In a three-page exclusive article at the back of this publication, stylist extraordinaire, Chris Sullivan, reminds us of a time when style was communicated in private places from which the public were excluded, or of which they knew little or nothing. The World's End area on the King's Road, clubs of Soho, directional shops (like Pinto, Robot or Johnson's) on Saturdays, Kensington Market, Caister weekenders and the Chelsea Cruise. In sociological terms these were 'events', but not as we know them today. The modern-day jamboree, that celebrates a specialised area of interest in old cars, music, antique clothing or militaria, has become the medium through which we assess the current zeitgeist in terms of collecting, showing and wearing. For this reason, Men's File spends most summers gathering words and pictures from the best anywhere in the world. Some of these get-togethers are closed to outsiders and some not, however, it would be a full-time job for any individual to get to all of those featured in this issue, from the beaches of Italy's Costa Azzura, to the sands of South Wales.
Our Enduring Fascination with Leather
Leather never dies, it just gets better and thus we return to the big hitters, as well as some newcomers, in leather jacket design and production from London's oldest maker to Scotland's newest. Then we cross the pond and bring you leather news from SoCal and Uruguay.
However, it's Italy's millennia-old leather crafts which brings us to our Opening Shot, that comes from Shangri-La Heritage's exploration of the High Salt Road, that took the commodity over the Alps, and allowed trade between France to Italy. Since the time that Roman Caligati wore the leather cuirass and hob-nail leather sandals - after which they were named - and protected that vital ingredient from bandits, this road continues to challenge man, horse and machine. Europe is still wide open for the adventurer and immersive events abound and can be found in the Seine-et-Marne (Automobile Enthusiast), French Alps (Alpine Classique), Danish and Normandy Beaches (Rømø and Normandy Beach Races) and on England's picturesque South Downs (Goodwood Revival).
Our Journey Continues
Every journey starts with the first step and in this issue we take the road to Goodwood Revival and allow some of the judges at the Best Dressed at Goodwood Revival competition a chance to show how they prepare for the three-day weekend of fine threads, hot oil and rubber. It's noisy, the sun always seems to shine and the spectacle is unequalled. Finally, we take our annual pilgrimage to Pendine Sands, where man first travelled at over 170mph on land. Normally the focus is on the cars at the totally horizontal beach, but Men's File turns the lens towards the participants for a glimpse of style, as worn by the modern hot rodder. Run by the VHRA, this is a ticket-only event, and we suggest you get yours today!
Nick Clements (Editor-in-Chief)