Jean Cocteau once said that art produced ugly things that became more beautiful with time and that fashion became more ugly.
Gresham Blake launched his bespoke menswear and clothing company in 2000. Re-imagining Cocteau’s dictum for the 21st century, Blake aimed to devise a sartorial solution for people who could take centre stage in the cocktail party, important business pitch or boardroom.
Specialising in Savile Row inspired tailoring with a rock star twist, Gresham Blake epitomises classic British tailoring with a playful, subversive edge. Blake officially opened his tailoring outfit and store in 2000, rapidly earning himself a cult following from the cognoscenti by re-positioning stereotypes of ‘Britishness’ .
Blake’s bespoke, made to measure and ready to wear suits and product range hold universal appeal and somehow he unifies the white-collar plutocrat with the stylish anarchist. Combining floral designs or witty linings with quality tailoring, the suit itself may be sober and cut to perfection but carries a dandyish element. With bright patterns or other quirky embellishments, such as a gold or silver button on the sleeves, Blake delivers conformity and eccentricity.
Oscar Wilde once remarked that fashion was a form of ugliness so intolerable that it needed to be altered every six months. Blake’s tailoring disproves this theory. Despite the typical brand embellishments found in Blake’s ready to wear collection, he will dispense with some of the edgier details if the client wants a more understated option. “Tailoring is a personal business,” he says. “You have to psychologically weigh up the customer and listen to them, rather than tell them what they want. We don’t instill a house style.”
To paraphrase Giorgio Armani, the difference between style and fashion is quality. Blake’s loyal following includes Jimmy Page, Norman Cook,Nick Cave, Tracey Emin, Steve Coogan and Christian Slater. Edgier and more in tune with the spirit of the times that some of the more traditional English tailors, Gresham Blake bends the conventions while paying the greatest respect to the craft.
Email customerservices@greshamblake.com for more information, or call + 44 (0)1273 609 587. www.greshamblake.com
