The Classicist: Duncan Quinn's Cool Classics

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed)
Jan 26th 2009 at 9:01AM

Duncan Quinn , who makes some of the world's coolest suits, isn't exactly a tailor, though "designer" doesn't really capture it either. So how would he put it? "I simply have a strong view and an aesthetic to go with that view," he tells The Classicist, "which encompasses the cars, wine, sailboats, cocktails and croquet." Sounds good to us. The dashing London-born former lawyer makes Savile Row-style clothes "constructed to celebrate days of glory and nights of excess." He opened his first shop in New York in 2003, followed by another in Hollywood and recently a new outpost in Dallas. Along the way he's attracted quite a following of well-dressed fellows, "gentleman rogues" who ascribe to the Quinn aesthetic.

Quinn's suits for spring / summer 2009 are slim, fitted and "slightly rakish", many with a particularly fine blue herringbone pattern. Above (and in the gallery), in a shot modeled on a classic photo of Michael Caine, is a stunning midnight blue three piece herringbone super 130's wool and cashmere number. It's worn here with a white cotton french cuff shirt, a red silk tie bearing Quinn's signature fleur-de-lys motif, black and silver 12-star cufflinks, and a vintage Breitling Chronomat watch, a nod to the stylish traditions Quinn holds dear.

Gallery: Duncan Quinn Designs

Quinn offers both bespoke clothing and ready-to-wear. The suit pictured above is bespoke, with an approximate cost of $5,500, but is similar to a ready-to-wear model available at $3,500. The tie ($165) and shirt ($295) are available both from Quinn's stores and his website. Many of his customers opt for the bespoke service, which he describes as "an investment in the future, influenced by the past." Bespoke suits start at about $4,000 and go up to $15,000 for special orders involving the unique weaving of a "one-off" cloth that will only ever be used for your garment.

Spring / summer 2009 will also see Duncan Quinn become the exclusive US outlet for G.J. Cleverley of Bond Street, London's handmade English shoes. Cleverley shoes, as worn by Winston Churchill, are favored by the likes of Daniel Day-Lewis and photographer Mario Testino, among others. As always Quinn's shops will stock a fine selection of their 100% cotton shirts, which are made in a small artisanal production in Italy, 100% silk ties woven in England, and sterling silver and enamel cufflinks made in London, as well as handmade umbrellas, socks and "needless to say anything and everything bespoke." Somebody please give Obama directions before the next big occasion.

Tags: Bespoke, Daniel Day-Lewis, DanielDay-lewis, Duncan Quinn, DuncanQuinn, G.J. Cleverley, G.j.Cleverley, Michael Caine, MichaelCaine, Savile Row, SavileRow

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

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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

gabe Mar 5th 2009 1:03AM

duncan quinn suits are great and unique in design. you are right, he is no tailor or designer. he is a con-artist and loves to rip people off, no costumer service what so ever. he has made several suits for people i know and more than half were not pleased with the outcome. great suits, worth the money no. your better off getting a "designer" suit else where and having a "real tailor" tweak it.