's childhood, it captures the memory of long afternoons outdoors, blowing the seeds from the top of the dandelion's green stalk and watching its cotton-white down dance on the wind. Youthful, fresh and full of possibility, Dandelion transports you to a place that is joyful and free.
Top notes of sweet Sicilian lemon, Tunisian orange flower and Italian mandarin are heightened by the clarity of green leaf, the intensity of Iranian galbanum and a refreshing note of plum. An arrangement of rousing wild herbs, French lavender, basil and Italian mint leaf rest on a vetiver base where the soft depths of sandalwood and cardamom seal the fragrance in a backdrop of romantic musk.”
Mentioned: Pyrus Botanicals | Perfumer H | Nc'Nean Organic Whisky | Anna Šebelová | Timberyard | Bard | The Method
Two of our favourite Edinburgh restaurants are The Little Chartroom and Eleanore run by Roberta Hall McCarron and her husband, Shaun. (A third, Ardfern, will open in June.) We met with Roberta at The Little Chartroom to share this seasonal recipe.
Wild Garlic Fazzoletti with Mushrooms, and Asparagus by Roberta Hall McCarron (Serves 4)
Fazzoletti is a type of pasta, derived from the Italian word for handkerchief. This is a delicious, easy dish, and visually striking with the wild garlic leaves rolled through the pasta. Topped with mushrooms, asparagus and peas it is the perfect celebration of spring.
Pasta Dough
160g pasta flour (00)
15g egg yolk
80g whole eggs
Start by making your pasta dough, as it needs a couple of hours to rest and chill - it can be made entirely by hand, or you can start it in a stand mixer with the dough hook attachment and finish it by hand.
Place the pasta flour in a mixing bowl, make a hole in the centre and pour the eggs in. Use a fork to mix the flour and egg together, transfer to your work top and kneed with your hands until a smooth dough forms (approx. 5-10 minutes).
Wrap in cling film and place in the fridge for a couple of hours.
Cut the pasta into 2 pieces, and using a rolling pin take to approx. 1cm thickness, try to keep the pasta the same width as your pasta machine. Wrap one piece of pasta in cling film and put to the side. Set your pasta machine to the widest setting and start feeding the pasta through, go through twice on each setting. Take to setting number (6 for an electric attachment, 4 for a manual machine)
Place on a lightly floured surface, to one side, repeat the same process for the other piece of pasta.
Lay the wild garlic on top of 1 sheet of pasta, covering almost all of it, place the other sheet directly on top and press lightly with the rolling pin. Feed through the machine 4 times, the pasta will lengthen and stretch the wild garlic. Trim the sides and cut into 10cm squares.
Mushroom Stock
250g button mushrooms
500ml water
10g dried shiitake
1 tsp fine salt
Mushroom Sauce
250g chestnut mushrooms
4 banana shallots
Sunflower oil
400ml double cream
1 tsp fine salt
For the mushroom stock, thinly slice the button mushrooms, place in a pot with the water and 1 tsp of salt. Cook on a medium heat for 1 hour until the liquid has reduced by half. Add the dried shiitake’s and infuse for 15 minutes. Strain, discard the mushrooms and keep the mushroom stock.
Whilst the stock is cooking, peel and thinly slice the shallots, sauté with enough oil to cover the base of a pot over a medium heat, until soft and translucent. Thinly slice the chestnut mushrooms and add to the shallots, sauté for 5 minutes over a medium heat. Add in the cream and salt, reduce the cream down slowly, you want it to caramelise – stir it regularly as it’ll catch on the bottom of the pan – allow this to happen but don’t let it burn.
Add the mushroom stock to the caramelised cream and blend until smooth, taste and adjust the seasoning.
The key to the mushroom sauce is to take your time with it – the slower and longer you cook the cream the sweeter it gets!
Assemble and Garnish
50g Maitake mushrooms (Oyster mushrooms are lovely too, if you're unable to get Maitake)
4 asparagus spears
100g fresh peas
1 handful washed wild garlic
50g butter
200g water
1 lemon
salt
Cut the Maitake mushrooms into 2cm thick slices. Remove the leaves from the asparagus spears and cut away the ‘woody’ part at the bottom of the spear. Bring a pot of water to the boil add salt and blanch the asparagus spears for 1 minute. Keep the pot of water to cook the pasta. Cut the asparagus into smaller bite sized pieces.
Warm a frying pan and cover the base with a little oil, place the Maitake slices into the pan, sprinkle with a little sea salt, colour and cook for 2 minutes on each side.
Place the pasta into the pot of water and cook for 3 minutes.
Add the butter into the pan with the Maitakes and allow to melt, add in the water, simmer, add in the peas and cook for 2 minutes, next the asparagus, and the wild garlic. The butter and water will reduce to an emulsion and coat all the vegetables.
Warm the mushroom sauce through, place a couple of spoons of sauce and veg in the base of your bowl. Cover with a couple of sheets of pasta, then pile the rest of the veg on top, and drizzle more sauce around.
Finish with some grated lemon zest over the top.
