It's rare to come across a men's retail outlet with such a clear vision as that of The Mandon Store's.
Henry Shackleton, Mike Flanagan and Douglas Coates - the site's founding fathers - all share a deep passion for high quality clothing and accessories, not transient fashion but classic and contemporary pieces which exude quality, outstanding design and often, great heritage.
The chaps aren't interested in stuffing the site with trendy new garms and extensive new ranges. They are interested in delivering quality craftmanship and reigniting some classic designs.
"We are currently busy talking with a number of brands about bringing some classics back to the market, from bags to tops to belts," insists Coates. "We intend to work very hard to build a range of outstanding exclusives over time. It is a key policy that the store will never add a brand or product just to fill a range gap, every single product is chosen on its own merits, against the very stringent criteria we set."
Have a browse around www.themandonstore.com and you'll see what he means. There's love, care and passion here. When you click 'Add to Shopping Bag' here you're purchasing a slice of design history - and you'll look the bollocks to boot.
Some of the carefully selected brands on offer are nothing short of ace. You can imagine all the world's great explorers, travellers, drinkers and shaggers at some point adorning the garms and adhering to The Mandon Store ethic.
Brands for launch include:
AERTEX
ALTERNATIVE APPAREL
CZECH & SPEAKE
EDWIN
EDWIN JAGGER
FOX UMBRELLAS
FILSON
GARBSTORE
GRENSON
JOHN SMEDLEY
LEE ORIGINALS
NAPAPIJRI
NATURAL SELECTION
POINTER
RANDOLPH ENGINEERING
RHODES WOOD
SUPERGA
VINTAGE SWISS WATCHES
We want to wear some Edwin ED-47s, a light Aertex shirt, some Grenson Derby brogues and gold-rimmed Randolphs down the pub RIGHT NOW, wallow in the admiring glances and get gradually tainted in the ensemble of the Gods.
It hasn't always been like this for us though. Far from it. You only learn what's great by regretting buying what's not-so-great, reading about what's better, swapping ideas with likeminded experimentors and eventually settling on brands that fit, last and look fucking cool.
The Mandon Store's a great place to browse and discover pieces you hadn’t seen before, which helps with the above. They've also included the The Mandon Journal, which will contain quality editorial on key topics, including an insight and understanding of men’s fragrances, a workshop on the complex subject of denim, a piece on vintage luggage and regular additions as they go forward.
As we say, after years of dabbling with men's style and fashion we have a limited amount of high street stores and bookmarked online outlets that we trust and regularly buy from. The Mandon Store jostles for position right at the top of that list.
Aertex Gerodi Shirt - The Gerodi Aertex shirt is a timeless slim block with small collar. This particular check is great with dark jeans, and the navy with red really compliments the brown throughout. These styles have very subtle detailing, from the single strap button chest pocket to the hidden button down collar . BUY HERE
Edwin ED47 regular Kiso wash - Edwin ED47 is the classic regular fit, slightly smarted than the ED39, with a higher drop and slimmer leg. With all the original Edwin detailing, the kiso wash is similar to a raw but has been pre-shrunk and is a very soft 12oz denim, ready to wear . BUY HERE
Grenson Archie brogue - From one of Britain's most celebrated shoe-makers comes the Archie brogue shoe. This is a traditional styled shoe, on a heavier platform, a closed Oxford shaped lace construction and 3 layer leather Goodyear welted sole. Made from premium waxed leather and with its chunky sole unit the Archie will be with you for many years to come . BUY HERE
Natural Selection Equator jean - bruised wash - The Equator is Natural Selection's slightly more detailed offering. A straight regular fit made from the finest Japanese Kurabo denim. NS is the new kid on the block that can surely pack a punch and is here to stay
. BUY HERE
North Sea Submariner - The Submariner sweater was War Office issue to the Royal Navy in both World Wars. In the 1950s motorcyclists adopted them to wear under jackets as the conditions changed into winter. These types of garments were only available to buy from army surplus stores until very recently when a Mr Starr of London decided to recreate the classic style using a more up to date fit, by lengthening the arms past the mid fore arm. These classic tops are really bang-on authentic - in style, materials and finish. Timeless and very tasty - you'll need a pair of binoculars and a weathered look to do one of these justice. BUY HEREl
Randolph Engineering Aviator - finest and coolest aviator anywhere, ever. The quality needs to be seen, handled and worn to be appreciated. With tons of credentials in the US military, and a long list of Hollywood icons that wear them on and off screen, REs are nicely different but packed with 'cool'. BUY HERE
Burlington - The classic design for Burlington socks originates from the tartan of the Scottish Campbell clans, led by the Duke of Argyle. The design was much used in the golfing dress of the early 1900s, both for jerseys and for the long socks needed for the plus-four trouser fashion of the day.
BUY HERE
Czech & Speak - A favorite with men and Czech & Speake's signature fragrance, No.88 is a truly English scent. No88 takes its name from the original address of the Czech and Speake showroom on Jermyn Street.
BUY HERE
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