The Classicist: Dunhill's Timeless Luxury for Men

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed)
Oct 27th 2008 at 9:02AM

In times of economic uncertainty luxury consumers looks to timeless classics they know will hold their value and last for years as opposed to flash-in-the-pan trends and glitzy impulse buys. Witness the sudden increase in Rolex sales as Iceland's financial markets tanked, or the way the traditional tailors of Savile Row are weathering the crisis, which we wrote about in this space last week. In fact, the very basis of this column as you may recall is timeless style, enduring elegance, and true, built-to-last luxury as opposed to mere extravagance.

We think that London-based men's clothier and luxury goods firm Dunhill, which dates back to the 1890s, is well situated to weather the storm in similar style thanks to their espousal of these same values. That's a very good thing as the company recently opened two new flagship stores, in New York City and London. The 7,000-sq.-ft. NYC store (above), on the corner of Madison and 55th, replaces the old shop at 711 Fifth Avenue.

It carries the full range of Dunhill's luxe merchandise, including menswear, leathergoods, accessories, writing instruments, watches, gifts and games. The lower level houses Dunhill's custom-made menswear and leathergoods offerings, as well as a display of one-of-a-kind pieces from the firm's illustrious history such as Truman Capote's Dunhill tuxedo worn at his famed Black & White Ball in 1966, and original sketches of a Dunhill bespoke suit made for Frank Sinatra.

Gallery: Dunhill Store & More

Throughout the store, "committed to advancing the pursuit of male indulgence," there are artful reminders of Dunhill's heritage and stylish references to the part the firm played in the golden age of motoring, echoed also in the design of items like a pair of steering wheel-shaped diamond cufflinks (see the gallery), driving-inspired clothing, and even certain furnishings. Everything is designed to reflect "the brand's pillars of masculinity, functionality, quality and Britishness."

The new London store meanwhile, located in an historic Georgian building called Bourdon House, formerly the residence of the Duke of Westminster, is billed as "the ultimate in masculine luxury and retail lifestyle." Spread over three floors, in addition to the full range of Dunhill offerings, Bourdon House features a selection of elegant museum pieces from the brand's archives; a men's spa with two treatment rooms and a traditional gentleman's barber; a private screening room; and of course a bar. Sounds pretty good, no? Our only question is, why didn't New York get a bar?

Tags: Dunhill, London, New York City, NewYorkCity, Rolex, Savile Row, SavileRow, Truman Capote, TrumanCapote

Filed under: Apparel, Men's Style, The Classicist

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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

Tony Jones Oct 27th 2008 12:20PM

This is a lovely blog, if you want a taste of the luxury of Savile Row, you should visit Anderson and Sheppard. The site is amazing, the photo’s are beautiful, you get a real feel of the real quality you will get from a Savile Row Tailor.

JPS Oct 27th 2008 12:24PM

Thanks. I have written about A&S in the past and fully agree:

http://www.luxist.com/2008/04/22/the-classicist-a-savile-row-makeover/

JRT Oct 28th 2008 8:42AM

Fantastic to see Dunhill the focus of a nice essay here. While the brand has few lines and products that don't excite me, they have a wealth of items that fascinate and satisfy me. I've only been a highly interested supporter since 2000, but find that the dna of Alfred Dunhill is something I'm quite compatible with. I am watching the brand with great fascination as they've hired their first creative director ever, Mr Kim Jones, and I expect he will bring nothing that is not consistent with the uniquely novel, classic and elevated Dunhill approach.

Bill Oct 28th 2008 5:31AM

Well, if I had a desire to dress like a turn of the 19th century Englishman, perhaps I'd find Dunhill's stuff interesting. However, I don't - Reflecting on the past is not a pastime I enjoy.

I'm sure their stuff is very well made though.

Jeff Collins, Professional Haberdasher Oct 28th 2008 11:37AM

Every man is different even though he might wear the same size off the rack suit. With a bespoke or custom suit his personal style is going to come out even more. Slight changes can be made which update past styles or perhaps fit in a more flattering way.

I think Sinatra's suit here would still be pertinent today. There is nothing too old school about it. If my client asked me to make him something like this I wouldn't hesitate as long as his build would allow it.

My Best,

Jeff Collins
Professional Haberdasher

http://www.MyHaberdasher.com

Bill W Oct 28th 2008 11:01PM

Great article, like to see the classics and I'm a fan of Dunhill. In addition to their fashion I enjoy Dunhill's bags, for only $1,100 the Confidential Computer Case was reviewed on 3LUXE: http://www.3luxe.com/best_ofs/Briefcases/Dunhill_Confidential_Computer_Case

It's a purchase that you'll will be able to enjoy for years to come.

R. Titus Dec 9th 2008 2:59PM

I love Dunhill, since moving to London I've had all my suits made there.

Gregory S H Dec 23rd 2008 2:50PM

Pity that you did not include something on Dunhill's fantastic bespoke department. Bruno is a fantastic tailor as his uncle was before him at Dunhill. The best reward of being a Dunhill bespoke Custumer came about 10 years ago when a well dressed man asked me at viand Coffee shop, 'Excuse me, did bruno at dunhills make that suit? ". I said yes and asked how he could tell, and he said he was a Dunhill custumer for 30 years and that he represents several labels in the US as a marketting expert. I told him my father was a dunhill custumer before I was born, back to the 1950s.