Love is in the Air
Given the unprecedented number of enquiries we have received already for wedding attire in 2020, clearly love is in the air?! Of course, I’d like to think that grooms are finally taking heed of my advice that The Time is Now for making their sartorial arrangements, but that is probably wishful thinking…
Summerweight Tweeds and Flannels
Perhaps it is in the name, but Tweeds have been a mainstay of Brown in Town since we launched six years ago. Whilst we do nothing to discourage those whose hearts’ desire it is to sport a Three Piece Tweed Suit on their Big Day, this ever-popular nuptial habiliment is certainly not our invention.
Interestingly, at 2020’s inaugural Pitti show, I noticed that Tweed was out in force for the first time - fortuitously, as it can get pretty cold in Florence during the Winter months - with Donegal and Thornproof Tweed the most popular. Grooms take note, as these types of Tweed provide some of the the most versatile of all Tweeds as they offer a melange of colour and are not patterned per se.
Whilst Tweed is clearly enjoying a resurgence this season, here at Brown in Town we have noticed that Flannel has started to replace Tweed as the most popular choice for wedding suits. Flannel, like Tweed, offers a wide range of colours but also depth and texture, which is usually paramount for our grooms (and more often than not their betrothed).
These days, rich weaves are not just reserved for Autumnal weddings. Both cloths are now available in lighter-weights - for instance Abraham Moon offers an 11oz Shetland Tweed and Drago in Italy a 9oz flannel. Some do still opt for unseasonal cloths, including 18oz flannels - but these gorgeous summer weights mean that it will never be one of our suits which is causing the groom to break a sweat on his wedding day… that will be the anticipation!
a crisp january at pitti
Having attended Pitti for the past few years now, we have learned that staying no more than a 20min walk from its historical location at the Forteza de Basso, is essential to ones comfort and also enjoyment of the show. In Summer, the mercury rises fast, so one must either stroll on the shady-side-of-the-street, or set out before the sun in order to avoid a wardrobe change on arrival!
In the Winter, on the other hand, a brisk walk to the show certainly helps warm the cockles. All our accommodation to date has been in fabulous medieval buildings, sans central heating, or efficient air-con. Brrrrr..! And whilst we had taken every conceivable precaution to keep warm this time around, even wearing our new Fox Brothers Tweed Jacket (nach), Florence was not nearly as baltic as it was last year, thankfully; thus allowing one the enjoyment of a fine cigar en route to the show each morning, without suffering frostbite, which I maintain is the perfect way to start one’s day.
wedding season is upon us…
Fabulous tailoring takes time. Weeks, in fact. Just as we take pleasure in dressing our grooms from head to foot, we also take great care trying to find just the right shade of cloth for an occasion in order to bring colour to one’s cheeks, lift one’s spirits and ensure the wearer looks as good in their attire in 50 years, as they do on the maiden voyage.
Ergo, one must be organised, as not only can the cloth selection process take hours - sometimes requiring more than one appointment - but the selected cloth may, on occasion, be unavailable when required; after cloths are milled (woven), they undergo a rigorous QC inspection before being sent to the finishers for the finishing touches i.e. to make the cloth wearable. We must then wait patiently whilst alchemy takes place, before the cloth is finally released to merchants and tailors alike. So, do not leave it to the last minute to contact your tailor to begin the process of discussing you wedding attire…
the brown in town sample sale
Grooms and Sartorialists alike may be interested to learn that we are planning another Sample Sale. To be held again at The Forge in Bristol on March 20th, but this year we are honoured to be collaborating with historical woollen mill, Fox Brothers - who will be offering some of their Merchant Fox merchandise including accoutrements and apparel. As if this were not exciting enough, we will also be joined by our friends at Friendly Records, who will be selling some of their wonderful vinyl and own design T-Shirts, Hats and bags.
Those who have attended our memorable events before, will know that it’s not just about Menswear - Saffron Darby will again be showcasing items from her curated archive of womenswear and accessories, including Toast, vintage pieces and footwear. And speaking of archives, we look forward to sampling more of the rare grooves of Si John the Bass, who will go back-to-back with Tom Friend of Friendly Records. Doors will be open from 5.30pm and entry is free, but please RSVP to let us know you are coming.
May we suggest you get there early to avoid disappointment, or simply join us at the bar.. Make mine a Negroni!