My week at LCM: Dolce & Gabbana presentation

The past 4 weeks have been pretty hectic to say the least so please excuse the lack of chat from my end. So as I'd previously mentioned, I attended the Dolce & Gabbana presentation to open their newly renovated Bond Street home and to kick off London Collections:Men for SS14. Wow!.. That's pretty much all I could say after witnessing a master class from my heroes in putting on the intimate showcase. If it wasn't intimidating enough being amongst the fashion media and retail elite it didn't help being six foot away from one of my style icons Mr David Gandy. And yes ladies and gentleman he is as ridiculously good looking in the flesh as you've seen on the side of buses in his white trunks. After a couple of glasses of bubbly (this was going to be a common theme over the next three days) we made our way up the grand winding staircase to be seated around the top floor for the SS14 presentation. As a massive DG fan I have to say I wasn't disappointed. The models made their way one by one up the staircase and around the floor lead by Oliver Cheshire all suited to the nines and sporting thick square framed specs. The models were walking through to the sound of live opera singers and orchestra to create the desired Italian ambiance. This was the Dolce that I had grown up on; Sharp tailoring, real masculinity and touches of Italian finesse. There was also some obligatory cheekiness from the guys as they showed two print tees of Prince William and Kate Middleton in a kind of Cool Britannia arty creation. After the show I ventured to the lower ground floor to see the amazing instalment of the tailoring floor. The word luxury doesn't do it justice. Original furniture from the 19th century, exquisite detailing and a general aesthetic that would not look out of place across the road at Savile Row. A special mention to former rugby player turned model Thom Evans as he slotted into the Dolce model 'rat pack' like he'd been amongst it for years. Always like a model to be in the "mans man" mould a la David Gandy or Adam Senn. Oh and a final mention on my formal stance for the evening. Went for a separate put together. Nothing too formal but just right to stand amongst the distinguished stylish crowd and make my own statement. Obviously Mr Dolce and Mr Gabbana must of had a similar stylish ponder as they dressed their staff in Separates also.

Saturday evening with Domenico and Stefano

Finally some good news! (been a rough few months recently) I've just found out I'm filling in for my editor in chief at The Dylan Jones hosted Dolce & Gabbana event at their newly renovated Bond St store. Excited? Umm just a tad. These two Italian Gods are my fashion heroes and are a big part of why I chose a career in fashion. I've always been a fan and when people ask me who my favourite designers are,its still Domenico and Stefano. Why? The main reason is and has always been Dolce & Gabbana to me is the epitome of a man wearing clothes with utter confidence. Something that I didn't have a lot of growing up so they have definitely been a big influence to me as well as countless other guys around the world. Bit deep I know but true! Anyway what to wear??! Gotta be standard Dolce & Gabbana uniform right??!

An afternoon "dressing easy"

Had a bit of spare time on my hands yesterday afternoon so thought it was about time to pay a visit to Adrien Sauvage's premises on Maddox Street. If you didn't know A Sauvage is the British menswear brand of the moment. Just ask Robbie Williams, Jude Law, Gerrard Butler Orlando Bloom who won't wear anything else at the moment.

So I popped in with my good pal and editor at Pickmix magazine Reece to get a first hand look at what Mr Sauvage had constructed. Only three rails were apparent in the store but what was on those rails were pure genius. Soft as butter suede bombers, pescada leather biker jackets and trademark prints for starters. Oh then the tailoring. Well where do I start? Adrien combines traditional British heritage into his tailoring and then infuses his contemporary and individual take. Big peak or notch lapels in single and double breasted option made from beautiful mohair wools. Sauvage's motto is "dress easy" and with tailoring like this it doesn't get any easier!

Heard yesterday from the A Sauvage team that its Paris and Milan next. Watch this space and "dress easy".

Emmett's made to measure shirt service

For Christmas I treated the old man to an appointment to get a made to measure shirt put together by Brit shirt making masters Emmett. Finally my Dad and I had some time off that didn't conflict with each others schedules, so I went with him to meet the expect of the made to measure service Christopher Field.

Like the tailoring service, Christopher started off with the measurements he needed to form the core foundation of the shirt. My father has had his mind set on a Piccadilly shirt in white so we next looked at fabric options. With obvious sustainability in mind he picked an Oxford fabric in white which was surprisingly lightweight. Then after cuffs, collar and button specifics it was on to the subject of monogrammed initials for which my Dad was a little reluctant. For me it had to be done! Can come across brash and always makes me think of the power suits of Wall street but after a persuasive push he went with the idea. So in 5/6 weeks when the shirt arrives back from Italy, my pops will have his very own crafted Piccadilly collar shirt.

Can't recommend this service enough and Christopher's manor and expertise were on another level in making my Dad's made to measure experience a pleasant one.

www.emmettlondon.com