Frequently, when it comes to men’s fashion from clothes to accessories, it’s a question of form versus function. Creating a brand that seamlessly melds together the two ideals is a challenge. For Alfred Dunhill, he sought to achieve both with his luxury goods.
Known for the archive piece of the full-length leather coat to shield wearers from rain and mud in 1902, the Dunhill brand evolved from motoring items (clocks, speedometers and horns) to a complete range of leather goods and accessories solely for men.
“Alfred Dunhill loved to invent things,” says Tim King, managing director of Richemont Luxury Asia Pacific Limited. “He loved to work closely with artistic people along with ideas and designs to produce luxury products with an English heritage.”
With this in mind, no one is definitely more English than actor Jude Law, which is why the brand got him to be the face of Dunhill. Well, aside from being a great Dunhill user himself, surprisingly men aren’t threatened by his “Jack the lad” look.
For autumn, Jude shows that he is the epitome of a true Brit as he oozes with sex appeal for the ready-to-wear collection. King explains, “Menswear is very important to us. We produce anything that a man could possibly want to wear.”
Expect elegant yet casual pieces from Dunhill, perfect for adventurous males who don’t want to be flashy but rather understated. Suits have a leaner silhouette. Crease-free jackets are shorter and single-breasted. Classic overcoats have unique fabrics like flannel and cashmere. Leather jackets have a vintage look. Jeans are made of Japanese selvedge denim. Formal pants have the new D-shaped buckle. Business, leisure and polo shirts all have modern classic styles.
To complement the clothes, Dunhill has a lot of high-quality bags for men, which women will adore, too. Jetsetters will love the Ensign Canvas collection made with water-resistant washed cotton canvas in Members Green, Midnight Blue and Vicuna colors. Choose the holdall bag for weekend getaways, durable briefcases for business meetings abroad, the messenger bag to stack important papers or the North South bag as the ideal day bag.
For more sophisticated bag, Dunhill’s D-Eight CT combines practicality and the modern form with stylish leather luggage. This collection of messenger, North and South bags, briefcases and pochette makes use of a black embossed D-Eight nylon with black leather trims and a contrasting beige nylon interior with the brand’s signature stripe strap.
Dunhill’s Englishness, masculinity and luxury does not end with bags but extends to Alfred Dunhill Sentryman writing tools and accessories. Inspired by traditional English pillar boxes, this line features fountain pens, ballpoints, rollerballs and pencils made of black resin with gold or white metal details, carbon fiber and Deco-style engraved white metal. There is also the limited-edition After Dark collection with black Swarovski crystal fabric and cap highlighted with white diamonds. To complete the Sentryman look, pair it with cufflinks, billfold wallet and the seven-hook key case.
The truth is, men don’t really like going shopping, especially if they have to go from one place to another. At least now, Dunhill reopened their first retail concept store in Rustan’s Makati where men can find a wide range of high-quality and long-lasting products to complement their active and sophisticated lifestyle.
King concludes, “With Dunhill, you will remember the quality. Even if you haven’t used the products in five years, they will still look good. We really are not a fashion brand. Our products not only look good but they are long-lasting, which will make you feel proud to use them.”
Alfred Dunhill once said that “Quality is remembered long after the price is forgotten.” Perfectly said because this is what Dunhill is truly about — a classic that will surely pass the test of time.
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Dunhill is exclusively distributed by Stores Specialists, Inc. and is located at Rustan’s Makati. E-mail love-hate whatever things to becca_rodriguez@yahoo.com.