Penrose: not what we do but how we do it!

By now hopefully you will have seen the fruits of our labour looking marvellously marvelous in the shops. If not, isn’t it about time you did?

Penrose as you know is a unique brand which not only has looks but also a fair amount of brains and character. Each item in the new collection has its own story that allows the wearer to indulge in an un-rivalled stylish excellence. The new collection of consists of the finest shirts, ties, scarves, pochettes, cufflinks and socks that will surely turn any head.

Needless to say each item in the range is completely exclusive to Penrose. Quality of course is super premium with a large percentage handmade where ever possible in England and Italy. Each item starts with a flash of inspiration that is then transformed into the finished product.

Our ties are a labour of love, made by a select band of silk weavers using only the finest looms and when holding the finished article one cannot help but become engaged by the quality and workmanship. A Penrose tie takes around three months to be developed from its initial conception and in that time it is carefully observed, tweaked and tested so that the finished product is of the highest standard available. New to our collection are the 'Double Warp' ties that are delight to wear and hold. Using wooden and steel looms that date back to the 1920’s (only two in existence!) these Double Warp ties offer a unique colour and texture that is truly in its own class.

Of course a ties best friend is a shirt and this season's designs are the perfect advocate for such. Penrose aims to provide a collection of shirts that not only cascades quality but also gives a certain excitement to our customers shopping.

Great work has gone into the construction of the perfect body shape, creating a thoughtful and regular fit that is neither slim nor voluminous. Each shirt is made using extra long soft cotton yarns with the inclusion of fine stitching.

We believe it is best to have very little apparent branding on our shirts; however the Penrose signature is subtly perceived with our signature square buttons and elegant collars and cuffs. New to this season are our Paris, London and New York styles

Scarves

Probably the most alluring and practical part of any winter wardrobe is a scarf, and our aim is to create a collection of the finest using a variety of sublime materials and textures.

Firstly our jacquard silks are created again in the most traditional way possible, using antique looms, which, although working slower than modern day machinery, create an unparalleled three-dimensional quality. These traditional looms also allow an exclusive colouring that is rare to achieve when used on modern silk dying.

Velvet is also a strong component in the collection; colour rich, elegant and luxurious. The scarves are reversed in a soft silk and finished with hand knotted tassels. Perfect for evening wear or swept across with casual elegance over a shirt.

We at Penrose have found the perfect wool that has an almost cashmere like feel to it due to its super soft touch. Being both warm and elegantly stylish it truly is winter’s best friend. A small portion of this season’s scarves has a mixed composition; a delicate blend of materials that create a new texture and feel. From the lighter weight of cashmere and blended silk to the reverse linings of cotton and silk, each scarf has its own character and personality and needless to say when the design and finely tuned colourings are brought into the fold the finished product is enough to add warmth to any wardrobe.

Pochettes

Pochettes are truly in a class of their own and add that certain adventurous ‘oomph’ to any top pocket.  Constructed in a composition that is 70% cotton and 30% silk the Penrose pochette is not only an ultra soft touch but will never shrink in your pocket. The size is also slightly more generous than a traditional pocket square allowing more movement and bounce.

Socks

Penrose socks exuberate a quiet confidence; richly coloured, unique pattern and ultra comfortable. Made in Italy by a small family run factory Penrose socks are constructed from the finest mercerised cotton with a hint of nylon that creates the perfect balance of comfort and strength. It’s almost a shame that you have to wear shoes.

NEW YORK- IT'S A HELLAVA TOWN !!!!

So many songs try to sum up New York City from Sinatra to Sting, and it’s the latter that springs to mind for on my recent jaunt to the 'Grande Pomme' an alien is one thing I certainly didn’t feel like.

Last week the Mr. Penrose Experience strode into town to show our latest collection. Leading the sartorial British invasion and much like our Liverpudlian mop topped friends, there was mild hysteria…
My first point of call was to address the weather and suitable clothing; hot is a mere understatement... absolutely, horrendously boil in the bag is far more apt I can tell you. The temperatures soared to 40c and as you can imagine in that sort of heat one could be tempted to hide in a darkened room wearing only a pair of their famous socks! But I had work to do, people to see and most importantly spread the Gospel of Saint Pen of Rose.

Since returning from the trip two things have stayed with me: firstly, the ultimate tie for summer (and having technically guinea pig like tested it) would certainly be the most adequate thing for a British scorcher when looking at ones best and is the only compromise. Secondly, how fabulous NYC is in regard to openness and taste of quality.

