The new Fighter Provenance Fountain Pen from London-based luxury goods firm Dunhill does not take its name in vain: the limited edition writing instrument is made from the original aluminum engine casing taken from the Rolls-Royce Merlin engine of the legendary World War II Spitfire MK1 fighter plane. Produced in very small numbers due to the scarcity of the material, the pen's details also reflect this iconic aircraft - the bolt and rivet effects in the original aluminum; the tapered edges echoing the aerodynamics; and a window feature on the side of the barrel displaying level of ink and even the pen clip design directly references the shape of the spitfire propeller. The cap is also created using plexiglass which is exactly the same material used for the bubble canopy of the late 1930's and early 1940's fighter planes. The pen nib is 18 carat gold with rhodium plating and the instrument is presented in a lacquered Alfred Dunhill display box.

[via JustLuxe]

For your reading and viewing pleasure we present the first in a series looking back at highlights from the first year of The Classicist, the weekly column devoted to timeless style, enduring elegance, and true, built-to-last luxury as opposed to mere extravagance. For our first installment we present the best of Men's Style, from Savile Row to Italy and New York and back again, with suits, jackets, cashmere, shoes, accessories and everything in between. These are not the sort of things that ever really go out of fashion, so if you haven't already added to your wardrobe with some of these staples it's not too late.



1. Anderson & Sheppard of Savile Row

Savile Row stalwart Anderson & Sheppard, which recently celebrated its 100th anniversary, is steeped in tradition, to say the least. Yet while other old-fashioned bastions of upper-class masculine British taste have been sold off or hideously modernized, A&S has managed to adapt and survive. The firm not only outfitted the great Fred Astaire - perhaps the best dressed man the modern world has ever known - but also Rudolph Valentino, Charlie Chaplin, authors Evelyn Waugh and Somerset Maugham, Gary Cooper, Noel Coward, Sir Laurence Olivier, Douglas Fairbanks Sr. and Duke Ellington.



2. David Chu Bespoke

In New York City, David Chu, founder of the Nautica brand, operates an ultra-chic Bespoke shop at his gorgeous Townhouse in Gramercy Park. "The bespoke experience is about understated elegance," Chu told The Classicist. David Chu Bespoke "blends the best of Savile Row and Neapolitan tailoring, marrying craftsmanship with modernity." Garments are hand-cut and stitched by a master tailor based in Naples. A gentleman can order anything he requires to be custom made, from suits, overcoats, tuxedos, and sport jackets to trousers, shoes, scarves, and 12-fold ties.



3. Dunhill's Timeless Classics

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. 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.



4. Duncan Quinn - The Coolest

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 told 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, and along the way he's attracted quite a following of well-dressed fellows, "gentleman rogues" who ascribe to the Quinn aesthetic.



5. Loro Piana Luxe

Italian luxury label Loro Piana makes the most comfortable, classic, stylish and subtly luxurious clothes we've ever had the pleasure of putting on. World-famous for their cashmere, the 200-year-old company, which began as a textile merchant, has also branched out into other areas (including accessories and women's clothing) in more recent years with equal success. Loro Piana's motto has it that true luxury is "knowing, not showing," i.e. dressing for yourself, not to impress others. It's "an inner satisfaction that comes from an aesthetic, intellectual, tactile pleasure, stemming from tradition, research and genuine quality." What could be better than that?



Continued after the jump.

The Heist Traveler Leather Collection is the newest line of luggage and accessories from London luxury goods firm Dunhill. The understated, durable and elegant collection is comprised of seven different pieces finished in lack printed PVC material and rubberized black leather, black nylon webbing detailing and brushed gunmetal hardware. The pieces range from a small North South bag with various zips and pockets to roomy trolley cases which can fit everything needed for an overseas trip. The versatile larger pieces also have a host of internal functions including a laundry bag, padded laptop sleeve, travel adapter, flight socks and shirt holder. The Double Zip Document Case includes compartments for all standard business accessories as well as a nylon-lined pocket to house an umbrella.

[via JustLuxe]

Interesting that Alfred (A.) Dunhill keeps working with Jaeger-LeCoultre on making timepieces. The first cooperation came with the recent Jaeger-LeCoultre Art Deco Atmos Regulator clock for A. Dunhill, a $70,000 mega-mantle clock using the legendary atmos clock made by Jaeger Le-Coultre. Now comes a more subdued partnership with A. Dunhill designed watches that features Jaeger-LeCoultre movements. This particular timpiece is the newly styled A. Dunhill Facet watch that uses the typical angle cut case and sapphire crystal. It makes for an interesting look, and sapphire crystals such as this are clearly more expensive to produce.

