I’m probably showing my age here but I wilded away my childhood afternoons watching episodes of Mr. Benn as a child and I was amazed to discover recently that there was only ever 13 episodes produced by the Beeb !

David McKee painstakingly animated this beautiful, unique and much loved cartoon voiced by the inimitable Ian Lavender. To mark his 50th Birthday Gentleman’s outfitter Turnbull & Asser have exclusively collaborated with David McKee to produce a new range of Mr. Benn pocket squares, launching this September. In a limited edition run of 100 pieces per design, Mr. Benn takes the mantle as secret agent and international man of mystery, MI6’s very own James Bond

On working with Mr. Benn creator David McKee for the latest collaboration, Turnbull & Asser’s head of design, Dean Gomilsek-Cole said,

“This was our second chance to work with David, and he loved the idea of combining two very British characters to create a unique Mr. Benn story, so it made it even more special.”

We all know Mr Tom Ford is a true Master, in every sense of the word, when it comes to Promotion and pushing the boundaries to the limit in making the customer sit up and think, and in all honesty probably blush a tad. It’s fair to say the Advertising Complaints Commission are more than a little aware of Mr Ford and his Advertising Campaigns, Tom is real advocate to the ideal of SEX sells and whether it’s employed by him a during his tenure for the houses of Gucci, Yvette Saint Laurent or his signature brand one thing his been evident in all the accompanying promotional materials, they are all S E X Y.

Now, before I start waxing lyrical about his new fragrance I have to assure you this is no joke and only he could possibly get away, or will he, with the name of his new scent ? Ladies and Gentlemen can I kindly introduce you to the new Tom Ford FUCKING FABULOUS Fragrance. No that’s know me being passionate and some might say returning to my working class Mancunian roots, this is the title to his new limited edition Fragrance which will debuted at Ford’s catwalk(runway) show as part of New York Fashion Week.

Yes, FUCKING FABULOUS is a heady blend of Almond Bitter oil, Tonka Resinoid, Orris accord, Cashmeran, Leather Accord and Clary Sage oil to offer a genuinely unique aroma.

The Fragrance will be exclusively in the Tom Ford emporium in London’s Sloane Street.

So what you Fucking waiting for ?!?!

Having launched little over a year ago, Henry London has surpassed all expectations of it surpassing any targets the brand had set to monitor its success and as a result is now available in some 38 countries and rapidly growing.

As London itself or more specifically a watch that was found in the city’s Portobello Road street market, are the source of inspiration for the watches of Henry London. The latest edition to the expanding repertoire of timepieces are the brand’s first automatic collection which, designed in England, features skeleton detailing to the watch-face and 5ATM stainless steel case-back, providing a window to the jewelled, Japanese Miyota movement. This is an important leap into a market – which is often price prohibitive – as the brand have bought forward their rich London heritage with traditional aspects of watchmaking.

So in tribute to Henry’s original watch from 1965 from Portobello Road and with an approach that emphasises watchmaking heritage, the collections have been reinvented for a modern, contemporary, stylish consumer living in today’s society.

We haven’t had a textual conversation for a while, that wasn’t meant to sound stalker-ish in any way, shape or form, I promise, so here you go, the start of a new season and a return of a favourite.

Today’s textual conversation is first in a series of conversations where we highlight some of the individuals who play a key role in shaping the way many of us dress and how our wardrobe will fare for the coming seasons. Over the next couple month we will be profiling a number of individuals in key positions in leading retailers. First up is Julian Fuller, (see above) Head of Menswear Design at Debenhams. Julian’s first job after graduating from the first Menswear Degree in Europe was in Italy with Denim Supremo, Diesel. He then worked as a supplier to Retail giant, Next, and spent 6 years designing and developing Menswear (eventually specialising in Mens Denim) out of Turkey, Sri Lanka, Hong Kong and Shanghai, which lead him to his currently Employer, Debenhams who lured him to head up the development of Mens Denim for them. More recently he was promoted to Head of all Menswear, including their hugely successful Designers at Debenhams, which includes ranges from such Fashion heavyweights as Jasper Conran, Patrick Grant and John Rocha. So let’s see what Julian’s got to say.

Best piece of advise you’ve ever been given and by whom?

“Make your mistakes with someone else’s money” – Tim Wallinger. It was 1999, not long after graduating and I trying to decide whether I should set up my own brand or take a job offer… The rest as they say is history.