So let me take you on a brief trip around our neck wear a la New Yorker, giving you a taster of what I’m sure will drown your palette in an imaginative tidal wave. Our wondrous new tie design is somewhat of a revolutionary move and has been untipped. "UNTIPPED!" you cry but what makes this an absolutely cunning summer creation is that it creates softness, flow and a light airy feel. Everything a summer garment should be. Throw in 100% silk and of course the Penrose colour stamp and you’re away!!  So watch this space or even better keep checking you’re nearest stocklist…Ahem!

Now as for the Market Show it certainly was a most pleasurable experience. Held in a vast open centre that was simply heaving with the best garmenteers and brands you could imagine. I am proud to say that our little empire flew the flag proudly and cemented that special relationship with our native tongued cousins.  With heartfelt praise and cheer for what we had on offer, friends were made, reputations were expanded and hoorahs were, well, hoorah'd!!!

The word according to Mr Penrose

And thus it became clear to me that summer had actually reared its head upon on the streets of West London.  After a horrendously cold yet wonderfully colourful and beautifully attired winter I, Mr. Penrose, was ready to sartorially explode upon the unassuming mid-year calendar. With such a bursting wardrobe of finely crafted shirts, a dazzling assortment of pochettes, scarves and simply beautiful woven ties from the shores of Blighty and my good Italian friends the task in hand would prove a decision nightmare in the morning. 

After much deliberation, hesitation and wild imaginative thoughts, I had finally reached the starting post… well, the top of the stairs before thinking to myself ‘one last adjustment in the grand mirror before I step into the great outdoors.

 And lo, before me stood a testament to the glory days of July, an ode to a summer’s morn. How would the shoppers and hipsters of Soho react and indeed cope when they take a fleeting glance, a longing stare, at such a display of handcrafted wonder?   

                                              

Bounding through the streets of London...

As I’m bounding through the streets of London, negotiating the crowds, traffic and blissful confusion I can rest assured that my feet are being beautifully caressed with every step.  Socks are not merely a bargaining tool between foot and shoe they should be the outspoken senators of rapturous outbursts. 

       

                         

A shirt without a tie is never merely a garment thrown on...

"when thinking of knots never go for the windsor a four in hand is a definite shirt pleaser"

A shirt without a tie is never merely a garment thrown on, it is more of a second skin that should appear natural, comfortable and explode in formidable clarity. The art of getting a shirt right is one that shouldn’t be hard but, alas, I find this is always not the case. To go tieless doesn’t always suggest that you are in casual mode when you have the right tool for the right job or in this case the right shirt!


                                        



                                        

Wearing a pochette...

                                                   

I firmly believe that the secret of folding and wearing a pochette is to make it look relaxed and comfortable, rather like a sedated, much loved uncle.  A pochette should be folded with minimal fuss and bother. I would even say an artistic ‘shove’ into your top pocket can create a stylish, personal and independent edge to your wears. The beauty of a pochette is that it peeps out of your breast pocket like a leg of a psychedelic synchronised swimmer; colourful, yet retaining an elegant, swan like appearance.  At Mr. Penrose HQ we have put a great deal of military planning and manoeuvres into creating the perfect pochette using a cocktail of cotton and silk that keeps the pochette at attention at all times, ensuring you never have to face the embarrassment of a shrinking violet in ones pocket.

How to get the most 'puff' from your Pochette

1) Pinch the pochette in the centre so that the four corners hang down in a relaxed, laid back fashion

2) Simply fold over and insert in your pocket!

3) Gaze at yourself and your marvelous Penrose adorned pocket, making the odd adjustment to your liking 

   

                     

Penrose bow tie

      

Last week as I slowly made my way through the mountainous pile of invites that cascaded through Penrose Towers’ rather large letterbox, I nearly fell over in despair at finding I had been summoned to two engagements on the same day.  Now on certain circumstances you can prioritise according to social, economic and logistic issues but the conundrum I faced was a wedding and a day at the races for a good friends birthday.  Now it wasn’t the timing issue that bothered me more the fact of choosing two outfits that I could change into in a superhero type fashion thus dashing from one to the other. In this sort of situation I am pleased that the Penrose bow tie is the perfect advocate for this. Not only for the factor that you can fit at least three bows into various pockets but for the factor of having a pre-tied garment that retains the look of a self tie; absolutely perfect for when one is rushing from function to function.