Now that spring is in the air, there is a bounce to one’s step and suddenly everything seems easier and more joyful. People smile at you in the street and it’s time to shrug off your winter wraps. Jollity awaits, parties, weddings and all manor of summer occasions for which elegant, entertaining clothes are required.

We specialise in tailoring, a craft that has accrued style for generations. There are so many aspects to tailored clothing which have evolved through the refining forces of form and function. Even simple aspects such as turn-ups on trousers came about through the need to keep mud away. As well as physical aspects such as high arm holes allowing more movement, social aspects have added styles; for example, shoulder epaulettes indicate rank as well as being a good place to stow your beret.

Understanding the whole gamut of tailoring details allows you to make styles relevant to your needs today and through our made to measure tailoring we can include most features. For swanning around garden parties or gallery openings, I love the double breasted suit we have tailored in our new Orlando cloth. We have contrasted the formality of the cut by adding relaxed patched pockets to the jacket and included turn-ups to the fairly wide cut trousers. The cloth is a fine lambswool and cashmere blend and the turn-ups help add a little weight to the leg which enhances the flow whilst walking. To add an Edwardian touch we have turned back the cuffs of the jacket, a detail which gives a laidback feel.

For holiday, a short suit is the answer, especially in our lovely pink wool herringbone design called Vita. We have made a super relaxed look by pairing the shorts with a military inspired over-shirt featuring bellows pockets and epaulettes. Just wear it with a white t-shirt and you are ready to go anywhere. There is ample room in the pockets for phone, passport and tickets and I find it particularly amusing when topped off with a matching cap.

I love a three piece suit. It represents the epitome of tailoring. The English have always loved matching cloth over an entire outfit, in fact the word suit comes from the French word suite meaning to follow or match.

Our new season check named Quentin looks wonderful as a suit with a double breasted waistcoat. The double row of buttons give a certain gravitas to the creative cloth design. The slim cut jacket features peak lapels and slanted jetted pockets and when worn with the tapered trousers the overall look certainly cuts a dash. Just what you need to wear for celebratory occasions, dinners or even country weddings.

For adventuring, a safari suit is needed. Originally worn by European explorers in Africa, the practical jackets with multiple pockets are often belted and made for action. The word safari is actually Swahili for expedition and all manor of maps and supplies can be fitted into the pockets.

Our safari jacket is in a green wool herringbone we name Keynes. Herringbone weaves are one of the strongest structures and wool is a great fibre for temperature regulation. The whole suit with matching trousers is great for general travel by plane, train or automobile, being both comfortable and elegant. As a rule, I always think you should dress up rather than down when hitting the road as you never know where you’ll end up.

Creativity is at the core of Dashing and our Whitbread Ritzy design is a unique offering. I love the sparkle of bright blue lurex woven with the wool weft, it gives a surprising shimmer. The sky blue with burnt sienna shades suggests a sunset cocktail so I took inspiration from 60’s evening suit cuts and had a jacket with a narrow shawl collar tailored. All I need now is a matching Aperol spritz and spring can kick off.

We love guiding you through all the possible combinations of tailoring with our made to measure system. It’s surprisingly flexible, allowing you to bespeak a whole wardrobe of clothes for every occasion, or if you are a more minimal person just the single perfect suit for anywhere. Come by the shop and I can show you all the details to choose from as well as a great spectrum of linings in all colours and buttons crafted from South American nuts, buffalo horns or sea shells.