Last month, we had the distinct pleasure of hosting an in-store Made-to-Measure shirting event with Finamore, artisans of exquisite hand-made Neapolitan shirting since 1925. Guided by Antonella Ricevuti and Simone Finamore, one of the fourth-generation owners of this superlative Naples shirt-maker, clients had the unique opportunity to experience and enjoy the true expertise of one of the world's finest shirt-makers first-hand, working side-by-side to commission beautiful shirts crafted entirely and specifically for them. As we look back on a day highlighted by laughter, creativity, and passion, we feel privileged to have brought this event to our community here in Edinburgh.
After sampling one of Anna’s wonderful cocktails at Montrose, the sister restaurant of Timberyard in our home town, we commissioned her to create a special drink to serve at our launch of Perfumer H’s Dandelion fragrance, using NC’Nean Organic Whisky, from the Drimnin Estate, West Highland Peninsula.
Anna draws her inspiration from childhood memories, spending time in her mother’s garden, foraging in the forest, harvesting honey from their bees, preparing and conserving food for the long winter months. Those traditions and local knowledge of where ingredients can be found and harvested at the height of their individual season, equip Anna with an incredible sensibility to conserve and create beautiful and multi facetted flavours. She captures the essence of the ingredients and blends the most inspiring recipes.
Only recently she realised that the little shed at Timberyard, where she works and stores her ingredients, is a recreation of her grandmother’s cellar; a place were she could find the most delicious treasures, a memory, a space to connect with traditions.
We spoke to Anna about the process and inspiration behind creating the drink for the event:
“Creating a drink for the Perfumer H event came so naturally to me. I feel Lyn Harris works in a very similar way to myself. She preserves memories for herself but also to share with other people through her perfumes. Very similar to what I am trying to do with my drinks.
The dandelion drink is based on flowering currant which is in season just now. When reading the notes about the perfume, the basil leaf caught my eye. It has so much freshness to it. I wanted to use something which would bring that freshness but also grows locally.
A couple of weeks ago in the Highlands I drove past this huge bush of flowering currant and the aroma just hit me. (To the degree that I nearly crashed the car because I wanted to stop so badly to go and get it!) It's so luscious, green and it just screams spring. A perfect starting point. The rest of the ingredients are purely there to balance, compliment and highlight the combination of whisky & flowering currant. Dandelion root for a touch of bitterness, leaves of dandelion for a herbal note (they were both foraged around Edinburgh last year and dried), noble fir which smells a bit like pink grapefruit (we go to get fir at the Hermitage near Dunkeld) and one of our Timberyard staples - Sicilian lemon oleo saccharum. Bitter sweet lemon syrup which is made with leftover lemon peel. The peels are simply covered in sugar and left for a few months, and all the oils and juices from the peel get released and create the most delicious lemon syrup which is used throughout the year.
A simple produce and process like conserving the oleo saccharum represents a lot of what I do at Timberyard. Every tiny piece of produce is used and preserved in ways which make it more delicious and most importantly make it last for long periods of time, past its seasonal best. A few years ago I took part in a sustainability course with Douglas McMaster who runs Silo, a zero waste restaurant in London.
"Putting limits on yourself and your work forces you to be creative. Waste is a failure of imagination." Douglas McMaster - This inspires me to this day.”
Runaway Bicycle
Founded in 2014 by Preeti Verma a former artistic director who worked in advertising for more than 10 years before setting up her brand. The name, from her brother’s bicycle which she stole to go out galavanting, champions that same wild and carefree spirit.
The first collections were born in Preeti’s evenings, after hours in her apartment. A labour of love and a trial and error process where she learned the technical aspects of clothing design and construction. Her vision was to create clothes that combine comfort and quality with form and aesthetic allowing the wearer to be carefree and true to themselves. An approach which is undoubtably influenced by Preeti’s childhood on a farm.
Runaway Bicycle garments have great charm and longevity and help to preserve the knowledge and skill of crafts people across India utilising traditional spinning, dyeing and weaving techniques. Akin to this preservation of skill and knowledge the garments are intended to stand the test of time and be handed down to younger generations.
There is great attention to detail in the garment construction, you’ll notice in the linings of the Carl Short Jacket contrasting cloth in the collar stand and linings, extra little design details, and additional bar tacks to reinforce stress points - every stitch is considered and serves a purpose.
The Roy Embroidered Vest in Natural White is handmade from start to finish. Local artisans hand embroider the small decals.
Written by Gail Ferguson
Seven years after the publication of The Style Guide, Permanent Style’s Simon Crompton and street style photographer Jamie Ferguson have teamed up yet again to bring us their new book – The Casual Style Guide. Adopting a similar format to its more formal predecessor, The Casual Style Guide contains over 200 pages of perceptive street style imagery paired with snippets of commentary to provide sartorial insights that seamlessly merge expert analysis with personal reflections. This time however the focus is on the art of dressing casually, which is something that Simon and Jamie clearly believe (and have now proven) should come without compromise. After selling out on Permanent Style’s website in less than two weeks the book is currently being re-printed for an ever-growing waitlist. Until then, it can only be found at select stockists such as Dick’s Edinburgh. So before we become the next outlet to sell out of his book we decided to give Simon a call to discuss his latest work, covering a variety of topics including the origin of The Casual Style Guide, working together with Jamie and what makes them such a good team, and (surprisingly) why he doesn’t consider himself to be a natural entrepreneur.
