The Farrell Tweed Suit Available from Primark

Craig from That Dapper Chap shows off his new tweed Farrell suit, available from Primark

Heritage style in a grey suit by Farrell

Farrell Menswear is a result of the collaboration between Primark and the international record-breaking musician, Robbie Williams. The line was originally created as a tribute to his grandfather, a notable dresser in his hometown in the north of England, Stoke on Trent.

The range now includes many very affordable items from sweaters to boots and shirts to suits. And with this wool suit coming in at £60.00 the quality and style you're getting for that price is incredible. Where else can you find a well fitted, heritage style suit with a high wool content for that amount? 

A look at the black high top boots

A full look at this wool suit

Keeping with the heritage theme I chose some black high top boots and a vintage style paisley bow tie. The classic white shirt keeps the look clean and simple, and the burgundy accents in the lapel flower and pocket square lift the otherwise monochrome palette.

A closer look at today's watch

The silver watch fits the colour scheme and the grey cable knit scarf came along to keep out the Autumn chill, however it was an unexpectedly warm day so I didn't actually need it at all.

Good style can be achieved at an affordable price

This grey herringbone wool suit is a great buy. It's warm and comfortable and fits really well. Yes, the high wool content could make it a bit itchy for those gents with more sensitive skin, but the jacket is fully lined and the trousers are half lined. So Farrell really have thought of everything: fit, style and practicality. 

A look at the paisley pocket square

Warm weather meant no need for the cable knit scarf

Attention to details: Farrell branded buttons

Look out for another post on Farrell Menswear soon when I'll show you a classic navy suit also at a great price!

Where it's all from

Black High Top Boots: Primark £20

Grey Feck Herringbone Wool trousers: Primark £20

Grey Fleck Herringbone Wool Jacket: Primark £40

White 100% cotton shirt: Primark Premium £10

Silver Aquapro Watch: Harding Watches £350

Paisley Pocket Square: Primark £2

Paisley Bow Tie: Bows 'N' Ties £29

Grey Cable Knit Scarf: Primark £5

All Photography By Ian Clark

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Monsieur London launches online bespoke service

I visited Monsieur London in January of this year and it was a pleasure to meet one of the co founders see all of the delicious items they have available. Take a look at my previous post HERE.

Now, after three years offering its bespoke services by appointment, Monsieur London is proud to announce the launch of its online bespoke tool. The first of its kind available at a hand-stitched accessories brand, customers can now create their own belt or pair of gloves themselves Stitching, size, width, leather: everything can be customized. 

The result can be seen online before ordering, with hundreds of possibilities. This service is part of Monsieur London’s wish to provide the highest standard of quality, while offering more and more personalised products.

Monsieur London was founded three years ago in London by Frenchmen Thibault Fulchiron and Valentin Goux. The brand offers elegant gentlemen’s accessories. Its products are crafted in the United Kingdom, France and Italy by exceptional artisans.

       

 

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M&S Menswear Launch Event: Celebrating Oliver Cheshire as the New Face of Autograph

Oliver Cheshire the new face of Autograph Menswear and yours truly 

The New Face of M&S

Marks & Spencer announces Oliver Cheshire as the new face of Autograph Menswear from Autumn / Winter 2015, marking the re-design of the collection.


As a renowned International male model, style influencer and a regular on the front rows of fashion shows across the globe, Oliver Cheshire fronts the new Autograph campaign, wearing the new collection which focuses on simple, luxury trend-led pieces that are refreshed every 6-8 weeks.

Some of the collection displayed at the event

On shooting the collection Oliver said, ‘I’m really excited to be the new face of Autograph, I’ve always loved the M&S brand and I’m happy to be a part of the M&S family. The Autograph collection is completely my style with great pieces for day and evening. I love the range and I’m proud to be the new face of the collection at a time when it’s looking so sharp and taking this new trend direction.’

Bow Tie – £12.50 Shirt – £35 Double Breasted Tuxedo – £199 Shoes – £95

Jumper – £45 Jeans – £35

Scott Fyfe said, ‘Oliver has worked with M&S Menswear for two years and making him the face of Autograph was an obvious fit. Oliver epitomises the Autograph brand with his love of simple luxury pieces making him the perfect ambassador for this urban, trend-led brand.’

Roll Neck – £45 Blazer - £129

Roll Neck – £45 Bomber Jacket – £149  Trousers – £45 Trainers – £85

Redesigned for Autumn Winter 2015, Autograph menswear re-launches with a collection of clothing, footwear and accessories, that combine formalwear and casual sports luxe pieces to create a new look with a focus on style, texture and detail. The collection is modern and contemporary with key styles including a bomber jacket with leather sleeves, geometric print knitwear and textured crew neck jumpers, as well as a selection of sports luxe trainers.

Shirt – £39.50 Jumper – £55 Trousers – £45

The Launch Event

last Thursday night, Marks & Spencer hosted a party to celebrate the launch of renowned International male model and style influencer, Oliver Cheshire as the new face of Autograph Menswear and That Dapper Chap was pleased to be invited.

