Spring Occasions: Sexton gets you ready.
Edward Sexton has always been known for his provocative occasionwear. In the early ‘70s, the tailoring landscape was forever changed when Edward partnered with Tommy Nutter; the two revolutionised Savile Row, introducing bold, daring cuts to a generation of musicians, artists and creators who wanted to break from the shackles of convention. This new look, consisting of Edward’s distinctive sweeping peak lapels, aggressively nipped in waist and high-waisted trousers, would be worn by everyone from The Beatles to David Hockney. Who could forget Mick Jagger’s cream gabardine Sexton suit he wore to wed Bianca Jagger in St Tropez? It cemented the Sexton look as a louche, elegant option for grooms of distinction and taste. This remains true to this day.
For our second spring summer drop, Occasions, we’ve referenced our colourful past and the cultural moments we helped shape, introducing four key looks that distil the essence of Sexton in a fresh, contemporary way. These are suits for when you want to make an impression, whether at a wedding, a party, gala and anything in between. The hero has to be the three-piece Peacock suit, which is partly thanks to the fabric. Cut in a dark blue green Italian merino wool, its herringbone weave gives it a richness and depth that changes depending on the light. In the daytime it takes on a deep green shade, while at night under softer interior lighting it looks like midnight blue, taking on a sheeny, silk-like appearance. This gives the Peacock suit a playful, mischievous feel that’s perfect for grooms wanting to channel that Jagger energy in a fresh, modern way.
Then there’s the nailhead suit. Cut from an incredibly versatile blue and dark navy Italian nailhead wool, this is a crisp, playful alternative to a regular navy two-piece. Again, this is a fabric that dances in the light. Wear it outside on a bright spring day and the lighter blue weave pops, but when night falls the overall appearance is much darker, giving it an added slice of formality that ensures it’ll work for any occasion. Indeed, it can be dressed up with a hidden button-down shirt and silk tie for the big day, but it’s just as at home with a navy knitted T-shirt for a louche evening look.
Both the blue nailhead and the Peacock suit are cut on our Contemporary block. A modern interpretation of the sexton look, it boasts strong peak lapels and a straight shoulder, giving it crisp, architectural lines that suggest a slender, athletic physique. A single button draws the eye to the waist, while the generous lapels flair out to the shoulders, broadening the wearer’s chest. The effect is toned down slightly compared to our Heritage block, in which everything is dialled up to eleven. The Contemporary trousers boast a similar feel, with a high rise that references classic Sexton, but a flat front and a more modern cut that tapers gently to the hem.
Rounding out the second drop are two of our core suits. The first is a double-breasted model cut in a beautiful navy British worsted wool, which has four fastening buttons and two show buttons on the chest. Our signature DB, it delivers a powerful stance that’s furthered by the broad peak lapels and straight cut shoulders. This all combines for an air of grandiose, old school elegance that’s reminiscent of Bogart and Gable. The second suit is an elegant twist on what we do best. Cut from an Italian charcoal worsted wool, it makes for a clean, timeless addition to your tailoring wardrobe with its strong shoulders, nipped in waist and built up chest. Its broad notch lapels are for those who don’t quite want the drama of a peak, while its two-button front helps balance things, slightly softening the impact of our hourglass silhouette. Both suits are your classic, everyday faithfuls you can rely on for any occasion. But the Sexton touches - the dramatic lapels of the DB; the built up shoulders and wide notches of the grey worsted - instantly infuse them with the glamour of Hollywood’s golden age. Or, indeed the nonchalance of a slightly inebriated Jagger in St Tropez.