With seven books now under Crompton’s belt I started our call by asking him how his Style Guides fit in with the rest of his works. He explained that while all of his books are about menswear in one way or another each one explores a different segment of the industry, with the Style Guides providing their own unique angle from which to view the vast and intricate world of menswear. Best of British, for example, covers the rich heritage and traditions of English manufacturing and tailoring while Bespoke Style provides a hands-on analysis of bespoke suiting, highlighting some of the finest suit makers in the world and the high-level craftsmanship that’s required to properly build a suit from scratch. (And that’s just two examples.) The Style Guides however focus on just that – style. They’re books that shine a spotlight on dressing rather than clothing and reveal how one’s personality and knowledge can be conveyed through the thoughtful combination of clothing.
There are a few things that make these Style Guides so hard to put down, and the first is the layout. On one page is a striking street style image courtesy of Jamie and on the other is a brief commentary on why that particular outfit makes stylistic sense, often being no more than just a single sentence. The brevity of the text allows for the images to speak largely for themselves, yet it provides just enough information to lead the reader in the right direction without telling them exactly what to do and how to do it. Like food for thought, rather than an instruction manual. During our call, Simon likened this format to social media – simply an image with a short, snappy caption. It made perfect sense and quickly explained why these books are so easy to consume.
Second, these books seem to have an uncanny ability to attract menswear aficionados of every level, offering equal value to both the novice reader and the seasoned expert. To the former they can serve as literal guides to discovering new or better ways to dress for everyday casual life, while to the latter the expertly curated content can simply be enjoyed, having and deserving the ability to capture the attention and admiration of menswear’s highest ranks, many of whom are featured in these books themselves.
However, a major way in which The Casual Style Guide differs from the original is that it contains commentary from both Simon and Jamie, whereas the original featured commentary solely from Simon. This, Crompton believes, provides the reader with a more complete and balanced insight into each outfit presented within the book. Elaborating on this, Simon explained how he and Jamie actually observe menswear quite differently, with Simon having an eagle-eye for more objective aspects of an outfit’s anatomy, such as color pairings and fabric choices, while Jamie’s expertise lies more in the intangible – things like attitude, vibes, and sprezzatura, an Italian term referring to how someone wears something rather than what they’re wearing. The duo’s contrasting tones contribute to this harmony as well – professionally technical from Simon and humorously playful from Jamie. It’s a highly successful collaborative partnership to say the least, but business aside Simon was sure to add that meeting people like Jamie is one of the best parts of his job, emphasizing the importance, value, and excitement of discussing a shared interest with someone who’s views on the matter are different from his own.
At some point toward the end of our call Simon briefly touched on the idea of legacy, citing that publications on style don’t always age particularly well and that he hopes his contributions to menswear and style will retain a level of permanency over time. Relatively speaking this is an easier goal to achieve when discussing the subject matter that Simon is best known for, such as bespoke tailoring and luxury formalwear, which are often deeply rooted in tradition. But as soon as the dress code starts to relax and the objectivity of craftsmanship becomes overshadowed by the subjectivity of style then this task can become increasingly difficult, even when you have someone as talented as Jamie behind the lens (who Simon praised for his distinct ability to capture timeless outfits, even when they’re casual.) This is perhaps part of the reason why The Casual Style Guide wasn’t created sooner. Because despite how much he’s accomplished over the years, Simon admitted that he doesn’t actually consider himself to be a natural entrepreneur, citing his tendency to be somewhat risk-averse. There’s a career’s worth of accomplishments and accolades to dispel that claim, but despite its validity circumstance seemed to make the call for him when the world was suddenly faced with Covid-19 and the need for suiting temporarily evaporated, making the ability to promote casual style less of an option and more of a necessity. As a result, he and Jamie decided to create The Casual Style Guide, which now, years after the pandemic has ended and suits are being worn again, has still been met with resounding success – a testament to both Simon and Jamie’s expertise and proof that there was never really any risk involved at all. Even still, the decision to write a book on casual style should not be viewed as a shift in Permanent Style’s focus but rather a broadening of their coverage and expertise. Because what the book really does is show that the same rules of timelessness, elegance and quality surrounding formal attire can also still apply to casual dressing.
Written by Joe Strider
Though Kaptain Sunshine has been around since 2013, founded in Tokyo by ex-magazine editor Shinsuke Kojima, we only properly laid eyes on them last summer in Paris after a close contact recommended that we visit their showroom. We didn't technically have an appointment to view their collection truth be told, leaving us no option but to sneak in unannounced, but with such highly-rated brands becoming so few and far between these days we weren't prepared to let something like an appointment (or lack thereof) stop us from seeing such a promising young brand, especially one that's been in our peripheral for some time now. After all, that's how these sorts of events go - you explore unrestrictedly in hopes of discovering something that speaks to you and your customers. Kaptain Sunshine did just that when we saw them for the first time.
