Dashing Tweeds, purveyors of just that, designed and made in the UK, has opened a bricks and mortar shop. It's at 26, Sackville Street, within spitting distance (not that anyone expectorates around there) of London's Savile Row. Here's a shot I took of DT's co-founder, Guy Hills, posing in the rain in the doorway - clad head to toe in Dashing Tweeds' products.
Although I dropped in without any warning I was warmly greeted and shown the shop and collection by Guy and his colleague, Holly. The shop positively crackles with creativity and it's an exciting experience being shown the rolls of tweed and the ready to wear clothes.
 |
| Musettes, showing a wonderful range of Dashing Tweed colours and designs |
Guy and his business partner, Kirsty McDougall, tweed designer extraordinaire, have created tweeds that are so different in feel, design, colour and texture that it's fair to say that they have revolutionised the humble cloth. There are tweeds made with merino that is so soft that they feel supremely comfortable when worn. Other tweeds have reflective threads woven into them, ideal for the cyclist or night stalker. Most have designs and colours new to the tweed world.
I'm hoping to visit Kirsty in the next few weeks to find out how she designs new tweeds; I'll report back in due course.
I'm hoping to visit Kirsty in the next few weeks to find out how she designs new tweeds; I'll report back in due course.
 |
| Dashing Tweeds caps - tweed colours and checks that you won't have seen before |
I tried on a merino-based Donegal tweed pea coat. This is the sort of garment that is idea for an older chap looking for a bit of style. It's not outrageous, but it's different - a skilfully-designed take on the traditional nautical pea coat. Double-breasted, but not, it has subtly-hidden pockets along the front seams, poppers instead of cuff buttons and the sort of soft, draping, comfortable cut and cloth that makes it feel as though the coat is bespoke.
There was also a sublime Donegal tweed Raglan-sleeve overcoat that made me weep because I don't own it. For that and more Dashing Tweeds goodies see their website or visit 26, Sackville Street, London.
There was also a sublime Donegal tweed Raglan-sleeve overcoat that made me weep because I don't own it. For that and more Dashing Tweeds goodies see their website or visit 26, Sackville Street, London.
 |
| I tried to sneak off with this lovely pea coat, but Guy noticed unfortunately |
 |
| Pea coat cuffs - showing the rich colours in the merino-mix tweed |
 |
| Nautical influence - pea coat and duffel bag - the originals would have been humbler in design and materials |