Nestled in the heart of London’s fashion tapestry, Favourbrook emerges as a sanctuary of sophistication and artistic ingenuity. Born from the visionary mind of its founder, the brand’s journey began on the iconic Portobello Road, where the transformation of ecclesiastical fabrics into bespoke waistcoats ignited a creative spark. From those humble origins in 1990, Favourbrook has evolved into a beacon of refined formalwear and eventwear, with a narrative deeply woven into the fabric of British style. Join us as we delve into the exquisite legacy of Favourbrook with Founder, Oli Spencer, exploring its origins, inspirations, and the unique vision that set it on a trajectory of sartorial excellence.
I love working in the fashion industry because….
The fashion industry serves as a distinctive gauge of our societal pulse, acting as both a mirror and an ever-evolving commentary. It compels me to continually reassess the essence of style and its optimal representation, ensuring each season and collection possesses its unique identity. Despite the challenges that abound in the fashion industry, there’s a constant wellspring of hope, indicating that while the road ahead is lengthy, the momentum is undoubtedly propelling us in the right direction.
Favourbrook is best known for…
Favourbrook is primarily renowned for its formalwear and eventwear, featuring wool and cashmere morning suits for gentlemen and opulent velvet coats and silk dresses for the ladies. We proudly showcase one of the world’s most extensive collections of waistcoats, offering a diverse range of styles available across our esteemed Pall Mall and Piccadilly Arcade establishments. Central to our business is men’s eveningwear, where we take great pride in crafting some of the finest dinner jackets and smoking jackets, a tradition spanning many years. Furthermore, the majority of our formalwear is expertly produced right here in the heart of London.
Our biggest achievement to date is…
We’ve had the pleasure of dressing numerous movie stars for the red carpet, yet witnessing the sons and daughters of our longstanding patrons now entering our stores for fittings of morning suits or dresses is profoundly gratifying. This reaffirms the timeless and multi-generational appeal of our craft, a sentiment that is truly appreciated. The loyalty of our esteemed customers is a source of immense pride for us. Additionally, we are honoured to hold the title of the Official Menswear Licensee for Royal Ascot, an unparalleled sporting event. Observing gentlemen adorned in morning suits at this prestigious occasion is an experience like no other.
We’re inspired by…
On a practical level, our inspiration stems from the allure of fine fabrics. However, when it comes to muses, Favourbrook has consistently leaned towards the rule-breakers among us. Beneath our refined sartorial exterior lies a rock’n’roll bohemian attitude that occasionally finds expression in the vibrant form of silk dinner jackets and striking statement waistcoats. Witnessing our customers infuse their distinctive flair into Favourbrook garments is a constant source of delight for us.
The current menswear trends we’re loving are…
Trends within formalwear remain relatively steadfast, given the timeless nature and traditional rules governing its style. However, an emerging trend we’ve observed involves an increasing number of grooms seeking both morning suits and black tie attire for their significant day. They opt for the former during the daytime and ceremonies, later transitioning into black tie for the evening’s dinner and dancing festivities. Additionally, velvet dinner jackets have surged in popularity, presenting a compelling alternative to the classic tuxedo, with bolder colours gracing red carpets globally. Velvet, in all its opulence, stands as a fabric deserving of greater recognition.
Our favourite pieces from the collection are…
That’s like asking a parent who their favourite child is! But seriously, one of my favourite Favourbrook pieces from the current collection is our velvet Nehru jacket. This subtly sophisticated silhouette tends to fly under the radar, yet its versatility is truly remarkable. Whether elevated for a formal occasion or embraced for a more bohemian aesthetic, it effortlessly adapts. A close runner-up in my affections would be our single-breasted velvet dinner jackets, a timeless piece that exudes understated elegance.
My favourite place in the world to skip the crowds is…
The Isle of Wight holds a special place in my heart, as it is where I have a home, making it a weekly pilgrimage, especially during the spring and summer months. The island’s timeless charm, seemingly lost in another era, serves as a refuge from the hustle of city life. Rolling my car onto the ferry marks a transformative moment, instantly releasing the ties of work, allowing me to eagerly anticipate immersing myself in the refreshing sea air and precious moments with my family.
The best person to follow on Instagram for big-day inspo is…
Well naturally Favourbrook! Our followers are always tagging us in their wedding day photographs which is such an honour, too. We post lots of formalwear inspiration so anyone with a big event coming up will find our instagram pretty useful.
And finally, what’s next for Favourbrook?
We’re really excited to see how dressing up continues to evolve. We’ve got a stunning Spring/Summer 24 collection being made currently which if full of beautiful linen suits that are perfect for summer weddings, plus a host of new summer dinner jackets. Our womenswear collection goes from strength to strength too, with an amazing array of vibrant silk coats coming in the new collection.
For more information go to: www.favourbrook.com