What we found was exactly what we had heard about - a collection of clothing inspired by classic American field and naval wear that combines imaginative design with exceptional Japanese craftsmanship, making everyday dressing feel adventurous. Their approach is utilitarian, using robust materials like doublecloth gabardine cotton, densely-woven linen, and high-quality technical fabrics, yet they seem to blend it effortlessly with a refinement that has become synonymous with Japanese clothing brands, paying the utmost attention to detail.
One aspect that Uli Schade, Dick's Edinburgh co-owner, likes most about Kaptain Sunshine is that it was founded by a so-called "outsider." In her opinion, this accounts for a sense of authenticity and exploration that seems to run throughout their collection, particularly when it comes to their fabric choices. One of their knits that we've chosen to stock in the store, for example, is made from a lightweight cotton and washi paper blend. An unexpected yet refreshing take on lightweight summer knitwear. That, Uli adds, and the fact that their clothes are incredibly relaxed and easy to wear.
Kaptain Sunshine makes clothing that are exceptionally well-made, versatile, and in the words of the other Dick's Edinburgh co-owner, Andrew Dick, “just really cool.” Elaborating further on this sentiment, Andrew added, “There are just so few nice brands out there anymore that when you see one, you just have to have it in the shop.”
With a name like Pablo Eggs-Go-Bao, it’s only natural that our encounters with these breakfast sandwich dealers tend to appear somewhat nefarious – and far too frequent. An unexplained scurry out the front door, a brief exchange with a stranger on a bike, and a dash back across the shop floor clutching a brown paper bag, ducking hastily into the basement stairwell like a thief in the night. Rest assured however, that if you ever happen to witness this hurried sequence of events for yourself whilst shopping at Dick’s – or if you’ve witnessed it already – this is nothing more than a quick and satisfying fix from our team’s favorite take-out spot in Edinburgh, Pablo Eggs-Go-Bao.
These folks are more than just a clever name, though. What we’ve discovered and reaffirmed time and time again is that they’ve managed to construct a sandwich that is not only addictive to every pallet and dietary requirement on our team (they offer a veggie and vegan option, too) but that also happens to be the perfect fare on a busy Saturday afternoon when the shop is heaving, time is of the essence, and a quick refuel is needed to get us through the day. Or on a rainy Monday morning when jumpers need refolding. Or when Thursday snack-time is suddenly upon us, which can be declared at any given moment and can actually occur on any day of the week.
So what exactly has all of us so hooked that we’ve decided to write a periodical about it? For that, we’ll refer to Pablo’s own description of their classic sandwich - “A crispy hash brown beneath a sausage patty topped with melty cheese, soft omelette and a slightly spicy & sweet sauce. All nestled into a super soft, warm, big, beautiful, bouncy bao bun.”
Clearly, this is food that speaks for itself. But allow us to continue anyway....
Pablo Eggs-Go-Bao have essentially created the breakfast cereal of breakfast sandwiches (and we mean this in the very best way possible). It’s the anytime meal that never gets old, that hits the right spot each and every time, and that perfectly satisfies your hunger without ever making you feel too full. That and the most important fact of all that, unlike breakfast cereal, they are genuinely one of the most delicious concoctions that we have ever consumed and we simply cannot get enough of them.
Bringing this glowing testimonial to Edinburgh’s finest breakfast sandwich to a close, it’s important to note that this is not a sponsored article and we have no personal connections to Pablo Eggs-Go-Bao (as much as we’d like to). This comes straight from the stomach – sorry, the heart – and we just thought we’d shine a playful light on this personal obsession of ours here at Dick’s Edinburgh, give credit where credit is due, and share what often fuels us aside from our love for beautifully made clothing.
In Conversation With...
The name Lyn Harris is well recognised in the world of perfumery — her impressive career, use of naturals, and dedication to crafting scents that sparkle on the skin. After receiving an invitation from us at Dick's, Harris shared her journey into the perfume industry, her love of natural materials, the essence of Perfumer H, and daily rituals with us.
Would you mind telling me about your path into the perfume industry?
I had an upbringing in Yorkshire and Scotland. My grandparents had a small holding in Aberdeenshire, Inverurie, and I spent long summers with them. They were self-sufficient with two-walled gardens side-by-side, one with vegetables and one with flowers.
Is this the walled garden you reference with your Rhubarb scent?
Yes! The Rhubarb scent comes from those gardens. My grandfather was a carpenter and had his workshop next to the gardens, and my grandmother cooked and baked from the gardens from the moment she woke up.
What a dream!
It was. It was this sort of homely, idyllic surrounding with these two magical people who just never stopped doing things and creating. There's not a day that goes by when I don't think about that time. It awakened my olfactory being. It was the birth of that, you know? Waking up with the smell of baking, and the smell of my grandfather's tools and the wood he used. Charcoal is his tools and hands. That time plays quite an important role in my creative process.
