Chapal USAAF jacket: How great things age

February 9th 2022

  I think this Chapal jacket holds the record for the review most frequently requested, yet never fulfilled. I do apologise – the past two winters I have meant to shoot and cover it, and things have always got in the way. The upsi...

Chapal USAAF jacket: How great things age

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Yes I'd certainly wear an Oxford like that with it, though probably not with loafers...

Casual clothing - JacketsFebruary 9th 2022

Retrospecs gold, Chapal sheep, Informale twill, L...

September 18th 2019

So, there was a pair of Retrospecs sunglasses. From the 1930s - originals, as all Retrospecs are. In rolled gold, not the cheaper-looking gold plate. Filigree work around the frame - all of which is different for each tiny batch. Perfect fit. But I ...

Retrospecs gold, Chapal sheep, Informale twill, L...

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No problem Stanley, and I hope you get many years of happy wear out of it...

Casual clothing - Glasses and jewellerySeptember 18th 2019

Paris: A sartorial shopping guide – 2019 up...

July 22nd 2019

There are some interesting things going on in French menswear. Although France has generally been the poor cousin to Britain and Italy here, in the last 30 years it seemed to get worse. Most of the good shops closed (Old England, Arnys) and accordin...

Paris: A sartorial shopping guide – 2019 up...

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Hey Mo, I would be suspicious about bespoke at that price point, yes. To be honest, I think you're better off going for really good MTM at that price, rather than risking bespoke and it not turning out as you expected. I...

July 22nd 2019

The pop-up shop is back in September, with six ne...

July 19th 2019

  I’m pleased to say that the ‘Permanent Style Presents’ pop-up shop will be back on Savile Row in September, featuring six new brands, and a dedicated week for Bryceland’s. We will be in the same place, in the same...

The pop-up shop is back in September, with six ne...

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Hi Jonathan, It's not I'm afraid, but this is all really useful. I did try a prototype of the sweater in grey but the melange is not great in a fine merino sweater like this - not like a normal mid-weight cashmere. Out o...

July 19th 2019

A Pitti diary: The experience, the brands, the pa...

June 19th 2019

Pitti is a long trade show: four full days, when most are usually three. As a result, by Friday everyone is exhausted, with selling, talking, and late dinners. Although it does depend on why you’re there. Most people fall into one of three gro...

A Pitti diary: The experience, the brands, the pa...

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Thanks. De Bonne Facture are lovely - not always my kind of style, but they make great pieces...

Bags - Casual clothingJune 19th 2019

Begg, J. Girdwood and The Rake (Chapal, Sciamat, ...

December 1st 2017

First off, I need to mention that the J.Girdwood website is finally up and active. Anyone that has been into the first or second pop-ups will have seen James (above) and his J.Girdwood range of products. They include some Permanent Style favourites...

Begg, J. Girdwood and The Rake (Chapal, Sciamat, ...

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Perhaps a mid or pale brown? Also stronger colours like oranges and reds, if that's your style...

Casual clothing - Hanks and scarvesDecember 1st 2017

Chapal made-to-measure leather jacket, Paris

September 5th 2016

Fans of vintage clothing should love Chapal. They’re using the same leathers, the same linings, the same hardware they supplied to the French and US airforces 100 years ago. When I wrote about fellow French leather-specialist Seraphin earlier ...

Chapal made-to-measure leather jacket, Paris

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Oh good. Glad to hear that too Johann...

Casual clothingSeptember 5th 2016

Chapal leather jackets, France

July 29th 2015

Chapal are a old, high-quality French producer of leather jackets and coats. They make a few things that won’t be to readers’ tastes (T-shirts, painted chairs) but it’s worth turning a blind eye to that and focusing on...

Chapal leather jackets, France

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If money is tighter, perhaps shearling isn't the best route - a more rugged leather might be better. Also bear in mind that shearling and leather and suede are really luxury materials - I wouldn't get a cheap version, ju...

Casual clothingJuly 29th 2015