Alfred Dunhill Travels with Andrew Harper

News Archive

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  dunhill SS10 Collection
  The radical Englishman abroad is personified by perhaps dunhill’s most famous customer. First he was the Prince of Wales then Edward VIII then the Duke of Windsor, but always loyal to the brand. Inspired by his aristocratic insouciance and rule breaking in terms of men’s dress codes, the modern dunhill man goes from sharp to elegantly dishevelled then back to sharp again, in a mixing of the day to night moods. There are nods in the gradations of blue in the collection to the Duke’s introduction of ‘midnight blue’ as opposed to black as a colour in formal suiting. And the midnight blue dunhill tuxedo that is reproduced in this collection happens to have belonged to another rule-breaker and dunhill fan, Truman Capote. Another of the Duke’s innovations appears in the form of the backless dress waistcoat, here updated and made even more casual by being produced in everyday shirting fabric and heavier weight silk tie material. Art Deco prints are reproduced from the archive and are translated onto ties and shirting. Clashing prints nod to the make-do-and-mend attitude of the British aristocracy and a reminder that dunhill clothes are for life and are passed down to successive generations. Variously washed materials, ‘worn-in’ Brogues as well as such precious items as signature sterling silver buttons should reinforce this point. However there is never too much dwelling in the past as the fabric research and technical innovations always emphasise dunhill’s commitment to innovation.
  
  Keeping true to the history and wit of the archive, there is Winston Churchill’s silver envelope cigarette case stamped with his address and strange female nom de plume, so after a heavy night out at his club the case could be posted back home if he left it behind. It will now be available to order and engraved accordingly. There are new additions to the famous dunhill pen collection, using such materials as a ‘space age’ lacquer made from meteorite and black diamonds as well as a limited edition Art Deco-inspired ‘Skeleton’ Revolette pen. Similarly constructed cuff links also feature. Aluminium flight cases, referencing those found in the archive from the 1920s, have been stripped back to their metal fabrication and updated to make them incredibly light and practical for use today. Scratch resistant carbon fibre print leather characterises the new Chassis bags. And that’s not to mention the signature ‘wood leather’ and shagreen accessories that lift the collection and the new sunglasses handcrafted in polished English flint.
  
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  Introducing the dunhill Blazer
  The blazer - deemed the male equivalent of the little black dress - is a pivotal link between the worlds of formal and casual menswear attire. It is all the more essential at a time when a man's wardrobe needs to be flexible and when staples are key, the current economic climate insists that men must invest in pieces that will last and be worn for years.
  
  The dunhill Blazer can genuinely lay claim to offering the ultimate blazer. Timeless and elegant, the blazer looks as good with jeans and a sweater as it does with flannel trousers, shirt and tie - the consummate weekend wardrobe piece. By using exclusive mohair from the Camdeboo region of South Africa, the dunhill blazer benefits from a number of performance qualities:
  
  Elasticity - Camdeboo mohair can be stretched by up to 30% and will spring back into shape whilst resisting wrinkling, stretching and sagging. Also provides for optimum drape. This makes it a PERFECT travel companion as can be literally rolled into a ball in your luggage and within seconds of being hung, will be back to its perfect shape, crease free and ready to wear
  
  Strength - Camdeboo mohair is stronger than steel of the same diameter
  
  Durability - Camdeboo mohair can be twisted and bent without damaging the fibre
  
  Moisture Transfer - Camdeboo mohair easily absorbs and releases moisture, moving perspiration from the skin. Ideal for both hot and cold climates.
  
  dunhill use only the Summer kid Camdeboo mohair, which is the first clip taken from the young goats giving the finest and softest yarn.
  
  The dunhill Blazer can also be personalised to add further details of sartorial enjoyment. A dunhill customer can choose from four styles - single breasted one button peak lapel/ two button notch lapel/ three button notch lapel and a double breasted six button notch lapel - offering him the opportunity to be advised on the perfect shape for his style and size. In addition upon purchasing a ready to wear blazer, he can then choose from a selection of buttons - whether they be gold, silver or horn - for an extra touch of idiosyncrasy!
  
  The result is a piece of clothing that will be a well travelled and firm favourite for generations.
  
  25/03/09
  
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  dunhill Launches Ltd. Edition Fighter Provenance Cufflinks
  Limited edition to two hundred and fifty, the Fighter Provenance Cufflinks are impressively crafted from the original aluminium engine casing taken from a British World War II fighter plane. Depicting the aircraft from which they originated, the Fighters continue the successful Alfred Dunhill Provenance collection of rare designs constructed from components of iconic machinery. Presented in a lacquered Alfred Dunhill box with limited edition certificate and Provenance leaflet, these historic pieces are a celebration of great British design and zeal and are sure to become a treasured possession to pass on throughout generations.
  
  20/03/09