My parents' friend had a fragrance shop in a small mill town in Yorkshire. I worked there over Christmas wrapping and sweeping the floors. I remember being in awe of these women who would come in and try all the perfumes. I loved how they would be transformed and transported by the fragrances.
I wasn't too good at school, I was a bit of a rebel. I decided I didn't want to finish and go to study something I wasn't passionate about. That's when I told my parents, "I'm really interested in fragrance." Working at the fragrance shop kind of saved me.
And then you went to study perfumery? You're classically trained, would you mind elaborating on that?
Yes, I took myself to Paris and there was a small school that enrolled me. I worked under this amazing perfumer who was a pioneer in her own right by setting up the school. Perfumery had always been dominated by men. Things were changing, but not quite enough. She was a bold mover in this area and I wanted to be taught by her. I spent six months having one-on-one tuition with her. She recognised I had a gift, it was an incredible experience.
Then I was lucky. I met a gentleman in London who really liked what I produced. He told me he worked with Robertet in Grasse and suggested I send them some of my work. Before I knew it, they invited me there! It's this one-hundred and fifty year old fragrance house, family owned, beautiful, and is one of the top five fragrance houses in the world. It was at the forefront of the natural movement, which was important to me.
When I was at perfumery school I was very strong-minded in my ethos that naturals were very important. My teacher got me to embrace science, but I was still very passionate about naturals. So, Robertet really were the perfect match for me as they owned fields all over the world and were at the forefront of the sustainable movement.
My master at Robertet was open-minded but I was an emotional perfumer to him and he wanted me to set that aside. I stuck by my guns and said that it was an intuitive way for me to work. And I'm glad I did, as it sort of determined my own style.
Considering the gendered history of perfume, how did you carve out a space for yourself and your vision?
It just happened very organically. I think as time goes on, and this is what's incredible about being an artist and being in this profession, it's only with time that the wisdom kicks in. Only then can people see how your skill set has developed. I think you have to be very patient in perfumery and really work at your style and getting to know your materials.
Moving on to your day to day, do you have any rituals that you carry out in your daily life?
Well, I'm always drinking tea! That's my Northern and Scottish thing. I love running, that helps me process my ideas. I also spend a lot of time with my son and my dog. I guess I always have my materials around me. My life is my work. I'm always the happiest, creatively, when I'm in my space surrounded by my materials. I work day and night at my creativity, constantly striving to achieve things in my work. I love smelling everyday, that's a ritual. My materials always give me something different, something new to learn. To learn something every single day is the best lesson of life, isn't it?
I agree. Listening to what you've shared so far, it sounds like there is a balance of the training related to perfumery, but there also an inherent gift and passion you have for it. To me, that truly demonstrates how perfumery is an art form.
You've mentioned before that you're not a fan of the commerciality of the perfume industry as a whole, how does that sentiment manifest in your business and work?
I guess I don't like to follow. I like to feel my customer and respond. People are my thing, I like feeling connected to them. The industry can be very mechanical and just about making money. I love to make things that tell a story, but I also love to be honest with what I'm creating and I think my customer responds well to that.
Commerciality can lose things and make a message confusing. There's now this idea that if a perfume doesn't last all day then it's a bad purchase. That shouldn't be the mentality and I think that's a result of what pushing commerciality has done to the industry. That [perfume] must be this strong, impactful force.
I just came back from Japan and in the restaurants there are signs that say you can't come in if you're wearing a strong perfume!
I wish those signs were everywhere!
Yes, I need to live there! I just can't bear people dominating a room with strong fragrance, it's so invasive. Fragrance hasn't always been like that. If you think of Chanel no.5, it's a strong fragrance, but it's also about how it was worn, just a dab behind the ears and on the wrists. Now it seems to be about spraying more and more and selling more and more. It's upsetting.
Perfumer H does seem to differentiate itself in the sense that you are transparent with your materials and the intention of the fragrance. There's no trend following, and there's a clear commitment to your DNA and it feels organic.
Where do you begin with creating a fragrance? Is the journey always the same or does it sometimes change course?
Oh, it changes every time! I'm creating a scent for someone right now. There's this image of a place we were together and we had a precious moment. I'm trying to translate the clouds, the sea, the land, and this hue of pink that tinged the sky. There was a storm at the end of the day and then the light broke through. I'm trying to capture that but also the person who I'm creating it for. I have this beautiful image and memory, and it's a challenge! I love that.
So, I'm selecting the materials that represent the image. Once the subjects are in place, I weave the binding elements to the fragrance. The little nuances I add to nudge at the gentle hues that give it personality.
But sometimes I just fall in love with a material and want to express it in a way that will be beautiful on the skin. My main aim is that, to create something beautiful for the skin. Ink is an example of that. Something everyday and nostalgic. The idea of ink on paper and in books, how that scent smell conjures an image or a memory. My challenge is to translate that to skin.