The dial features vertical texturing for decoration and classic Arabic numerals that look like they are done in Times New Roman. The subsidiary seconds dial is inset a bit, helping to add depth to the area. The case comes in either 18k rose or white gold and is 36mm wide by 50mm tall. Inside the watch is a manually-wound Jaeger-LeCoultre Caliber 822 movement which is rectangular-shaped as you might have guessed. You might be asking why it is that Jaeger-LeCoultre is helping Dunhill, what is essentially a competing brand by providing them with movements. Plus, there is no mention at all of Jaeger-LeCoultre on the dial of the watch. Why is that? Well The latter question I cannot explain, but because both Dunhill and Jaeger-LeCoultre are part of the same parent company - the Richemont Group, the partnership makes sense. This is not the first time the Jaeger-LeCoultre with its movement making skills has been asked to lend a hand. Some of the brand new Ralph Lauren watch brand timepieces also feature Jaeger-LeCoultre movements inside. The new A. Dunhill Facet watches will be available soon for between 3,600 and 6,900 euros.

Ariel Adams publishes the luxury watch review site aBlogtoRead.com.

Last winter we wrote about the teak, titanium and carbon fiber skis made by timeless men's London luxury outfitters Alfred Dunhill. For summer the storied British brand has come out with a limited edition surfboard (above), decorated with a modern take on Dunhill's iconic Bulldog motif. Designed for Dunhill by the acclaimed European surfboard company Pukas in conjunction with surfing legend Jed Noll, the 9 ft. board is constructed from lightweight but high-density polyurethane foam with a superior resin-soaked fiberglass hard outer surface, minimizing drag on the waves. Only 10 of the exclusive boards will be offered for sale at the Alfred Dunhill flagships in London, Tokyo and Shanghai for about $3,000.

[via JustLuxe]

In a Classicist column last summer we reminisced about the the golden age of motoring when one would embark on an automobile journey with elegant picnic and cocktails cases carefully stowed in the boot of the car. On May 19th we'll get another glimpse into the bygone era of traveling in true style when Christie's London South Kensington branch auctions off an amazing selection of vintage Hermès, Louis Vuitton and Dunhill luggage. With the favorable exchange rates currently in effect it's an enticing opportunity to build a collection with lasting value, while truly timeless luxury items are more appealing than ever.

"Harking back to a golden age of travel, vintage luggage encapsulates the glamor and decadence of a bygone era when journeying to a foreign land involved adventure, romance and style," notes Christie's' Director of Textiles Pat Frost. "These exquisitely crafted pieces evoke a time when the journey was as important as the destination. With iconic names including Louis Vuitton, Dunhill and Hermes leading the field and remaining very collectible they not only functional but design objects in their own right."

Highlights of the sale include two cream colored canvas and leather suitcases by Hermès from the mid-20th century, monogrammed "APW", estimated at about $2,200 - $3,000; two fine black cases by Dunhill and T. Anthony, the first of black leather in semi-circular form with one fitted tray and gunmetal hardware, the second of black fabric with leather strapping, lined in moire with various pockets and gilt hardware, est. at about $1,200 - $1,500; and a monogram hard-side case and cover by Louis Vuitton (above) with a beautiful patina to the the leather handle, est. at about $900 - $1,200.

London luxury goods firm Dunhill is offering a new limited edition gold lighter based on a model from their archives that was owned by Elvis Presley in the 1950s.

The slim, elegant 18-karat yellow gold Apex lighter features a classic crosshatch pattern in Dunhill's famed Rollalite style. Only 50 pieces are being produced at $13,000 each.

Dunhill, which dates back to the 1890s, produced its first lighter, dubbed the Unique, in 1923. Noel Coward, Coco Chanel and Frank Sinatra, who also had his tuxedos made the firm, all owned Dunhill lighters as well.

The precious but understated lighter indicates that before he got sloppy Elvis was a man of taste. Some of his later, more vulgar accouterments are currently being auctioned off in NYC.

[via JustLuxe]

The latest stylish offering from Dunhill, the London-based men's clothier and luxury goods firm, is the Sidecar Gunmetal Collection of business and travel bags and cases, inspired by a motorcycle sidecar the firm designed back in 1915. 100 years ago when Alfred Dunhill inherited his father's saddelry business and began catering to the brand new trade in automotive accouterments, the firm's motto was "Everything But The Motor". Gunmetal is a type of bronze originally used in gunmaking that is resistant to corrosion from steam and salt water, which nicely complements the rugged good looks of the black leather cases.

The collection consists of six large pieces, including a Holdall, Touring Case, a Single and Double Document Case (above) and Double and Single Zip Briefcases, along with a range of smaller pieces including wallets, key cases and a toiletry kit, designed to complement the well-dressed gentleman. Sidecar motorcycles have become highly sought after; in April, Bonhams in the UK will auction off a collection of them at the International Classic Motorcycle Show in Stafford, including a 1949 race-winning Norton Manx/Watsonian, estimated at about $60,000 - $70,000. Dunhill also makes a collection of luggage for Bentley.

