• Men's Style

FashionBeans Q&A: Readers’ Questions – February 2015

We Answer Your Questions

Staying up to date and in the know can prove a tiresome and time-consuming task, so we took some of your personal fashion and style queries to an industry insider who knows his stuff. Resident style consultant and founder of men’s style blog The Chic Geek, Marcus Jaye answers your questions in this month’s FashionBeans Q&A…

The Churchill Effect

“I’ve been inspired by Winston Churchill’s style, after seeing all the programmes commemorating his death, recently. What do you think about his style, and how could I update it for today?” As befits a statesman, Churchill’s style was entwined with that distinctive Savile Row classicism that still resonates today. As an aristocrat, Sir Winston obviously had the budget to afford, and the jam-packed social calendar to warrant, an extensive wardrobe of tailoring. Churchill’s personal style was in part dictated by etiquette and social standing, but also characterised by his penchant for customisation – much of his wardrobe was bespoke. Fashion and, particularly, menswear is continually referencing the 1920s and 1930s – when Churchill was alive and arguably at his most visible – so many of his wardrobe staples are still entirely relevant today. To commemorate fifty years since the British Bulldog’s death, British heritage brand Turnbull & Asser have produced a Churchill Collection, which includes reproductions of pieces he commissioned and wore from the company, as well as items emblazoned with images of the man himself (we’re big fans of the pocket squares):

Turnbull & Asser Churchill Collection

The Siren Suit

One of Churchill’s most iconic pieces made in collaboration with Turnbull & Asser is the siren suit – something Churchill designed himself and was dubbed a ‘romper’ by his children. It is essentially a smart boiler suit, made to wear in the Cabinet War Rooms during the Second World War. If you’re looking to emulate the Bulldog’s aesthetic today, Turnbull & Asser are currently offering two siren suits as part of its made-to-measure service at its Jermyn Street store: one in Johnston’s of Elgin Donegal wool trimmed with leather covered buttons and lined with the original Churchill silk spot; the other in 14oz navy wool fox flannel with a peak lapel and top welt opening pocket. Alternatively, you can turn to Mr Porter’s limited edition Kingsman collection, which features a grey pinstripe siren suit in wool – Sir Winston famously wore a pinstripe version for wartime duties.

Turnbull & Asser Have Reproduced Churchill’s Iconic Siren Suit

FYI: The original Siren Suit created by Turnbull & Asser for Winston Churchill can be seen at London’s Science Museum as part of the commemorative exhibition, Churchill: Science in War and Peace, until 1st March 2015.

The Churchill Spot

If the siren suit is a little too ostentatious a homage for you, then give a nod to Sir Winston’s style with the signature Churchill spot – a classic white polka dot pattern on a background of deep navy. This motif will never go out of fashion and looks particularly sophisticated on ties, pocket squares and silk scarves. Otherwise, stick to classically British tailoring and don’t forget to accessorise with a Homburg hat – I’d lose the anti-social cigar though!

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  Do you have any burning questions for our style advisor? Drop them in the comments section below, submit them via our dedicated contact form, or tweet us using #FBQA. Who knows, you might make it into March’s edition of the FashionBeans Q&A.

  

  Marcus Jaye