Never in the history of The Hambledon have we had quite so many men on the payroll. Rob usually has the sole responsibility for flying the flag for his gender. With Richard and Jasper now stalwart shop boys, it seemed the perfect time to get their views on this season’s collection in The Basement. Here they pick, and model, their favourites.
Rob has been here since our 10th Birthday Party, 11 years ago, which was an initiation by fire (tales of which he may or may not tell). He runs The Basement, looking after buying across all our menswear brands (from seeking out the new to consolidating the established) and taking care of the majority of shop floor sales. Rob’s super power is his ability to find a connection with anyone and everyone.
Rob is getting ready for Winter with oversized, textured layers. This is essentially daytime pyjamas. We’ve all worn comfy clothes for an extended period this year and it’s a hard habit to break. This is ‘go to work, go home and go to the pub if you are lucky enough to be able to’ 7 day a week wear.
Rob’s wearing:
Portuguese Flannel Reversible Gabardine Coat ►
Rob is listening to Sault, the new Groove Armada, the new Roisin Murphy and Nemone, standing in for Lauren Laverne on 6 Music. He’s watching Repair Shop on BBC.
Richard has come full circle. Previously a Sunday Menswear Hambledoner, Richard moved on to work for Nigel Cabourn and Garbstore in London, before returning to us in a new incarnation as Logistics Manager a year ago. Richard is the nicest man in retail.
Richard is keeping warm this Winter. The Nanamica coat is, as Richard puts it “Ridiculous, the warmest coat we have ever, ever sold”. He’s wearing these threads to his imaginary allotment to tend his imaginary veg and then he’s going to the real pub where he can comfortably sit in the real pub garden in these uncertain times.
Richard’s wearing:
Universal Works Pleated Track Pant ►
Richard is listening to Worldwide FM. He’s watching Succession (he’s late to this particular party). He’s reading Billy Connolly Tall Tales.
Jasper is our weekend helper who made himself indispensable and now works full on full time. Find Jasper in The Basement, in the Attic and on the Ground Floor. He is very adaptable.
In Jasper's own words, because we can't improve on his mad similes:
"I’m a huge fan of Autumn from fresh mornings to crispy leaves and wanted to capture that in the outfit I chose. I wanted it to be something warming like a leek and potato soup with thick sliced bread or crumble that’s drowning in custard.
I’m in love to with the YMC Curtis shirt this season, the fabric is amazing with an incredible pattern that looks classic but done in a contemporary way that pairs great with the Barbour cords. The cords are the perfect option for extra warmth and comfort whilst complementing the Stepney Workers club Dellow beautifully with a taper that sits on the shoes nicely. The Taion vest was a no brainer as it is cosy, warm and ties in with the other orange hues and give a little pop of colour under the Clark Overcoat. A good overcoat is like a superhero’s cape, making anything look good especially when worn more casually not to mention it’s like wearing a warm blanket. All the previous effort to be toastie would be wasted if I didn’t have something for my neck as well. The Taion muffler is a perfect option if you are like me and want a convenient thing that lives inside a coat pocket or bag, ready to deploy at a moment's notice. I like to travel light with only a few daily essentials but can’t stand having things in pockets like keys or loose change as you inevitably end up sitting on them so the Carhartt bag is ideal for to keep a few bits in whilst not feeling encumbered plus it matches the shoes too. I feel like this outfit covers all bases where you can add or take away elements to suit any occasion. Perfect for a frosty morning walk or a chilly night around a bonfire never feeling under or over dressed."
Jasper's always listening to a bit of everything but is particularly enjoying My Favourite Mistake by Esther Rose, Love What Survives by Mount Kimbie, Late Night Final by Richard Hawley and Who’s Gonna Save the World by Fathers Children. He's reading the castle by Franz Kafka as well as Johnny Marr's autobiography who has to be his biggest guitar inspiration and he's going back and watching some old favourites like Withnail and I as well as some newer stuff like The Invisible Man. He's also rewatching Flight of the Conchords which is a good laugh.
Jasper’s wearing:
