MILANSTYLE MEETS DEREK ROSE.
I’m always pleased when one of our articles gets tweeted, facebooked or just generally enjoyed by our readers who then spread the word about the original article. One of our most viral articles last year was actually one of our more whimsical sartorial fantasies in which we demanded the return of the smoking jacket for men. In the original article we referred to one of our hero British brands, ‘Derek Rose‘, who are, thank heavens, still manufacturing a Smoking Jacket in that most regal of tartans, Black Watch (the ancient Scottish tartan which anyone is allowed to wear).
Anyway, word soon reached Derek Rose headquarters – a place where one imagines they sip whiskey from heavy crystal glasses, in sumptuous Hugh-Hefner-style attire and just generally get to be ‘fly’ all day – the family owned firm had read our article and were keen to chat to us and showcase more of their range to us, in particular, their range of luxury dressing gowns, or as Americans call them ‘robes’.
Derek Rose - Langley Silk Dressing Gown for men.
Dressing gowns, you might think, are something that the average male will tend to wear only in childhood or in the graceful wisdom of our senior years. I feel this is something which needs to be reconsidered – and quite urgently if you are a gentleman of refined taste. Apparently so too does British Esquire who recently (a 2011 issue) showcased a fashion shoot where a dressing gown was the focal piece. (As pictured above). Yes, if you live in Downton Abbey perhaps you will be able to ‘pull off’ this look more easily, but looking at the picture of Samuel L. Jackson below, who seems about as far removed from ‘Downton Abbey’ as ‘Downton Abbey’ is from ‘The Wire’, I think actually, most gentleman with any real inner confidence in their style will be able to rock a robe.
Samuel L. Jackson in a Derek Rose robe. The first man to make wearing a 'gown' look damn cool.
THE SECRET 3rd WARDROBE FOR MEN.
In all seriousness, ‘loungewear’ as it is known in the fashion industry, or pyjamas and dressing gowns, as you and I probably call them, is actually the secret ’3rd wardrobe’ of menswear. And make no mistake, we need to get this wardrobe just as right as we do our work and casual attire if we are to be taken genuinely seriously as a man of good taste. I don’t need to tell you that you certainly should not be sleeping and breakfasting in an old football top if you think you have any genuine style credibility.
With this in mind, and having been invited to speak with Sacha Rose, part of the family dynasty which has made pyjamas for both genuine royalty – The Queen since you asked – and Hollywood royalty (Cary Grant amongst others), I was excited and prepped after much research to learn about this almost forgotten aspect of true gentleman’s style.
ALEXANDER BAILEY OF MILANSTYLE CHATS TO SACHA ROSE, OF DEREK ROSE LTD.
MS: Tell us about your customer – what type of gent wears your brand?
SR: “It’s the type of man who appreciate that they spend a third of their lives at home or in bed and want to enjoy that time in luxurious comfort. That might be silk pyjamas or a cashmere dressing gown for Sunday brunch. They want style to continue in the comfort of their own home, so being ‘well dressed’ is not something that just happens when they need to leave the front door – they want to be well dressed all of the time.”
MS: Where are Derek Rose products made? All still in England?
SR: “Our luxury products are sill made in the north of England and our core products are manufactured in the Czech Republic with whom we have had a strong working relationship with since the 1930s.”
MS: You offer £2000+ dressing gowns and £200 plus silk pyjamas. What type of customer shops for this product?
SR: “Obviously, it’s a wealthier customer, probably an international businessman or financier. But we also find it can be women shopping for a thoughtul, luxurious gift for their husbands for an anniversary. Those products are made from the most exclusive silks and cashmeres you will find in the world market which means the longevity of these products is incredible.” (N.B. this is the luxury range of Derek Rose that is still made in England).
“Overall, Derek Rose customers vary greatly. But they share one thing in common – an appreciation for quality and style. Our customers are often successful, discerning, and thoughtful individuals who understand the benefits of enjoying one’s free time in comfort and style.”
