Ben Sherman, a brand with a rich heritage firmly placed in Mod culture (my father having been a Mod wore their shirts proudly in his youth as a young twenty something Mod) has sadly never really found a connection with my personal style in any influential way, its not a brand i have followed or would look to delve into...until they arrived on Savile Row last month in a surprise move for a high street brand.
The store, located on the latter end of the 'Row' across from Kilgour and a stones throw from Abercrombie & Fitch (another, more unexpected high street name to enter the area a few years ago to a mass of controversy), is an impressive move for the brand with equally impressive interior credentials.
Taking a visit to the store i saw how the windows are simple yet inspired to stay within the confinements of true Savile Row 'trading standards' welcoming you inside to what feels like a private gentleman's club. The walls have concealed rails behind them holding stock of the new premium collection ready-to-wear tailoring, whilst the interior space houses the specially designed accessories and vast assortment of ties and shirting. Alongside these pieces sits the crucially important made-to-measure service offered with two blocks, forming the basis of the Ben Sherman Savile Row aesthetic. These are the Kings and Camden fits, epitomising the modern day mod; slim line, clean cut and ultra sharp with subtly precise detailing ranging from the specially designed linings to the Corozo nut buttons!
The range is a testament to a well thought about move into the area where Britans suiting heritage was formed and continues to be upheld today. Further more, the prices have certainly been a celver thinking point for the brand with accessibility being achieved on many levels; with the ready-to-wear suiting being offered at £350 - £550, and the made-to-measure service priced at £850 upwards - ready in only 4-6 weeks of taking your inner leg measurements!
http://www.bensherman.com/
http://www.benshermanpresents.com/savile-row/