Your projects are very collaborative. You worked with the artist Michael Ruh to create the glass bottles that hold your perfumes, and on a special project with Sonya Park of ARTS&SCIENCE. How do these collaborations comes together?
I love working with other likeminded artists, they feed my creativity. Perfumer H is this collaborative unit that I want people to be a part of.
We've been lucky enough to have your collaboration with Choosing Keeping Stationery at Dick's over the festive period. The Paper fragrance works so well with the products, how did you decide what products to include in this project?
I think I was feeling Julia [of Choosing Keeping], her brand, and her space. She's quite extraordinary and has this eclectic mix of contrasting worlds. There's this love of another time gone by. I fused the idea of an older time with cigarette smoke and reading late at night in a dark library. Julia loves ink and paper, so trying to capture that scent alongside the richness of the environment she's created was key.
Product-wise, the idea of a scented ink you could unscrew the lid of and it infuses the space around your desk. The notebooks are incredible! You can use the pages to subtle scent aspects of your life, by placing the papers in a drawer, for example. The scented pencils were quite mad but I liked the idea. We worked with an amazing pencil manufacturer who were very receptive to our ideas. The packaging is all very ornate, very Choosing Keeping. It's been a beautiful collaboration.
You mentioned the importance of Julia's space when approaching that collaboration, continuing with that line of thought, how do you approach the architecture of your spaces? You've been opening new stores and they feel different to one another, yet there is a distinct of Perfumer H's identity present in each location.
I have the same person working on them, I'm putting it all together with her. The environment we're in is considered when selecting the materials for the space. Taipei was interesting because it's a 1950s building, the upstairs are these old flats with iron railings. The neighbourhood is a creative one, which I love. Everyone has these little gardens pushing through the railings of the flats because they're living in the centre of Taipei and need a way to express themselves.
It's a 1950s feel, a very modern front. So, we did a light oak in there and it's really pleasing. We also sourced 1950s furniture by working with a local interiors studio who have all these antiques. Bringing together old and new, that eclectic thing that I love.
Clifford Street in London is such a contrast as it's a beautiful Georgian building beside the Royal Academy. We've got an old pine dresser and table in the front there. I had some bespoke pieces made by our carpenter to sit alongside them. But yes, there is a consistent thread. We're also putting a refill lab for our candles in the stores now, reinforcing that element of reusing.
It really does sound like you make an effort to be sympathetic to the local environment and surroundings of each store while still expressing the essence of Perfumer H.
Yeah, working with what's already there. Clifford Street was an old gallery, and so, we commissioned a still life artist, Will Calver, to do this beautiful image of an orange, because I'm nuts about oranges! Well, more the orange tree because I love the fact that you can use every element and it never stops fulfilling perfumery. He did this painting of an orange with its leaf, and that sits over the fireplace in Clifford Street. I wanted to respect the previous owners, as they were a family who ran the gallery and they were sad to leave. So, that was my sort of "thank you" to them.
That's such a thoughtful way to tie everything together, spaces and people. You mentioned earlier that you were all about people and that you really listen to the response of your customer. How would you encourage someone to explore perfume and nurture their confidence with it?
I think the initial reaction that people have to a fragrance is key. So, if it's a positive reaction, they should try it on their skin because there's clearly a connection. The connection is important. You know instantly if it works on your skin.
Something that I always find is that if I try a fragrance on my skin and then throughout the day I keep raising my wrist to smell it, I'm intrigued by it in some way. Drawn to something that's there, possibly an olfactive memory. Are there any scents that instantly ignite olfactive memories for you?
Orange blossom, always. There was a period when I was visiting Morocco a lot and lying by an orange tree was the best thing I could ever imagine. The late afternoon with the sun going down. The heat of the day had passed but still present enough to let the scent of orange blossom infuse the surrounding air.
I love the smell of rain in different countries and how humidity affects that, that's what Rain Cloud is expressing. I love the smell of smoke, woods, the forest floor. I'm very connected to the seasons, they speak to me.
It sounds like nature is the main theme here. Which is fascinating because that seems to be what is directly reflected in your work, the beauty of nature.
It's been a joy speaking with you, and thank you for being so generous in sharing these thoughts with us.
This interview has been edited for clarity and length.
Copy by Beth James.
Mentioned: Michael Ruh | ARTS&SCIENCE | Choosing Keeping | Will Calver
Valstar Vittorio Casentino Camelhair Overcoat I Orslow Type 2 1950s Denim Jacket I Horisaki Curved Brim Beaver Fur Felt Hat in Taupe I Harley Lambswool Jumper in Klein
Valstar Steve Overshirt in Red Plaid I Orslow 107 Slim Ivy Jeans One Wash I Paraboot Yosemite Boot in Marron
Valstar Vittorio Casentino Camelhair Overcoat I Bergfabel Farmer Wool/Linen Pants in Black Navy I Sanders Liam Kenia Waxy Suede Chelsea Boot
Casey Casey Women's Laboratoire Watt Jacket in Black Floral Print I Casey Casey Women's Fabi Double Cotton Pant in Black I Sanders Women's Chelsea Boot in Black Begg & Co Arran Taylor Cashmere Stole in Spectrum Multi
A burning process is used to to give the hats their unique patina and markings -- ranging from an easy burn finish to a hard burn finish. Each creation is masterfully hand-stitched and handmade. No stiffening agents are used in the process, allowing the hats to be soft, comfortable, and practical for travel. Each hat comes with a unique identification number that can be registered to you.
