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ESSENTIALLY HAWKES
Dare I say, the recent cult television programme Mad Men has given us a glimpse back to the days when men were self-assured and wore their city clothes with quiet elegance. It was an age where the pocket square was proudly displayed, men's fingernails were clean and their shoes were solid and shiny. Great news then, that traditional norms for dressing men are making a comeback.
Russell Scott Lawson, owner of
Hawkes Essentials in Cardiff's Morgan Arcade, is ahead of the game with his independent gentlemen's outfitters. Russell describes Hawkes as a high end boutique for the modern urban man, offering elegant, timeless classic clothing and contemporary stylish brands. Coupled with unrivalled service and attention to detail it's understandable that stylish men go there for clothing that sets them apart.
He and his staff are there to help anyone who feels sartorially challenged and Russell believes that men are never more than a few basic items away from being stylish and well-dressed. For the man who needs to be suited and booted, look no further than good tailoring. You can be assured of good quality off-the-peg suiting at Hawkes that can be altered to give a great fit. Any man who wants to stand out from the crowd will probably want to go for bespoke tailoring which allows for more of a free reign when it comes to detailing like lapels, colour of lining, stitching and button holes. Russell says that a discerning eye can spot the quality of a suit just by the way it falls and drapes.
Right now, the team are really excited about the recent introduction of designer suits by the innovative and creative designer Gresham Blake - one of the hottest names in tailoring for men and women.
This particular designer specialises in contemporary styling with a more relaxed fit and finish than typical of a traditional Saville Row tailor. Russell still maintains that nothing beats classic British tailoring, but today's man wants to ring the changes with suits that reflect their individuality, personality and ever-changing lifestyles. Hawkes Essentials offers the full Gresham Blake bespoke and made-to-measure service which has a growing A List celebrity following and is set to be big this autumn.
Of course, Russell recognises that the biggest problem men face, is knowing how to fulfil the 'smart casual' dress code. As he explains, "It's a real black hole in styling terms and is the trickiest to pull off as it involves a bit more creativity. In addition, men want to look different when they leave the office and often fall short on the casual and leisure wear." This is where Hawkes Essentials satisfy the needs of any man wanting to ring the changes or those wanting to maintain a sense of timeless casual style, yet with that urban edge. They champion a gentleman's right to express his individuality by stocking quality labels such as Matinique, Sand, Grenson, Milena, Gibson, Boateng, Camel Active and Remus Uomo to name a few.
Whether men are looking for a formal or more relaxed look, Russell emphasises that it is essential they accessorise with good quality belts, shoes and socks. "It's the smallest details that appeal to our customers to ensure an effortless yet groomed look." If all this sounds a bit too fanciful, then rest assured there is nothing intimidating about Hawkes Essentials or the brands they sell. Russell is quick to point out that they are there to help anyone who prefers unhurried and individual service that is all too lacking in high street stores. There is no one-size-fits-all approach here; instead you will find a team who are willing to spend time with you, ensuring that you invest in something that will look good for a long time. Plus, anyone who is worried that setting foot in an independent men's boutique will render them a slave to fashion, then fear not; Hawkes Essentials literally sells 'the essentials' - outstanding quality tailoring and clothing at a range of prices, shirts, ties, shoes and accessories.
Russell likes to keep things simple - wearable clothes that can be worn with a little individuality and labels that separate you from the crowd without you becoming a designer clothes horse. And his final top tip - a good quality coat and a trilby or fedora if you dare!
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