Meet the British perfumers squeezing landscapes into scents

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In 1822, Charles Lillie published The British Perfumer, a 400-page book he hoped would save the country’s fragrance industry ‘from total annihilation’. He claimed those who ‘style themselves Perfumers, as well as most buyers, are entirely ignorant, the former of what they sell, and the latter of what they purchase’. Chapters were categorised by scent … Read more

Kilt status: A history of the iconic Scottish skirt, from wartime wrap to punk protest

kilt-status:-a-history-of-the-iconic-scottish-skirt,-from-wartime-wrap-to-punk-protest

When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here’s how it works. Isn’t it funny how one of the most masculine garments a gentleman can don is a patterned, pleated skirt that’s fastened with a buckle? Allow me to introduce the kilt: a Highland hero; a punk rock icon; … Read more

Haute dogs: How fashion’s finest would dress 11 dogs and one very spoilt cat if only they had the chance

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Afghan hound × Chloé Afghan hounds are descended from Afghanistan’s ancient sighthounds — largely considered to be one of the world’s oldest dog breeds, bred to chase game over long distances Their famously silky coat was insulation against the harsh cold at high altitude The breed is known for its cat-like independence and ‘selective hearing’ … Read more

Savile Row might be the beating heart of bespoke men’s tailoring, but it was named after a woman

savile-row-might-be-the-beating-heart-of-bespoke-men’s-tailoring,-but-it-was-named-after-a-woman

What do you think of when you read the words ‘Savile Row’? I bet it’s a Bond-like gentleman, standing in front of a mirror in a white shirt while another gentleman, his mouth full of pins, takes down various measurements. Neck; chest; waist. While Savile Row is the home of the bespoke suit (in fact … Read more

The trench coat is a British fashion icon that’s been worn by everyone from brave World War soldiers to Sex and the City’s Samantha Jones

the-trench-coat-is-a-british-fashion-icon-that’s-been-worn-by-everyone-from-brave-world-war-soldiers-to-sex-and-the-city’s-samantha-jones

When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here’s how it works. As Joan Collins once said, ‘there is nothing more elegant in winter than dark tights worn with matching knee-length boots and a belted trench coat.’ You might be relieved to hear that trench coats did not in … Read more