A couple of weeks ago, I went on a walking tour given by a friend of mine, Russell Nash (or
Guide Russell as he is known professionally). It was fab. I realise I might be slightly biased but really and truly, it was fascinating and I want to recommend it to everyone, tourist and resident, as a brilliant way to learn a little bit about London's past. This one was called
The Men Who Made Menswear and it took us around the streets of Mayfair, up St James's and through Savile Row and Jermyn Street, learning all about the chaps who blazed trails through the fashion history of the capital. My old pal Edward VII, his later namesake Edward VIII, Beau Brummell and Henry Poole were all mentioned, as well as more modern names like Tommy Nutter. The walk ended in Covent Garden and did leave me wanting to learn even more!
Here are some pictures.
Russell himself!
Russell knows his stuff and has a real way with words - full of energy and passion for the history. He is genuinely brilliant. I always get people emailing me to ask about non-obvious things to do in London and if you want an alternative to the usual Ripper walks (admittedly I do really want to do one) or tourist tours, then this is a great choice.
The Men Who Made Menswear tour is happening again on June 9th (my birthday!), and this weekend Russell is doing one this very Saturday 27th April called Icons of St James's. They're very reasonably priced for the couple of hours of fascination you get for the money. Have a look on
Facebook or
Guide Russell to find out more and let me know if you go along!
Fleur xx
DiaryofaVintageGirl.com
This looks really interesting. Excellent photos, too! It's great that some of the men were well dressed for the tour. And who is that very tall, very striking chap looking superb in black and white?
ReplyDeleteHelena, I often get fashion students on my walks. I believe the chap in question is a student at the London College of Fashion
DeleteWhat a great idea - and he looks so smart!
ReplyDeleteI might pop along the next time I'm down in the big smoke!
www.mancunianvintage.com
Fantastic timing! Thanks for the advice :) x
ReplyDeleteOoh know someone that works at Poole and Co ... think this tour would make a wonderful present for the dapper men in my life, thanks for the tipoff.
ReplyDeleteoh that would be a fantastic tour for me old seamstress!
ReplyDeleteand russell looks so great in his coat and suit and hat :-)
That looks so interesting, would love to go. He's very dashing, indeed.
ReplyDeleteRuss is such a lovely man and a real character, its great to see him out and about in action in your blog Fleur x
ReplyDelete