The Perfect Gentleman: The Pursuit of Timeless Elegance and Style in London

Discover the makers and marques behind the world’s most enduring objects of desire

This is the perfect book for the man who has everything. It celebrates the gentleman’s search for the perfect sartorial detail, the ideal accessory, or beautiful gift for a loved one.

Presented through the eyes of a connoisseur looking for quality and bespoke goods in London’s key stylistic historic periods, it tells the stories of the personalities, shop-keepers and master craftsmen who have animated the business of luxury goods for centuries. The book is arranged chronologically in six chapters, each followed by three or four profiles of British luxury marques. A reference section presents the London gentleman’s social world, from the shopping arcades to classic hotels and the member’s clubs and antiquarians in between.

'A treat for modern dandies … a complete guide to masculine chic'
Elle Decoration

'A sumptuous picture book elegantly examining the history of British luxury goods'
Attitude

Contents List

1. Restoration London: Monarchy, Gallantry & Debauchery (1660–1789) • 2. Regency London: Fashion, Revolution & Social Ascent (1789–1837) • 3. Victorian London: Empire, Affluence & Ingenuity (1837–80) • 4. Edwardian London: Pleasure, Excess & Ostentation (1880–1914) • 5. London Between Two Wars: Modernism, Frivolity & Chic (1914–45) • 6. London’s New Elizabethan Age: Austerity, Optimism & Energy (1940 – Today)

About the Author

James Sherwood is a London-based style journalist, and has been described as ‘the guardian of Savile Row’ by The Rake magazine. He is the author of Savile Row, Fashion at Royal Ascot, James Sherwood’s discriminating Guide to London and Jewelry for Gentleman, all published by Thames & Hudson.