We have outlined a care guide, taken from the experts at Horisaki Design & Handel, so that you may treat your hat with the exceptional care it deserves.
Dust/Dirt/Lint/Hair:
Use either a hat brush to gently remove from the hat's surface. If this is not sufficient, use a small lint roller/some tape to remove any stubborn pieces.
Grease:
Sprinkle cornstarch directly onto the affected area and gently rub in. Wait five to ten minutes, then brush away. The cornstarch should absorb the grease from the fabric.
Generic Stains:
Use a gum eraser/clean make up sponge and dab gently. A water wipe can also be used, once the stain has been removed let the hat dry.
Stretch Lining:
Air drying the stretch lining is recommended, however, if this is not as effective, it can be washed. Avoid getting water anywhere on the hat other than the stretch lining. Use a toothbrush with water and a gentle soap to brush the stretch lining. Rinse it carefully and blot before air drying.
Deep Clean:
For an overall refresh of your hat, sprinkle it with an absorbent powder -- ideally, use a colour close to your hat to avoid possible discolouration. Leave the hat to sit for several hours so the powder can absorb any dirt/oil. To remove the powder, shake off as much as possible then gently brush.
[Horisaki suggest the following powders: darker hats = wheatgerm, white hats = baking soda, beige/tan hats = cornmeal].
Reshaping:
Using a steamer, steam from the inside and carefully use hands to mould to the desired shape. Allow the hat to cool in order to keep the shape.
Protect:
To increase the longevity of the hat, waterproofing spray is a great choice. If your hat does become wet from rain, reshape using the above method. Ensure the hat is completely dry before waterproofing so that it is in the desired shape.
Explore Horisaki Design & Handel
Find more information and inspiration at Horisaki Design & Handel's website and their Instagram.
]]>Women
[Massimo Alba Milly Corduroy Jacket | Perfumer H x Choosing Keeping Candle]
Massimo Alba is the master of effortless style and unstructured tailoring, creating pieces from the finest fabrics for every day. The Milly Jacket is crafted from thick, soft cord and is offered in a bright rhubarb pink which will brighten up any grey winter day.
If you're spending more time indoors due to the creeping chill of the season, evoke the romance of an old, hushed library with Perfumer H x Choosing Keeping's new candle. The scent Paper boasts notes of turpentine oil and papyrus wood blended with herbs and spices against a backdrop of cedar and cade. The woody and slightly spiced fragrance is finished with a touch of rose.
[Suzusan Handwoven Cashmere Shawl, Begg X Co Joy Slouch Cashmere Jumper]
Suzusan's Handwoven Cashmere Shawl is spun with the softest cashmere resulting in a piece that is lightweight and luxurious. The pattern is created using a Japanese dyeing technique of Shibori that produces a circular motif with a soft halo. In their fifth generation, Suzusan are recognised for the care that goes into each piece, especially during the dyeing process where each item will pass through four to five pairs of hands. With their dedication to meticulous detail, Suzusan highlight a traditional technique in a contemporary world.
Begg x Co are known for their premium cashmere products that are produced on the west coast of Scotland and in the Scottish borders. The Joy Slouch Cashmere Jumper is an iconic style of theirs and, this season, it's offered undyed to demonstrate the natural qualities of cashmere.
[Perfumer H Incense, YOLO Journal]
Hand-rolled in Kyoto, Japan, Ash is birthed from a perfumer's love of burning traditional incense. With notes of cedar wood, sandalwood, frankincense, birch, and cade, Ash blesses a space with a warm and woody atmosphere. Perfumer H's fragrances are linked to landscapes, and Ash takes one on a journey to a dark and mythical forest.
The Fall/Winter 2023 edition of YOLO Journal contrasts the heights of hills with the depths of waters. With striking visuals capturing Greece, Kenya, Italy, and Sri Lanka, alongside an article dedicated to our bonnie homeland, Scotland. Yolanda Edwards founded YOLO Journal to share the joys of travel through photography, memory, and word of mouth recommendations -- a platform for places unseen.
Men
[Finamore Napoli Shirt, WM Brown Magazine]
Unparalleled in the artistry of Neapolitan shirt-making, Finamore have been crafting hand-finished shirting since 1925. The Napoli style is a classic for Finamore, and this season it is offered in a cotton/cashmere fabric by Carlo Riva. The fabrics produced by Carlo Riva are woven on old wooden shuttle looms to ensure a soft, luxurious hand. The fabric and hand-stitching present in the making of the Napoli shirt reflect the tradition and dedication of Finamore.
