Rewriting history

HE idea of bespoke tailoring might be a little intimidating, but not at Oliver Brown on London’s Lower Sloane Street, SW1, which feels more like a home from home yet still offers the same high level of service as Savile Row, W1. The company has just relaunched its ‘three levels of tailoring’ service and revamped its cutting room—everything is cut in-house and made in England using the finest fabrics. Oliver Brown is happy to offer COUNTRY LIFE readers a free bespoke shirt to any gentleman who orders a bespoke or half-handmade suit. Suits from £1,900 (020–7259 9494; www.oliverbrown.org.uk)

THandcrafted from pieces of Second World War Supermarine Spitfire propellers and designed to celebrate the return of Spitfire propeller-blade production to Gloucestershire, these commemorative pens will have history buffs and aviation enthusiasts flying high. Made by Hercules Propellers, the company responsible for returning the manufacture of the blades to the UK after some 60 years, and local craftsman David Hayward, each pen is engraved with the serial number of the propeller from which it was crafted. ‘This pen gives everyone the chance to hold a piece of history in their hand,’ says Rupert Wasey, owner of Hercules. Priced at £155, including postage and packing, each one is accompanied by a certificate of authenticity (01453 885853; www.hercprops.com) VM

Christmas wreath, £95, Jo Malone London, Exclusive to Regent Street and Sloane Street boutiques (0370 192 5021; www.jomalone.co.uk)

18ct yellow-and whitegold Colombianemerald and diamond drop earrings, price on application, George Pragnell (01789 267072; www.pragnell.co.uk) Hefner velvet Après Ski slippers, £180, French Sole (01189 888800; www. frenchsole.com)

‘This is the waistcoat you’ll wish you’d had forever,’ boasts Henry Hales of Sir Plus, the company that makes gents’ garments out of ‘cabbage’ fabric— top-quality factory offcuts that would otherwise go to waste. Zip this beauty up underneath your...