Mr Cheshire photographed with other guests

Prosecco all round

Miss Pixie Lott, singer and TV personality

Oliver Cheshire arrived at the event wearing a look from the newly re-designed Autograph collection. A number of celebrities also attended the event, including face of M&S Menswear and designer of his own underwear and swimwear range David Gandy, wearing a M&S Best of British suit. Other celebrities included singers Pixie Lott and Mollie King, TV presenter Zoe Hardman, actor Arnold Oceng and model and reality TV star Oliver Proudlock.

Held at West London venue Carousel, Select model and DJ, Josh Parkinson performed a live set.

Oliver Proudlock, star of Made In Chealsea & model Emma Connolly

Select model and DJ, Josh Parkinson

Guests mingle and enjoy the party

Mr David Gandy

David Gandy wears M&S Best Of British Suit

Fine food was served throughout the evening

Oliver Cheshire and singer Pixie Lott wearing an Autograph Coat - £139
and an Autograph Skirt - £49.50

Me enjoying a glass of bubbly

Oliver Cheshire, Pixie Lott, The Saturdays Mollie King and David Gandy

Oliver Cheshire wearing a look from the new Autograph collection
Bomber Jacket - £149, Trousers - £45, Trainers - £85

The range is available online and in stores now

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Product Review - The Chaflin Boxer Shorts

Craig of That Dapper Chap reviews the 'Bradley' luxury boxer shorts available from Chalfin

Product
Setting up the CHALFIN boxer range in January 2014 with nothing more than a strong belief in the product, CHALFIN says that "the idea came about because of my incredibly fussy brother. From a young age he never wore the standard school uniform as the jumper or the trousers were too itchy and he always had to have better quality than the standard uniform on offer. He is still exactly the same today so I know if he likes them I must be onto a good thing"

Wearing my 'Bradley' boxers

They go on to say "He has always said for a long time that traditional cotton boxer shorts with some form of support would be a perfect combination. So here we are……"

This product review focusses on the 'Bradley' shorts, made in blue and white cotton with a pink and white gingham waistband.

Available in sizes S to XXL covering waists from 28" to 46" they are made from 100% soft cotton. They have an inner support made from 100% cotton single jersey. 

This inner support is an unusual concept and one which takes some getting used to.  I generally wear close fitting trunks and have never been a fan of the traditional boxer shorts because of the lack of support that they 
offer. I like to feel that everything is where it should be and 'all together' Traditional boxers offer more 'freedom' but it's not something that I'm personally comfortable with.

The comfortable jersey inner support

The downside of a tight trunk is that when you're changing at the gym, you're pretty much showing everything off as they are quite tight and can be revealing. The beauty of the CHALFIN shorts is that you get the support of a brief with the look of a traditional boxer short. You're 'all together' without being 'on show'.

What's more is that they're made in the Midlands in the UK by a team of people pulling from over 50 years experience in the industry. British manufacture, as any regular reader knows, is something that I am very passionate about so this is great to see.

Price
Priced at £32.00 these shorts are not out of the average guys price range and are comparative to other luxury brands or big names such as D&G and Calvin Klein.

They are a quality item manufactured here in the UK and for me that makes the price very good.

Packaging & Presentation
The boxers arrived perfectly packaged in a postal bag and it's own special card envelope. Wrapped lovingly in tissue paper and with branded information cards I thought it was of a very high standard and would make a great gift.

Performance
I've already said that I wasn't a fan of the traditional boxer shorts, but there are not traditional. The inner support gives a very different wearer experience.

They are soft, comfortable and easy to wear. Once on I didn't know I was wearing them. I didn't get that 'bunching' thing that you sometimes get with traditional boxers and I have even worn them to bed without issue of nipping, catching or riding.

They wash well in the machine on a 40 degree cycle and retained their shape and feel.

Pertinency

If, like me, you're a trunk kinda guy or a brief bloke don't dismiss these as they do offer that safe 'feel' and 'confidence' that you get with briefs and trunks.

If you're 'freedom' loving guy who likes it to 'all hang out' then I'd probably suggest that you stick to the traditional boxers without the support. Having said that even the most 'free' guys need a more supportive underwear in their armoury as every guys has at least one pair of trousers with would be offensive without some 'organisation' and 'neatness' of the nether regions! 

Pro’s & Con’s

I really like the traditional pattern and colour scheme and the traditional look in general. The inner support makes these very wearable for me and the comfort is a huge plus.

This coupled with the fact that they are made here in the UK makes them a well received addition to any gents drawer.

I've been wracking my brain for any flaws or improvements and I genuinely cannot offer you anything that I would change or that I don't like.

People

While I didn't model these for the team I did pass them around (unworn of course). The team liked the quality and the inner support got  a few strange looks and comments like "Oh, that's odd" But once they understood the concept they thought it was a great idea.

The ladies didn't think they were particularly "sexy" but I guess that's subjective and changes as to who is wearing them! 

The guys thought they were "cool" and liked the traditional look of them. They were a little concerned with how they would feel on, given the inner support but were not put off by the concept.

Like me they were pleased to hear that they are manufactured in the UK and thought this was a great selling point.

Précis

Overall I think these shorts are a great product. Once over the initial curiosity of the inner support you see them as a very wearable item. Traditional in appearance but with a new approach.

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