That Dapper Chap: AW14

Tuesday 21 April 2015

The Latest Collection From Darren Kennedy

That Dapper Chap shares the latest collection by 'Man of the Moment' and fashion icon Darren Kennedy

What a couple of years its been for style icon Darren Kennedy! Not content with presenting on the UK's top rating TV show, he has made critically acclaimed documentaries and landed a role with the Telegraph writing their menswear column.

2013 saw him win the VIP Style Award and also launch his first menswear collection in collaboration with master tailor Louis Copeland. And things just keep getting better for the 30 something Irish gent, as little did I know when we met at an event earlier this year, that this weekend would see him making his debut on the UK X-Factor discussing the contestants style, and launching his third collection of incredibly sharp suits, again working directly with the highly talented Mr Copeland.

Darren models his Burgundy Brushed Wool Overcoat €850

This latest collection consists of a small range of well thought out, stylish and sharp suits and two overcoats, one in burgundy being this seasons most sought after colour.

Darren is clearly a fan of a double breasted suit and is often seen sporting one at various events and photo shoots. So, of course his collection was going to include at least one and he doesn't disappoint by giving us the 'George’ suit, a beautiful burgundy, double-breasted 3-piece suit and my absolute favourite from the new collection with is double breasted waistcoat completing a most dapper look.

The 'George' double breasted three piece suit

As well as grey, blues play a pig part in the collection and the Ferguson suit delights the eye with its bright blue hue. Again with a double breasted waistcoat the suits gives a very sophisticated look and a clean sharp silhouette. The 'Ferguson’ is named after Irish engineer and inventor Harry Ferguson, and this is the theme throughout the collection.

The beautiful 'Ferguson' three piece suit. €1,180 / £930

Darren clearly wanted to create a top end product here and has made a point of only using the finest fabrics. Luxury is a key word here and with soft flannels which will keep out the chills on our daily commute during the coming months. Adding a fine coat will add that additional layer and Darren has given us a choice of two.

The Italian wool herringbone coat and the 'Tom'
windowpane check suit

The first of these coats is made in an Italian black and white herringbone wool fabric and has a contrasting black velvet collar. Seen above with the 'Tom' double breasted suit in a stunning grey windowpane check €890 / £820. The second of the coats and one that's now on my wish list is the burgundy brushed wool overcoat as seen below with the the 'Holland’ three piece suit in grey & burgundy check flannel.

Other suits in the collection include the 'Brendan’, a blue flannel 2-piece suit and the 'Ernest’ which is a navy box check flannel 2-piece Suit.

Talking about his latest venture Darren said, “Our Spring Summer DK x LC ‘14 collection went down a storm both here and in the UK. I got a chance to wear every suit from the collection and the reaction I received was phenomenal. I feel confident that our new Autumn Winter collection is our strongest to date. Both Louis and I have put a lot of work in to this collection, making use of the highest quality Italian fabrics, our combined experience and knowledge to create what I believe is, the quintessential must have winter wardrobe…each piece is a future classic in its own right"

The 'Ernest' navy box check suit

FIND DARREN KENNEDY

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Product Review - Jacamo Christmas Jumpers

That Dapper Chap shows us two Christmas Jumpers available from Jacamo in his latest product review.

Product

Jacamo. What do you know about them?

They sell clothing for guys that are tall, wide and generally the size of a solidly built rugby player right? Well, in short, yes.

They do cater for the larger guy and they do this very well, but that's not all they do as they also offer clothing for a more regular sized bloke like me.

As with all good mens brands, jacamo have stocked up on Christmas sweaters, so I took the opportunity to grab a couple and test drive them for quality and service.

As well at these two beauties Jacamo have at least ten more to choose from. Some at the more 'tacky' end of the Christmas jumper spectrum (but hey it is Christmas) and others at the more 'sedate' end. I opted for a more classy offering and something that can be worn during the entire month of December rather than just while you're stuffing your face with turkey on Christmas day.

The snow capped mountains on this blue sweater

The first sweater is a blue and white scene of snow capped mountains with good old Santa whizzing by in his trusty sleigh, zooming off to drop those much wished for gifts to children of all ages. I chose this one as it cannot be argued that it isnt a 'christmas sweater' but also because it's not covered with jingling bells and baubles like some I've seen.

The second is a burgundy sweater with a stags head on it. Okay it doesn't scream 'Christmas' but with stags heads appearing on a lot of Christmas clothing and homeware it's an on trend, and more than acceptable choice.

The burgundy sweater with traditional stags head

Price

At £30 a pop, they aren't the cheapest Christmas sweaters out there. The price is pretty average, and won't break the bank. They have no wool content however and I would have expected some wool at this cost.

