‘Could we meet up and talk tailoring?’ I asked. ’How about Tuesday night over a gin and tonic,’ was David’s reply. This response fit perfectly with my image of him, smart moustache, sharp eyes and of course, tailored to perfection

At home pictured before the landscape of England’s rolling Mendip hills, or the city’s tall Georgian buildings. Like one of his muses, Jack from The Ethicurean, ‘a man about town and country,’ he says. Brown in Town provide bespoke answers to sartorial requirements, whether they be a wedding suit, a business suit or lounge suit, jacket or slacks.  It’s a lifestyle, love of quality cloths and desire for something to last year after year. So meet David, Gin and tonic – Hendricks with a slice of cucumber – at the ready. 

How has the response been?
The response has been overwhelming at times. I am always humbled when we are contacted by those interested in our services who have either been referred, have discovered us online or have seen one of our signature posters or calling cards around town. Customers whom I dress but once a year often contact me to share how much they enjoyed reading our blogs and columns and how informative they are, moreover, what a break from the norm’ it was. And I am eternally grateful for every commission we receive; you are only as good as your last suit, but, moreover, it means that you have met a likeminded human being.

Please describe the service and style Brown in Town offers a groom to be and their companions?
Brown in Town prides itself on offering advice on style as well as dress and seeks to encourage our customers to explore which look will work best for them personally. We are interested to know what the style of the wedding is, as well as the colour scheme, so that we can make informed suggestions as to which cloth or cut will be most suitable, but above all, will be most flattering. Once we have ascertained what the groom will wear, we then discuss what the groomsmen will wear – whether Brown in Town is dressing them or not – and what will set the tone for the wedding photos, which, ultimately, is what dressing groomsmen is all about: controlling the imagery.

What sort of style of tailoring are your customers leaning towards?
The most sought after style for a wedding suit takes its inspiration from vintage clothing and therefore three-piece flannel and tweed suits are most popular, as they provide just such a look. 

Have you seen an increase in those wanting to have tailored suits – not just for their wedding?
Bespoke tailoring is nothing if not addictive.

How do you find being an independent business? And specifically in Bristol?
Having vowed never to work for myself again (never say never), this time around I am enjoying it immensely. It takes a lot of time and effort to man the pumps, as well as be responsible for sailing the ship too. But, aside keeping one’s books, there is not an element that I do not genuinely enjoy and get excited about; whether it be designing suits, entertaining our customers, sharing daily inspiration on social media, scribing blogs and articles or just getting dressed in the morning. It helps having a wardrobe full of clothes that you designed, obviously. Bristol is a hotbed of creativity and has become a thriving community of start-ups and pop-ups but, encouragingly, given our penchant for graffiti art, not so many throw-ups (graffiti term for painting over another artist’s piece). It reminds me of South Beach, Miami and Shoreditch in London where it feels that if you have an authentic idea and are passionate enough and hard working enough to share it with the world, you can make it happen here.

What’s the future for Brown in Town?
Right now, I am very happy to build on the success of our first year. We have just relocated our studio and atelier to the basement of Bangshanky (barbers – you heard it here first) on Colston Steet and we will continue with our monthly residency at the Hoxton Hotel in London. We are interested in collaborating with other purveyors of authentic craft and will not be limiting ourselves to concerns of the cloth: so architecture, design and personal style. 

Brown in Town
Bangshanky basement
Colston Street
Bristol
BS1 5BB

Suits start from £749

www.brownintown.co.uk

Remco Merbis http://merbis.com/ images