God Save The Row

God Save The Row

1
SHARE

There are abominations and then there are abominations.  We need to discuss the latter, which is also the more severe of the two.  I remember when I first stepped onto Saville Row, it was unassuming and understated.  If you didn’t know the significance of the street you would likely pass it and think nothing of it.  And that’s the way it should be, shouldn’t it?  I think so at least.  But there was something that was off, the proper balance of things had been upset.  I did not initially did not know by who or what.  It did not take long to figure it out.  I was both amazed and horrified.  The former reaction applied to the great firms like Gieves & Hawkes, Dege & Skinner, Henry Poole, Huntsman and Anderson & Sheppard (which lies slightly off the Row).  The latter reaction applied to the new kid on the block; Abercrombie & Fitch (ie thou who upset the proper balance of things).  That obnoxious music and even more obnoxious smell emanating from its door; the perpetually obnoxious teenagers were also there.  Only to offend the passer-bys who have an appreciation for the way things ought to be.  That being an Abercrombie-less Saville Row.  Call me old-fashioned if you like.

In short, I am of the opinion that A&F has no proper place on the Row.  It stands as the anti-thesis of everything the row stands for and is.  Now, I recognize that times do change, but this?  This is just unacceptable, and unfortunate.  Even worse, A&F plans to expand its storefront, which would only further taint the atmosphere of the Golden Mile.  Thankfully, in good faith, the great houses are making an effort to prevent this blitzkrieg on the promised land of male elegance and bespoke tailoring.  And for that, I applaud them and wish them the best of luck.

Anyway a few days ago the Guardian put out an article on the topic, give it a read if you so desire.  Additionally, a few months back Mr. Justin Fitzpatrick (aka The Shoe Snob) had a few well spoken words on the subject.

Keep up the good fight,

Justin

1 COMMENT

LEAVE A REPLY