As the hustle and bustle of Day 2 of London Collections: Men draws to a close, underground in SW1A the Cabinet War Rooms come alive at 1800 in a modern interpretation of wool clothes and styles befitting the 1940's. In a setting representing the activities that occurred below ground during WWII, a number of tableaux's have been created around the venue in the almost untouched rooms of Sir Winston Churchill, his wife Clementine, the officers and commandant in addition to the precision planning and logistics of the Map room.
Sketch of Welsh & Jefferies coat, part of The English Gentleman presentation in collaboration with The Woolmark Company (PRNewsFoto/The Woolmark Company)
Sketch of Ede & Ravenscroft 3 piece grey suit, part of The English Gentleman presentation in collaboration with The Woolmark Company (PRNewsFoto/The Woolmark Company)
Sketch of Henry Poole coat & hat, part of The English Gentleman presentation in collaboration with The Woolmark Company (PRNewsFoto/The Woolmark Company)
Sketch of Davies & Son 3 piece suit (PRNewsFoto/The Woolmark Company)
Eighty outfits worn by live models, actors and 'friends' of Savile Row will rejuvenate the venue in beautifully crafted bespoke Merino wool pieces, each expressing a particular theme or moment in the life of The English Gentleman at the Cabinet War Rooms, as The Woolmark Company once again collaborates with Savile Row and Jo Levin, Creative Fashion Director of British GQ, to deliver an Autumn/Winter message of the day; to wrap-up, and layer-up in Merino wool. The show is produced and presented by Anda Rowland of Anderson & Sheppard and Sammy Aki.
Rob Langtry, Chief Strategy and Marketing Officer for Australian Wool Innovation/The Woolmark Company said "A series of posters have been created to remind visitors of the wealth of importance wool has had over time, especially in the 1940's, when there were restrictions on heating and electricity - a message also true of today as we are all reminded 'that as the temperature drops we can layer-up in wool and turn the thermostat down' to keep warm in the colder months. This display shows the true versatility of Merino wool and its abundance in garment uses, richness in colour, texture and softness."
The English Gentleman event is designed to highlight Merino Wool yarns, fabrics and garments produced by some of the world's most prestigious manufacturers and tailors which demonstrate the craftsmanship and luxurious detailing. The collaboration seeks to raise awareness of wool's natural performance properties and versatility across the seasons and product categories. Merino Wool naturally 'breathes', effectively regulating the wearer's body temperature keeping them warm in winter and cool in summer. Wool naturally absorbs moisture, and nullifies odour, resists static electricity and provides natural UV protection, and does not ignite so is safe to wear. Merino Wool has a natural elasticity due to the fibre crimp which helps garments resist creasing and retain their shape, and are less likely to pill (bobble) due to the longer fibre lengths used in manufacture to ensure guaranteed garment performance.
Extreme gratitude is expressed to the luxury weavers and merchants from the UK who have rallied together with The Woolmark Company to supply over 200 metres of Merino wool fabrics. Provided to the tailors as a contribution to the project for the creation of a range of iconic pieces covering:
Grey Flannel Suits
Green textured suits in Donegals, Herringbones and Country Tweeds
Brace-back trousers
Corduroys using wool blend fabrics
Traditional winter coatings in smooth, brushed finishes and Herringbones
Traditional dressing gowns in luxuriously soft Merino wool
The Cabinet War Rooms: 18:00 - 20:00 on Tuesday 7th January, by invitation only.
About The Woolmark Company:
The Woolmark is the world's best known textile fibre brand, established in 1964.
The Woolmark brand is owned by Australian Wool Innovation (AWI), a not-for-profit company owned by more than 25,000 woolgrowers. The company works throughout the global supply chain - from woolgrowers through to retailers.
Wool is a 100 per cent natural and renewable fibre. Sheep live on grass, water, fresh air and sunshine. Wool is a fibre that is grown - not man-made. Every year sheep produce a new fleece, making wool a renewable fibre source.
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