In times of economic uncertainty luxury consumers looks to timeless classics they know will hold their value and last for years as opposed to flash-in-the-pan trends and glitzy impulse buys. Witness the sudden increase in Rolex sales as Iceland's financial markets tanked, or the way the traditional tailors of Savile Row are weathering the crisis, which we wrote about in this space last week. In fact, the very basis of this column as you may recall is timeless style, enduring elegance, and true, built-to-last luxury as opposed to mere extravagance.
We think that London-based men's clothier and luxury goods firm Dunhill, which dates back to the 1890s, is well situated to weather the storm in similar style thanks to their espousal of these same values. That's a very good thing as the company recently opened two new flagship stores, in New York City and London. The 7,000-sq.-ft. NYC store (above), on the corner of Madison and 55th, replaces the old shop at 711 Fifth Avenue.
It carries the full range of Dunhill's luxe merchandise, including menswear, leathergoods, accessories, writing instruments, watches, gifts and games. The lower level houses Dunhill's custom-made menswear and leathergoods offerings, as well as a display of one-of-a-kind pieces from the firm's illustrious history such as Truman Capote's Dunhill tuxedo worn at his famed Black & White Ball in 1966, and original sketches of a Dunhill bespoke suit made for Frank Sinatra.
Throughout the store, "committed to advancing the pursuit of male indulgence," there are artful reminders of Dunhill's heritage and stylish references to the part the firm played in the golden age of motoring, echoed also in the design of items like a pair of steering wheel-shaped diamond cufflinks (see the gallery), driving-inspired clothing, and even certain furnishings. Everything is designed to reflect "the brand's pillars of masculinity, functionality, quality and Britishness."
The new London store meanwhile, located in an historic Georgian building called Bourdon House, formerly the residence of the Duke of Westminster, is billed as "the ultimate in masculine luxury and retail lifestyle." Spread over three floors, in addition to the full range of Dunhill offerings, Bourdon House features a selection of elegant museum pieces from the brand's archives; a men's spa with two treatment rooms and a traditional gentleman's barber; a private screening room; and of course a bar. Sounds pretty good, no? Our only question is, why didn't New York get a bar?
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