Huntsman, at No. 11 Savile Row, was once an understated beacon of good taste. But if you visit today, you are likely to be met by a gaggle of tourists posing for selfies in front of the window across which is splashed in very large letters: ‘The King’s Man, only in cinemas now.’
The tailor, which dressed the Duke of Windsor in his bachelor days, provides both the inspiration and location for this fun, if silly, spy movie franchise, the latest of which stars Ralph Fiennes. Unfortunately, cinematic fame has led to the brand losing its bearings. Pop inside and you are confronted by a selection of what can only be described as knick-knacks for the vulgar: a £5,500 tweed and leather backgammon board, a £1,200 gun slip in Gregory Peck tweed and a pair of £599 tweed headphones.
Penhaligon’s used to supply your grandmother’s soap; now it’s £210 scents topped with gold animal heads
It is not the only British brand that has embraced tackiness in a headlong rush to win over new customers.
Comments
Join the debate for just $5 for 3 months
Be part of the conversation with other Spectator readers by getting your first three months for $5.
UNLOCK ACCESS Just $5 for 3 monthsAlready a subscriber? Log in