What track would always get you on the dance floor ?

‘I get around’ by 2Pac… I’m not particularly a 2Pac fan but this tune has the best beat.

What’s your Favourite movie ever ?

I wish it was ‘Scarface’ by Brian de Palma, but it’s actually a cheesy 80’s Steve Martin RomCom called ‘All of me’ (wow this interview is better than therapy).

If you could collaborate with one brand who would it be ?

Aitor Throup – In my opinion he’s a rare breed. A designers designer akin to Massimo Osti, and a true creative that’s not contrained by one medium or area of design.

If you could live anywhere where would it be ?

London… I’ve been lucky enough to have visited most countries in the world, but nothing feels like home.

Favourite hotel in the world ?

I love Paris, and the ‘Hotel Providence’ near Le Marais is a joy. You even have your own in room cocktail bar!!

If you could give your teenage self advice, what would it be ?

Don’t sell all your star wars toys at the boot sale

How did you get into the industry, what was your big break ?

It was with a garment supplier called Nashville owned by Mark & Neil Lindsay… I started on January 2nd 2000, and the next day I was on a Plane to Istanbul Turkey. It was supposed to be a 2 day work trip, but I ended up staying 10 days… The whole experience was so intense but I leaned a lot.

How do spent your free time ?

Outside of the norm like trying new resturants (I love food), bars and overdosing on Netflix I’m currently teaching my 9 year old son how to play golf… I’ve also got a residency DJing at the Dragon Bar in Shoreditch.

What music are you listening to at the moment ?

I Mostly listen to 90’s Hip hop, and 70’s rare groove (I just went to Chris Sullivan’s Wag night at the Groucho Club) but I’m enjoying Childish Gambino’s new album, and the new Anderson .Paak collaboration (Nx Worries).Who would do you ideal diner guests ?

I can’t decide between Muhammad Ali or Steve Jobs? Or Donald trump? You never know, maybe he’s just misunderstood (Joke)

What piece of clothing would you relegate to Room 101 ?

I don’t think you can relegate any clothing, everything has the right to it’s moment in time, and you need something crazy for the mainstream media to focus on… You’d also take away the fun of laughing at those pieces, and the confusion of when they’re back on trend.

What do you have to do after this conversation ?

I’ve got a about S/S18 socks meeting.

What would you like to be doing after this conversation ?

Drinking in an Old Fashioned.

What piece of clothing best describes you ?

Straight jacket (HaHa)… I’m not sure, but if you asked someone else they’d Probably say a waistcoat… as I wear one almost every day.

WORDS BY ISAAC PERRY

Just when you think surely the appetite for collaborations must be drying up, you hear of yet another to whet the aforementioned appetite for them. This time in the rather shapely form of Off white x Nike. The name for the collaboration is influenced by the ten sneakers created by the duo, it’s one of the most sort after alliances of recent years and it is due to the absolute dominance of the street wear scene.

The partnership showcases classic silhouettes including the retro Jordan 1 Chicago all the way through to one of their most recent releases in the Nike air vapormax.

Celebrities and social media influencers alike including A$AP Rocky and Luka Sabbat have been seen wearing specifically the Jordan 1. This has built extreme interest surrounding the collaboration after being worn at Paris fashion week.

Off white is primarily known for it’s high end street wear fashion, founded by Virgil Abloh former art director for artists including Jay-Z and Kanye West, the Milan based fashion label has been dominating the luxury streetwear fusion scene since 2014.
Nike on the other hand is one of the world’s most classic sneaker suppliers, consistently leading the way in its industry and now these two power houses are collaborating to create a ten part sneaker collection which is set to take over the streetwear industry.

Separated into two different themes, ‘REVEALING’ which will include the Air Jordan 1, Nike Blazer mid, Nike Air Max 90, Nike Air Presto and Nike Air VaporMaxich will be pre-released at multiple NikeLab locations during SS18 fashion week in New York, London, Milan and Paris.
Also the second group ‘GHOSTING’ which will include the Nike air max 97, Nike React Hyper Dunk 2017, Converse Chuck Taylor and Nike Zoom Fly SP and can be found in Nike lab and select stores world wide.

Virgil Abloh himself has been quoted remarking these shoes amongst some of the greatest of all time;
“These 10 shoes have broken barriers in performance and style. To me, they are on the same level as a sculpture of David or the Mona Lisa. You can debate it all you want, but they mean something. And that’s what’s important.”