Introducing Marc Wallace

That Dapper Chap pays a visit to Marc Wallace in London's leafy Parsons Green and tells us about their new exciting store.

As I arrived via tube train at London's Parsons Green, I was greeted by a very leafy and quaint part of London that I'd never been to before. With a very 'villagey' feel and its traditional village green surrounded by quaint independent shops, bars and eateries this is certainly a part of London that I'd happily revisit

The Marc Wallace shop in New Kings Road

Suits perfectly tailored in a range of great colours

Inside the Marc Wallace shop

About Marc Wallace

After launching his first collection in 2000 Marc Wallace has since become renowned worldwide for his handmade suits and luxury accessories; Marc’s passion to challenge the direction of menswear is evident in the label’s fresh and original style. Through Marc’s hands on approach, collaborating with skilled artisans on limited edition pieces, the label continues to drive forward with inspiration and design at it’s heart.

The stunning limited edition floral suit. Not for the shy and retiring

A selection of contrasting fabric wool blazers 

All dressed up but nowhere to go. A traditional Marc Wallace look

The shop front was all ready for Christmas when I arrived, dressed as 'The Three Kings' complete with vintage hobby horses, it really was a delight to behold. On entering I was greeted by Drew as Marcs time was being taken up elsewhere and it was unfortunate that I wasn't able to say hello on this occasion. 

The shop itself is an eclectic design, mixing new and vintage pieces including old velvet covered cinema chairs and accessories. It is perfectly considered and very individual, just as your bespoke tailored suit will be.

While Drew tended to a client, discussing button variations and details on linings I toured the shop and snapped a few images.

The interior of the Marc Wallace shop in New Kings Road

Having worked with pop bands and stars of sport and television, most recently EastEnders stars, Danny Dyre and Jake Wood, Marc Wallace really has established himself as a 'must wear' designer creating tailor made suits for the noted and famous in addition to that special suit for your wedding day. 

Danny Dyer wears a stunning Marc Wallace design

From the 'English Gent' range of suits and accessories

The must have velvet blazer. Which colour is your favourite?

Marc Wallace only uses the finest quality fabrics from the UK and Italy, including silks, tweed and mohair, and he currently has a beautiful selection of sumptuous velvet blazers in stock, perfect for your New Year celebrations.

The luxurious velvet blazers all lined up

Vintage charm and accessories only add
 to that individual Marc Wallace experience

Great tailoring and contemporary colours

In addition to suits and blazers Marc Wallace can also fit you up with shirts, ties, underwear and all sorts of accessories both new and vintage, allowing you to add a very personal piece to your look.

Colourful socks will add interest and individualism to your look

The range of accessories at Marc Wallace

The New Marc Wallace Shop

As well as the shop in New Kings Road Marc Wallace also has a shop in Saville Row where he runs an appointment only system. I can now reveal that Marc has just opened a brand new shop in Bath in Broad Street.

Marc already runs a studio in George Street in Bath, for clients to visit by appointment for tailored suits and the new shop will be displaying his latest designs for all to buy, including suits, jackets, shirts and ties, as well as many accessories.

The new clothes shop in Bath has been a project Marc Wallace has been planning for a long time and he’s delighted it’s finally about to open to the public.

Bath, like London, is a very fashion conscious city and the Marc Wallace ranges are for people who want to step out and be noticed for their style. The brand has a distinct look that stands for quality.

I wish Marc and his team all the very best for the new venture and hope to return in the New Year to check out his spring/summer collection so watch this space!

Find marc Wallace

     

Yours truly. A Marc Wallace selfie

THANKS FOR READING!

An Evening With Shaun Gordon Tie maker

That Dapper Chap takes us to an evening with master tie maker Shaun Gordon who launches his latest collection of limited edition ties

A portrait of Shaun for the collection by Bart Pajak

About Shaun Gordon

Shaun Gordon is a striking character and after seeing images of him on Instagram I was an instant fan. After graduating from The London College of Fashion in 2004, he focussed his attentions on design and has work with some great brands including Henri Lloyd and Timberland. 

I was therefore very pleased to receive an invitation to attend an evening in London to view his new collection of unique ties. Not only was I treated to the new collection but Shoeshine UK was there to shine the guests shoes but the Pall Mall Barbers were also in attendance to give out complimentary certificates for haircuts.

That Dapper Chap and The Tie maker

Aside from designing his own collections, Shaun has also consulted on bespoke products for Knightsbridge tailor Edward Sexton, and his own self-named brand has continued to grow alongside the demand for British-made luxury goods, and is sold in Savile Row by world-renowned bespoke tailor Steven Hitchcock.

Guests arrive at Breese Little to meet the man himself

Myself and a dapper Michael aka TinTinfellow

The Collection

Arriving at the venue I was immediately met by another avid Instagrammer, tintinfellow (above), who I have had a virtual friendship with since I set up my Instagram account two years ago, and it was great to finally meet him and the other incredibly interesting people at the event.

More of Shauns exceptional ties

The 'Ernest' £98.00
Photography by Bart Pajak

The collection of limited edition ties

Shaun arrived just the fashionably amount of late, and was nothing less than absolutely charming a perfectly attired. He took his time and showed us around the collection. 

I asked Shaun what the inspiration was behind this new collection, as he sipped on a tumbler of Jura Whisky (a sponsor of the event) he told me: "This collection is about appreciating individuality and each persons own unique style and personality. I wanted to create a range, which reflects this in a personal way to myself. Therefore, I selected fabrics in the UK which triggered memories of personal experiences"

He continues "Once the fabric is transformed into a tie, the memory is captured and each tie now has it's own story to tell. These stories reflect the individuality that each person can bring to the same piece through an expression of their own style"

Shaun, greeting his guests

Tom of The Jaunty Flaneur and Instagrams TinTinFellow

The stylish and fashionable turn
out to see the collection

He goes on to say "To capture the concept further, I developed new labels which documents the number of ties made from a particular fabric. Such as "No.3 of 5" hand written, which goes hand in hand with the tie being hand made. This will also remind the wearer that they are wearing a limited edition tie"

I asked Shaun which his favourite piece is from the new collection "Thats a tough one" he says "I think it would have to be the Hamilton tie because of the memory I have of being ten years old playing leaves fights with my friends at school and I love the colour too"

A selection of the limited edition handmade ties

The 'Hamilton' £98.00
Shauns personal favourite

The 'Oscar' £98.00
Photography by Bart Pajak

As the wine and Jura Whisky flowed and guests made approving noises while they stroked the lovingly displayed ties, Shaun told me "Living in a highly judgemental world, the expression of individual style shows courage, but also gives the chance for those brave enough to be heard above the noise of the masses"  This is something I am passionate about too and I wholeheartedly agree with Shaun and his outlook on self expression.

Myself, Mikhail of La Bowtique and Mr Gordon

The 'Ernest' tie. £98.0
My personal favorite
and the largest edition of 12 pieces

The 'Elroy' £98.00
Photography by Bark Pajak

More of Shauns unique collection

The 'Harold' £98.00

Guests enjoy a whisky and a chat while browsing the collection

Conclusion

I can't deny that I thoroughly enjoyed the evening, meeting people that I'd only ever seen before in a one dimensional image in an instagram post on my iPad, and of course meeting Shaun and seeing his new collection. 

I'm a fan of the collection, not only because of the fact that the ties are handmade with each quality fabric being personally chosen by Shaun, but because of what the collection represents and the

recognition of the individual. It's the nod to the gentleman who wants something different, who isnt afraid to stand out and share his unique style with the rest of the world. This is what fashion is all about for me and it's clear that Shaun feels the same.

Find Shaun Gordon