The Musgrave Manifesto

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Caroline Groves on billionaire.com

Wednesday, August 14th, 2013

Those nice people at www.billionaire.com have published my feature on women’s bespoke shoemaker Caroline Groves, who I first blogged about last autumn

The billionaire piece is illustrated by some fine photos from Rachael King. Caroline has moved her workshop to London from the Gloucestershire retreat I visited, which should make it even easier for more women to discover her exceptional work.

Here is Caroline at a Pattenmakers’ footwear dinner with legendary Mayfair shoe maker Jim McCormack

 

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My new grey flannel suit

Sunday, August 11th, 2013

I know I shouldn’t say this, but I can’t wait for considerably cooler weather so that I can give my new grey flannel suit a proper run out.

It’s got a pronounced nautical look about it thanks to the efforts of Paul Munday, one of the guvnors at Meyer & Mortimer.

It’s a 14oz Hunt & Winterbotham cloth, lined with Liberty Tana Lawn fabric, and sporting white mother-of-pearl buttons. The plan now is to wear it a few times (once the heatwave is over) then return to Paul for the inevitable minor adjustments to be made once the suit and I have got used to each other.

(And thanks to Fred Neiddu, late of Meyer & Mortimer, for kicking off the process a few months ago).

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In chinos we trust

Saturday, August 10th, 2013

My latest piece in the Financial Times appeared today (August 10) on chinos.

I did my last piece on these summer staples about 18 months ago for Duchamp London, using pictures from World War II from my mother’s archive of the period.

This is the oldest pic I can locate of myself in the military pants, taken back in the UK after my first trip to the US in the summer of 1976. I have had more than a few pairs since then, but re-reading Mats Klingberg’s comments in the FT today, I think I’ll have to investigate the Incotex ones.

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Work in progress at Meyer & Mortimer 2

Friday, August 9th, 2013

My grey flannel suit is nearing completion at Meyer & Mortimer. Here co-owner and master cutter Paul Munday makes the final adjustments. I am really pleased with how it’s looking and feeling.

We are taking the jacket in to give more shape round the chest and have nice flare to the skirt (or lower part).

The trousers are wide-legged and high-waisted, to be worn with braces. Paul will be making me another pair with a narrower leg to give me two options.

The Liberty Tana Lawn cotton lining looks very good with the grey cloth. The jacket has two side-entry internal pockets and two internal jigger buttons to keep the fastening good and secure.

 

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Baracuta’s heritage

Thursday, August 8th, 2013

I am really enjoying the ongoing heatwave, but I am secretly wishing for slightly cooler weather so that I can broaden my wardrobe choices. A late summer-early autumn favourite for me is my Baracuta G9 “Harrington” jacket.

I have had my now-rare forest green version for 15 years or more.

My maroon one is probably about seven years old now. Maybe it’s time to add a third. (Note in this pic, my son Teddy is wearing his Baracuta).

I have written about the G9 before, and I am also obliged to my friends at Woodhouse for this link to more info on this British classic.

 

 

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Summertime flora in Kent

Saturday, August 3rd, 2013

The brilliant summer weather has brought out a fantastic display of flowers round my house. Enjoy the lavender (which is attracting as many bees as ever, I’m pleased to report), the roses and the majonia berries (it flowers in the winter). Well done to my wife Jane, who is responsible for this delightful array.

   

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