Sharp Suits, the third edition

Idris Elba is the dapper chappie on the cover of the latest edition of Sharp Suits, my photographic celebration of men’s tailoring. Published again by those nice people at Pavilion, it follows the earlier editions of 2009 and 2013.

My history of the suit from about 1860 onwards is really well-presented, with the many vintage images, like this classic one of Cary Grant, looking fabulous in the punchy orange setting.

This time the foreword has been written by my good friend Kathryn Sargent, the renowned Savile Row master tailor, who has a tremendous knowledge of the bespoke craft. Thanks for the insights, Kathryn! (Kathryn has made me some beautiful clothes, but funnily enough, not yet a suit!).

The superbly-produced hardback book contains more than 150 images. Among the new ones for this third editon is this one of George, Duke of Kent and his wife Princess Marina of Greece, possibly London’s most glamorous couple of the pre-World War II era. (Pic credit: Alamy History and Art Collection).

Continuing my desire to include rarely-seen photographs, in the chapter headed Passion From Paris I have added this fascinating image of Karl Lagerfeld from 1954, shortly after the German designer had settled in the French capital for a career that lasted until his death in 2019. (Pic credit: Getty/Keystone/Stringer).

Politicians of all hues tend these days to be boring or terrible dressers, so I was pleased to find this image of US President Ronald Reagan in a fine checked two-piece suit strolling with British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher in 1982. (Pic credit: Reuters Pictures/Mal Langsdon).

Sharp Suits is available internationally wherever good books are sold. Enjoy the tailoring inspiration.

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