London calling

“The British are coming!” Paul Revere shouted to warn Bostonians of the impending British invasion many centuries ago. The anglophile in me has often borrowed this line when I expect anything British to come my way — people or otherwise. Manila is currently undergoing a British invasion — the fashion sort. ”Ben Sherman is coming!” a friend of mine excitedly quipped a couple of months ago when he found out the brand was finally opening up a store in Manila. Aside from Paul Smith, the same group behind Ben Sherman, the label’s presence in Manila strengthens Manileños love for British fashion. 

Clothing

This season’s design theme for the men’s collection heralds the rich essence of British aristocratic sports such as polo, rowing and croquet. The design inspiration fuses sporting legacy with the heritage of ‘60s Mod and street style. The collection features styles synonymous with the Ben Sherman brand including button-down checks and vintage shirts, polos, Haringtons and Cardigans. I especially like the checked tops with matching ties and the bull target tees.

Accessories

“The Sporting Life” continues to reflect in Ben Sherman’s line of accessories. Classic designs are mixed with the styles and attitude surrounding society pursuits. Personal picks include the tortoiseshell sunglasses, the big buckle belts and the two-toned dress shoes.

The Store

Being super-dazed when I checked out the Ben Sherman store, I was embarrassed when I couldn’t figure out how to open the retro-modern door until the friendly staff opened it up for me. The boutique takes you to Brit rock star/mansion living accented with great antique finds, vintage book wallpaper and iconic imagery.

Ben Sherman Through The Decades

Ben Sherman starts producing his iconic shirts. Mods, skinheads and rockers have taken over the nation and the Ben Sherman button-down instantly becomes their signature essential in the ‘60s.

London’s calling and the punks grab Ben Sherman as it touches down in the capital when the ‘70s came around. Guitars and Ben Sherman have become an inseparable partnership.

Ska and 2Tone rule. The Ska movement propels Ben Sherman into a nationwide icon in the ‘80s with a frequent presence in Britain’s most-talked-about live venues.

By the ‘90s, Ben Sherman’s back on the scene, and Britpop is king. Its tailor: Ben Sherman.

When the ‘00s were around the corner, Ben Sherman developed into a complete lifestyle brand and continues to be adopted by all the great bands that form today’s Brit-influenced global music invasion. For this new generation Ben Sherman still represents the epitome of style and attitude.

So hop on to Ben Sherman. The anglophile in you will surely love it.

Cheers!

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Ben Sherman is located at the third floor of Shangri-La Plaza Mall.

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E-mail me at djmontano@pacific.net.ph.