Store Stories: Connolly England

Fashion : News

11 March 2019

Because there’s no place quite like the Great British high street – from its niche independents, to seasonal Pop Ups and those expansive yet elegant department stores – Because Magazine is on a mission to champion the bricks-and-mortar of London in all its glory. Each week, we’ll beeline to the rails of our favourite retailers to scope out the must-have pieces and in-store exclusives that are more than worth making an effort for.

This week, we’re at Connolly England – where Retail Director, Ivan Calderon, and Stefanie Olivia Sneddon (Collections Manager) are introducing us to their standout picks from the Mayfair institution.

What… Double-breasted Tasmanian wool suit.

Because… This suit is flattering in so many ways and epitomises what we’re about in the classic collection, in terms of providing something that’s gender fluid. The jacket’s shoulders are accentuated but not too exaggerated, so as to provide comfort. With most double-breasted jackets, when opened, you’ll have all the fabric flowing out of the front so they can feel a little disjointed – but this one is the contrary. You can have it open and it still frames the centre as though you are wearing a single-breasted style.

In terms of the trousers, these are one of our best styles. They have a drape and a wide leg, which will look fantastic while you’re walking; they’re crafted in Tasmanian wool, which has a particular weight, and that’s what gives them a nice fall. Leather suede shoes, your heels and bag, your silk shirt or your cashmere jumper... Whatever you wear with them will accentuate the luxury around them.

What... Duffle bag.

Because... Taking its influence from a military boat bag, this duffle style has been elevated with a finishing of soft, grained leather. It gives it a great feel and texture. All of the metalwork is done separately; we’ll never take stock metal work. Here, it’s depicting our traditional, heritage crest.

What… "Art" cardigan.

Because... Finished in one of the finest Italian cashmeres and made in Scotland – the native of our designer Lorraine McClymont Acornley – we called this piece the “Art cardigan”, because we had David Hockney in mind when creating it. He wears his cardigans in a nice bright colour, but he has always made it look cool and refreshed. Lorraine has a wealth of knowledge in terms of the best local manufacturers, and furthermore testifies that the Scottish water’s pH value is much softer on the fibres. This look has a really clean drape and the tension on both the cuffs and along the bottom of the cardigan means that it rests really well on the body and sleeves.

Support bricks and mortar: Visit Connolly England, 4 Clifford Street, Mayfair, W1S 2LG.