Brown is in town
Piccadilly has long been the haunt of modish gents, ever since the private members’ clubs chose the area to call their own. Clothing outfitters rub alongside nicely and now is the turn of Oliver Brown, which has ‘popped up’ on Piccadilly Arcade
BEST known for the Lower Sloane Street shop, which tends to every need of a gent—be it shooting gear, a slick city suit or Royal Ascot tails and top hats—a small but perfectly formed new venture in Piccadilly by Oliver Brown showcases its classic offerings to a new audience that might not make it to Chelsea.
‘Existing customers have brought friends along here to show them the brand,’ explains Kristian Ferner Robson, Oliver Brown’s impeccably dressed owner (even though he arrived today by bicycle). ‘They might be buying something a little different in the arcade pop-up.’
This time of year is when the smoking jacket comes into its own
Oliver Brown has the largest collection of evening wear, particularly smoking jackets, certainly in the UK if not the world, and this time of year is when the smoking jacket comes into its own. They can be worn with everything, but savvy types are wearing them instead of traditional black tie to give them an edge and be more comfortable, too. Here, they have four colours and eight styles, the most popular at the moment being the navy Nehru style (without frogging). ‘I personally think they are nicer than classic black-tie jackets,’ enthuses the proprietor. ‘I only wear a smoking style for black tie now.’ Worn with tartan trews or needlecords, this is the ultimate winterseason multi-tasker to keep you looking dapper. ‘What makes us stand out from the rest in this arcade is the price point,’ confesses Mr Ferner Robson. ‘Our smoking jackets are some £200 less than others, but we don’t sacrifice on quality.’
With warmer weather now commonplace, layering is key, and the gilet is incredibly popular. Here, you’ll find all the country field garb you could need—perfect for grabbing something last minute for a shooting weekend, or their hand-stitched ‘pissed’ ‘missed’ shooting socks make a quirky present. This really is a one-stop shop for all a gentleman’s clothing wishes. ‘We even make bespoke boxer shorts now,’ continues Mr Ferner Robson.
At the Piccadilly Arcade pop-up, if you want a different size, style or you’ve spotted something online, it can be whizzed over within 25 minutes from the Lower Sloane Street shop—if that isn’t top-notch service, I don’t know what is.
Oliver Brown Pop-up, 12, Piccadilly Arcade, London SW1, until January 8 (020–7259 9494; www.oliverbrown.org.uk)