I stumbled over this "capsule range" for sale in the Regent St. store earlier today.
I have to say I was impressed with what was on offer: striped OCBDs in non-non-iron fabric, brogues and 3/2 jackets with Ivy details (half-lining, single back vent, 2 button cuff, etc.).
But the drawback is the incredible prices: £170 for shirts; £800 for jackets; and £1100 for overcoats. At these prices I don't see them selling a single thing. And that would be a shame because they may well then decide there's no money in raiding the archives and respecting the heritage and will go back to pushing the usual tat.
Worth a second look when the sales come but for me they'd need to go down at least 60%.
Even in JS's Chiltern Street store the vintage NOS Brooks OCBD's go for 140 quid. Crazy prices and you can source on ebay and select Etsy suppliers for much less, all you need is patience and perseverance.
1100 quid for overcoats? They must be waiting for coked and loved-up bankers.
Oh dear, I believe the term is profiteering. We do an overcoat for £1500, I can't see it reflects that price.
For £1100 I'd want to see some cashmere in the mix but it seems that I have unrealistic expectations. How can somewhere like Tyrwhitt be asking under £200 for a wool coat (of visibly poorer quality admittedly) and BB £1100? It's not as if the Regent St. store is ever exactly busy.
^The Ivy purist - ever the canny buyer - will primarily be buying from sources other than Brooks Brothers.
^^ There are other "Union Made in the USA" brands that offer better value than BB. BB's London prices reflect the EU's tariffs.
If you buy the BB American made OCBD's 3 at a time, they are reasonably priced. At least to you get hit with the import duties.
I'm naturally drawn to this sort of geeky stuff
http://heavytweed.blogspot.co.uk/2012/11/the-most-imitated-shirt-in-world-brooks.html
I call this university stripe - but he says Candy Stripe - - advice please.
Anyone else get a malware warning when trying to visit the link above?
I just meant the name that Brooks used. J. Press did a 'Candy Stripe' at the same time which was very different.
The name change by Brooks to University Stripe in the '90s is interesting - Why 'University' all of a sudden? Oh, yes - Manipulative marketing. How could I forget ?
Last edited by Yuca (2012-11-16 10:40:07)