Best Of British at The VQ

Best Of British at The VQ

There’s no denying that 2012 has turned out to be a top year for Britain. The nation has flown the flag at a list of world-class events, witnessing global success for the Brits in front of an international audience of millions. The Diamond Jubilee celebrations, Wiggins’ triumphant Tour de France win and an awesome Olympic extravaganza has beamed Britain at its very best to the four corners of the globe………even the odd downpour couldn’t dampen the spirits as union jack flags flew high.     

Yet, it’s not only the sovereign and sport that have celebrated a starring spotlight role…… step forward suits, shoes and a stunning showcase of British style.

The VQ is proud to have under one roof some of the country’s finest tailoring, as well as quality footwear and essential accessories, made by British designers and craftsmen. The mood of the moment reflects a demand for investing in timeless pieces that are unique and can be worn time and time again.

“Whilst the wheel of fashion continues to spin, dapper remains very much the done thing and that's great for bespoke tailoring”, enthuses the VQ’s James Michelsberg of Michelsberg Tailoring. “A suit can bring gravitas and sex appeal. It can make you look taller, slimmer and adds an air of mystery. The cloth and cut of a man’s suit can provide a window to his very soul, making a statement about who he is, or, who he wants to be.”

When Sam Hall, Sales Associate at the VQ’s Church’s English Shoes received an invitation to a wedding, he realised this was the time to pursue a ten year dream of owning a bespoke tailor made suit. The three-piece masterpiece would be the perfect accompaniment for his iconic Chetwynd Brogues from Church’s English Shoes. Accomplishing a head to toe look that would be completely personal to him and reflect his unique style.

“I know James Michelsberg from working at The Victoria Quarter. James is extremely friendly and we’ve always got on well, and Michelsberg Tailoring had been recommended to me by numerous customers who often buy Church’s shoes to complement their tailoring”, explains Sam Hall of Church’s Shoes. ”I’d wanted a classic suit making from being 14 years old. So I saved up and a decade on  I’ve got my bespoke creation.”

  

Sam’s dashing attire is a three-piece suit made from a grey traditional English flannel from Huddersfield’s J & J Minnis, with a subtle pattern in the weave. It’s cut in a contemporary way – the jacket is shorter in the length, with slim sleeves, cut away fronts, narrow lapels, smaller pocket flaps and a skinny out-breast-welt. It has working cuffs, burgundy silk lining, with a flash of silk behind the cuff vent, secret pockets, black leather buttons and black coloured button holes. The waistcoat is very fitted with a high opening and the trousers are cut slim with a low rise, very narrow bottoms and a flap on the pocket.

“The tailoring process was not only what I’d expected but much more”, enthuses Sam. “It was intimate yet informal, and such a great experience chatting to James Michelsberg about the design and discussing ideas. It actually became quite addictive having that personal input and seeing something being created that was going to be exclusively mine”.

Obviously a perfect match, Sam’s original idea of a classic suit but with a contemporary twist resulted in the culmination of a modern design created from a traditional material that had a 1930s look and feel to it.

Pleased with the process, but what about the final result?

“The suit is amazing in every way, the fit and the texture are perfect. I love the way it hangs on my body and suits my shape. James Michelsberg stitched my name and the month that it was created into the inside of the jacket and trousers, this is a fabulous personal touch that I absolutely love,” explains Sam. “It’s without doubt the most perfect suit I’ve ever owned. It truly makes me feel a million dollars. I’ve now got ideas for my second bespoke suit, so I think I need to get saving!”

Accessorised with a Church’s tie, cufflinks and 100% cotton socks, as well as a James Michelsberg tie-pin, the whole ensemble is the very best of British design and all available at The VQ.

Church’s Shoes uses the finest craftsmen to manufacture their fine gentlemen’s shoes in the heart of England. Their beautiful shoes are the essence of everything English, from the fine leather uppers, the sweep of their lasts to their hand finished appearance. Alongside their shoe collection is a range of luxury accessories, from classic English outerwear, socks, silk ties, belts, small leather and large leather goods. Church’s shoes are the essential accessory for discerning ladies and gentlemen that recognise style, demand the best and cherish everything English.

For more information about Church’s Shoes please contact:
Church's English Shoes, 4 County Arcade, The Victoria Quarter, Leeds
T: 0113 247 1170 W: www.church-footwear.com

Michelsberg Tailoring create truly bespoke suits, jackets and overcoats, hand cut and sewn in Leeds by individuals, for individuals and also offer made-to-measure shirts and accessories that are dapper, dashing and will turn heads. Service is by appointment (as consultations can take an hour and a half), but you are welcome to drop in anytime to find out more about the sharpest threads on the planet!

For more information about Michelsberg Tailoring please contact:
Michelsberg Tailoring, 24a Queen Victoria Street, The Victoria Quarter, Leeds, LS1 6BE 

  T: 0870 385 0073 E: info@michelsberg.co.uk W: www.michelsberg.co.uk

The Victoria Quarter Leeds is the North's premiere fashion and lifestyle destination. housed in elegant Grade II listed buildings and home to the very best of British design and luxury brands, from chocolatiers to beauty products, tailoring to shoemakers, alongside Church’s Shoes and Michelsberg Tailoring, the VQ is also home to Paul Smith, Vivienne Westwood, Charbonnel et Walker, Mulberry, Liz Earle, Oliver Sweeney, Jeffery West, Radley London and many, many more.

Celebrate British heritage, quality and craftsmanship in stunning surroundings at The Victoria Quarter, Leeds http://www.v-q.co.uk/