Postage and Packaging

The standard delivery cost within the UK is £3.99 and if you're in a hurry you can order before 8pm and get your items delivered to an address of your choice. Order before 12pm on Saturday for Sunday Delivery! They also offer a service where you can get your parcel delivered to a nominated address on a specific day in addition to the 'click and collect in store' option. So, whatever happens it won't be dumped on your doorstep with the risk of it being stolen!

The packing is functional and is simply there to protect the garments in transit. The sweaters arrived in a plastic postal bag, each sealed in its own clear plastic bag inside.

Performance

I was forewarned that Jacamo sizes may be larger than those that I could expect to buy at other stores. For this reason I chose a size small rather than the usual Medium I would buy. Size wise, its a perfect fit showing that Jacamo sizes are set as a size above standard.

The quality is fair for the cost. I wouldn't say they are a high quality knit, particularly as they are both 100% acrylic and have no wool content at all. This has its benefits however in that they can both be thrown into the washing machine at 40 degrees and even tumble dried. No laying flat for days on end while they drip dry and make your home stink like wet dog!

Harry chose a size Medium, as like a lot of teens he likes his sweaters on the larger side. I would suggest this would be a standard size large.

The stag sweater is a very nice design, however due to the way it is knitted it has a line across the top of the garment in the knit itself, this is where the colours are reversed on the inside of the sweater. I did try to iron it out but it's there to stay as you can see clearly from the image below.

Pertinency

If you're in the market for a Christmas sweater check them out, they have a good range from truly tacky to sensibly sedate. There will be a design that you like. Be aware of the sizing though and choose the size below that which you would usually order.

Other sweaters available from Jacamo

Pro’s & Con’s

The sweaters arrived quickly and were well packed. They fit well and look good, aside from the odd line across the top of Harry's sweater ,which isn't great.

The colours are strong as are the designs.

People

The team thought they were both good designs and immediately commented on the sizing. They said the sweaters were soft to the touch and they liked the colours.

It has to be said that none of them noticed or mentioned the line across the top of the stag sweater.

Précis

Overall these are a solid example of a good traditional Christmas sweater. Slightly more expensive that some I've seen and not as expensive as others.

I shall happily wear mine during the month of December but Harry will be sure to wear his from Autumn to Spring due to the acceptability of the design as one that could be worn outside of the season for which it is intended.

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Five Cool Coats by Next

That Dapper Chap shows us his top five favourite coats for this winter by Next

With the days getting colder and wetter its a good time to make that one seasonal purchase that we all do and invest in a new coat. Keeping it at the more dapper end of the range here are my top five coats from Next.

Looking like I own it. Image by PhotoByIan

Number 5 - The Pea Coat

With its large collar that can be turned up against the elements, the pea coat has stood the test of time as a classic coat. Double breasted and unbelted is gives a clean silhouette.

With its design firmly rooted in naval history it has stood the test of time, so if it's been a solid wearable coat since its origin in the 1700's it's good enough for me.

Mine is a green colour but other colours such as black, navy and grey are available too. Next also offers one with a cosy Borg collar.

I love mine but I would love it more if it were longer and I find the wrist straps somewhat fussy, hence it sits at number five.

The classic double breasted Pea Coat by Next
Image by PhotoByIan

The Next pea coat with Borg collar £85

The basic black pea coat available at Next for £85

Number 4 - The Double Breasted Trench

Again with its roots in military design, I love this classic trench coat, with its collar slightly smaller than the pea coat it's still big enough to provide you with protection from the wind when turned up.

It's also slightly longer than the pea coat too, so it'll keep the tops of your legs warmer than the pea coat would.

Again, its the fussiness that keeps it at the lower end of my list as belts on coats can irritate me and I wear my own trench coat less than I should as the belt has a habit of twisting at the back which is most annoying.

Me wearing my own Trench Coat, Belt untwisted!

Trench coat available at Next £110

Also available in brown

Tie the belt on your trench coat for a different look

Number 3 - The Fur Collared Coat

At number three we have a single breasted coat with a cosy fur collar. Perfect for wintry walks and long enough to keep out the chills this example is made from 59% wool and 33% polyester. The lining and collar are 100% polyester. It's a great buy at just £99

Turn up the fur collar against the snow

A closer look at the detail

Number 2 - The Covert Coat

It was the colour that drew me to this piece. It's a little unusual to find a burgundy coloured coat so I jumped at the chance to get my hands one one. At just £99 it is available in grey, brown and of course burgundy. Made from 50% wool, 20% polyester, 15% nylon and 10% acrylic it has a 100% polyester lining.

Worn just as easily over a suit as it would be jeans and a sweater the only thing that stops it being at number one is the contrast collar. I dont know why it troubles me, it just does.

That Dapper Chap sporting the burgundy Covert coat
Image by PhotoByIan

Number 1 - The Epsom Coat

Made from 70% wool and at a good length the Epsom coat wins on the warm stakes. Classic in its design there is nothing fussy about this coat, no belt or epaulettes and with three simple pockets it has a super clean silhouette.

I bought mine a couple of years ago and it still wears like new and looks great. yes I've had it dry cleaned and stored over the summer but even so, it still looks fresh.

Priced at just £95 you get a lot of class for the cost.

I love my Epsom coat and my Instagram account is testament to that

The classic navy coloured Epsom coat from next £95

A close up look at the details of this classic coat

Also available in Khaki

Well, I hope that this article has whet your appetite and opened your wallet and that you are now waiting for your new coat to arrive. Once it has, be sure to post a picture to Instagram and tag that_dapper_chap or leave a comment on here! All the best.

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Styled By Simon

That Dapper Chap views the AW15 Simon Carter Collection

If you've been following my writing before That Dapper Chap.com you'll know that I was a contributing writer for Bespoke Unit, an american based menswear and lifestyle magazine. While writing for them I was invited to an evening in the company of British Menswear designer Simon Carter. This was my first official outing as a blogger and my experience is detailed in my article for Bespoke Unit.

My return to Mayfair

As I mentioned above the last time I visited Simon Carter was my first outing as a blogger and I have to admit to being a bit nervous, I had no idea how it was going to go and no idea about what to expect. This time was different however, and while I didn't know what to expect from the AW14 collection I knew that I could expect a warm welcome and a firm handshake and that is exactly what greeted us.

Outside the Simon carter store in Londons Mayfair

I attended the evening with Viktor Man of The Man And Glam Blog. It had been an eventful evening so far, having just left the Lutwyche SS15 preview in Holborn and I knew that Viktor would be excited to see the Liberty prints that Simon uses on his shirts, and his reaction when he saw them was just as I expected.

As we've come to expect from the Simon Carter range there was an array of stunning colours and patterns in store. Simon told us that after seeing the 2013 film American Hustle he was inspired to add aspects of a 70's retro theme for AW14 and this is evident in his brightly coloured wide kipper ties. This is in direct contrast to, and a stark difference to what we are seeing in mens neckwear of late, when ties have seemed to get thinner and thinner. But as we know, what goes around comes around and with Topman putting flares on the runway during London Collections: Men the 1970's are returning. Groovy man!

A range of stunning prints

Some of the many beautiful cufflinks available online £50-£75

Modelling a stunning navy silk velvet evening jacket

As soon as we stepped into the store we were recognised by Simon, which was very nice. Considering that Simon is a man who meets many different people at many different events, he is very down to earth and his success still hasn't gone to his head. This is a very admirable trait and one which is often lost by other designers and people in his field. No sooner was the big smile and firm shake over when we were being offered a much needed glass of fizz and I was out of my own jacket and in one of Simon's latest creations.

Beautiful Liberty print shirts

With Simon Carter, surrounded by beautiful shirts

While Viktor was admiring the colourful patterns and stunning Liberty prints, as excited as a small a child in a sweet shop, Simon and I discussed his latest collection. Again very British in design, as we've come to expect and featuring fabrics such as silk velvet and corduroy to keep out those autumnal chills. I fell in love with the hunter green cord jacket and would gladly have exchanged it the one I arrived in and taken it home!

Modelling a check jacket in the comic book changing room

More of the luxurious print shirts and ties

A gorgeous hunter green corduroy blazer, perfect for Autumn

The English Field liberty print shirt from the current range £130

Discussing pattern and style

Delicious patterns

That Dapper Chap discussing menswear

Colourful liberty print Kaylie Sunshine shirt £130

The AW14 range of jackets and blazers

Queue for the zoo Liberty print shirt £130

Hunting style blazer. Another stunning piece from the AW14 collection

The Dragonfly print shirt £150

Talking to store managers

Just a selection of some of the amazing accessories

Since meeting Simon last year many things have changed; the range of Liberty prints, the increased range of accessories and the introduction of underwear. But I'm sure that even with all of these, Simons proudest moment was winning the Drapers Award for Menswear Brand of The year.

Well deserved and receiving the recognition that he deserves. With this under his belt I am sure that there are more awards coming his way and I am excited to see whats next for Mr Carter.