New life for old trousers
STYLISH lady riders are descending on the Hampshire saddler and riding outfitter Calcutt & Sons, where a trunk of unused, vintage breeches has been discovered in the attic. Managing director Ian Compton made the find while investigating a leak in the roof: ‘They’re beautiful breeches. I was amazed to find them, under boxes of 30 years’ worth of accounts.’
He’d bought them when the Harry Hall factory closed in the 1970s and he believes they were made in the early 1960s. They are the full-cut, ‘elephant’s ear’ style, which has come back into fashion in recent years, but in perfect condition.
The breeches, in beige cotton, are available in sizes 24in to 32in. If not quite at 1970s prices, they cost an inflation-busting £36 (www. calcuttandsons.co.uk; 01962 760210). Flora Watkins