The latest offering from timeless men's London luxury outfitters Dunhill is a super-stylish set of skis specially commissioned from racing experts Speciale. The Dunhill Skis (above) are available in either teak (bottom) or carbon fiber (top) finishes with tough titanium bases. Available in two sizes, the $2,100 skis feature Vist bindings, handmade in Italy, which "fuse innovation with security." The speed lock can be adjusted with the use of a simple lever "moving the center of gravity of the skier depending on his skill or angle of slope." The Dunhill and Speciale logos are engraved on each ski, and owners can also have their names, initials or even their favorite resort - no doubt Aspen or Gstaad - engraved there as well.

Here's the perfect gift for the discerning gourmet food lover on your list who likes his dishes seasoned just so: a portable sterling silver pepper mill from Dunhill, in a black calf leather pouch with a silver ring closure that's as elegant as any fine gentleman's accessory - as it should be for $1,300. Meticulously handcrafted by a single artisan in Germany, the pepper mill is the same size and weight as a Dunhill lighter and comes elegantly inscribed with founder Alfred Dunhill's own signature taken straight from the firm's archives. Aside from storage, the pouch buffs the mill should fingerprints smudge the refined polish, and the sterling silver ring doubles up to screw open the device in order to refill it with peppercorns.

London men's luxury goods firm Dunhill is coming out with the ultimate alligator belt for the holidays, featuring a high-tech gold, steel and diamond buckle. The Mechanical Belt, which is being produced in a limited edition of 25 pieces globally at a cost of $10,600 each, is designed for ultra-precise adjustments of exactly 35mm - the "two thumb" measurement a tailor will traditionally build into a custom made suit for added comfort. The five-axel buckle contains a patented system of over 108 movable, mechanical parts including roller bearings, plates and levers.

The mechanics make perfect one-handed adjustments a cinch, so to speak, for instance while maneuvering into and out of a low-seated vintage British sportscar. Hand finished by expert artisans, it is comprised of stainless steel and 18 carat rose gold components ornamented with two inset diamonds. A choice of two alligator skin straps are supplied as well. The belt will only be available in Dunhills' flagship stores located in London, New York, Shanghai and Tokyo, with only a handful of pieces to be sold at each one.

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.

London luxury goods maker Dunhill has teamed up with legendary auto marque Bentley on an exclusive new set of leather luggage for Bentley owners. Dunhill's craftsman designed the luxe pieces in collaboration with Bentley's Design & Styling team at the automaker's head office in Crewe, England. The set, made to fit the trunk of Bentley sedans, consists of five pieces: a large suitcase (above), small suitcase, briefcase, weekend bag, and wash bag.

Each is handcrafted in brown natural grain leather with matching interior trim, in a fluted design similar to that found on the leather seats of the $250,000 Bentley Arnage. The custom-designed hardware features a unique lock mechanism with a knurled edge and an inset Bentley "B". The entire set will run you about $9,000 and is now available to order from your friendly neighborhood Bentley dealer with a 2-4 week delivery time.

The hot cigar to get your hands on might just be the new offering from Dunhill. Per Cigar Aficionado, the Dunhill Anniversary Edition, which celebrates 100 years of the Dunhill cigar brand, will be limited to 20,000 cigars.
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The cigars will be made in Nicaragua by the Toraños and distributed by C.A.O. International Inc. So far all that is known is that the cigars will have a blend similar to the Dunhill Signed Range which uses Nicaraguan and Dominican filler tobaccos aged three years and bound in authentic African Cameroon leaf and a Cuban seed Nicaraguan wrappers. The new cigars will, according to Dunhill brand manager Bruce Lewis, have a little more finesse and sweetness. Want yours? They should be out mid-fall of this year.

As a side note to Bonhams' classic car auction at the annual Greenwich Concours d'Elegance in Connecticut this weekend, the sale also includes some reminders of a more elegant age of motoring. In addition to the amazing automobiles on offer, there are a few rare examples of perfectly-preserved traveling cocktail, picnic and tea sets in leather cases from the 1910s and '20s.

More elegant and elaborate antecedents of the kind of picnic sets still produced by the likes of Dunhill - such as the one my colleague Rigel Gregg wrote about the other day - these are the sort of cases one's servants would put into the boot of the Rolls for a day's motoring along with a hamper of delectables from Fortnum & Mason (which are still available today - see the gallery for a picture of their $200 Regent hamper featuring champagne, truffles, paté and port).

Included in the Greenwich auction is this gorgeous Dunhill traveling cocktail set from the 1920s featuring a nickel cocktail shaker, four stacking tumblers, a glass bitters bottle with a silver plated top and three silver plated spirit flasks, in a monogrammed honey leather carrying case, est. $3,000 - $4,000. If these days it seems a bit odd that so much thought and effort went into ways of drinking and driving, remember that as often as not one's chauffeur did the actual work behind the wheel.