WM Brown was founded by Matt Hranek as a seasonal magazine to share his love of well-crafted and well-tailored style, simple food, urban and countryside explorations, and classic cocktails. The Fall 2023 edition traverses the cultural landscape with features dedicated to timeless style, the convergence of art and food, and the golden age of the automobile.
[Keramische Werkstatt Margaretenhöhe espresso cup and saucer, Massimo Alba Supercardigan]
Founded in 1924 in Essen, Germany, Keramische Werkstatt Margaretenhöhe produce hand-crafted ceramics that reflect the formal principles of the Bauhaus. Their tableware pieces are designed with this in mind resulting in timeless, beautiful, and functional everyday objects. The espresso cup and saucer are sold separately, purchase together to enjoy a morning coffee, or the saucer alone would be a perfect butter dish.
Reflecting the priorities of comfort and luxury, Massimo Alba's Supercardigan is knitted from a textured silk/mohair blend in an oversized cut. Each piece is crafted from fabrics that are chosen and treated to be as welcoming as an old friend. The colour palette used by Massimo Alba is based in nature to reflect the beauty of our natural environment. The Supercardigan is offered in a vibrant yellow to invite sunshine into the greyest of winter days.
[Ebbet's Field Flannels x Dick's Baseball Cap]
We collaborated with Ebbet's Field Flannels this season to create a classic baseball cap that will stand the test of time. Ebbet's Field Flannels have been producing historic athletic garments since 1988 and were the obvious choice when deciding to design our own baseball cap. With our logo in 100% wool, be one of the Dick's team.
]]>
Ensuring each design is warm, functional, hardwearing, and weatherproof by focusing on quality yarns, fabrics, and craftsmanship.
Contemporary tailoring is combined with sophisticated fabrics and charming details that reference the region's heritage.
]]>
The below looks are curated with cold weather and every occasion in mind.
[Valstar 3-Layer Wool Trench Coat, Salvatore Piccolo Virgin Wool Overshirt, Finamore Napoli Shirt, Ebbet's Field Flannels x Dick's Baseball Cap, Begg x Co Arran Kites Cashmere Scarf]
[Massimo Alba Catch Jacket, Finamore Napoli Cotton/Cashmere Shirt, Massimo Alba Silk/Mohair Supercardigan]
[Valstar Vittorio Casentino Camelhair Overcoat, Massimo Alba Sloop Suit, Finamore Tokyo Oxford Shirt, Begg x Co Arran Scarf, Massimo Alba Cotton Handkerchief]
[Valstar Valstarino Corduroy Jacket, SNS Herning Stark Sweater, De Bonne Facture Corduroy Cap]
[De Bonne Facture Cardigan Coat, Begg x Co Wispy Hanover Cashmere Scarf]
]]>
We were delighted to invite Kevin to take part in our AW23 campaign which we shot on a beautifully brisk day on Scotland's East Coast.
Kevin wears AW pieces from brands such as Valstar,Inis Meáin, Casey Casey,Arpenteur, and Begg & Co.
Casey Casey Crew Neck Open Rib Sweater. Beautiful open rib crew neck with drop sleeves in a dense merino wool. It has the feel of a modern fisherman’s sweater in a sumptuous colour, deep dark green. Made in Italy.
Inis Meáin's oversized Beairtini is coupled here with Valstar's Shearling Jacket. This combination makes for an exceptionally warm and practical pairing, blending fabrics and textures utilised for their insulating qualities. Together, they are ideal for layering to protect from the chill of crisp autumn days.
Inis Meáin (the middle island), is part of the Aran Islands situated off the west coast of Ireland. The dramatic coastal landscape is home to Inis Meáin Knitting Company who continue the island's knitting traditions which date back centuries. Creating styles that reflect the unique island environment, each Inis Meáin piece is part of the island's heritage.
Valstar are known for their iconic outerwear and meticulous attention to detail. Each garment is hand-stitched in their Milan workshops and only the finest and functional fabrics are used. Every piece crafted to last a lifetime, accompanying the wearer on any adventure.
The Arpenteur Utile Melton Wool Overcoat is crafted from wool and is fully lined. Featuring front slash pockets, a spread collar, button closure, and raglan sleeves. A heavy weight wool to give protection against the elements.
Worn with double shirt layering from Casey Casey. The 100% unbleached crisp cotton MMR Shirt makes for the ideal base layer, worn under the heavy weight, miners inspired Big Raccourcie Shirt Jacket for warmth and a well-considered, practical look.
The Double dyed AH pant are a relaxed fit trouser with a button-front, slanted side pockets, and single back pocket. As the name suggests these trousers have been distressed, washed and dyed multiple times to achieve a beautiful softness and a rich, deep, colour. A wardrobe staple.
On the right, the Casey Casey So Wool Cardigan is a gorgeous cosy funnel neck cardigan in soft black 100% wool. Hand knitted in oversize knit stitch with front welt pockets, with edges finished in hand crochet.
Kevin Harman is Director at Ltd Ink Corporation, and has various projects that can be explored on Instagram. He is currently represented by Ingleby Gallery in Edinburgh’s New Town.
]]>