Aimed to redefine the meaning of true sartorial luxury in a unique haven, Attire House was designed by Japanese architect Jin Hidaka and opened this month with a classic haberdashery for men; a barber's shop from Mayfair's award-winning Gentlemen's Tonic; and a world-class mixologist’s bar, all under the same roof.
Chau and Chan want to reconnect their guests with the artisans and manufacturers who create the highest quality garments, shoes, and accessories in the world.
“My motivation stems from a natural passion, along with a sentimental influence from my late father-in-law, who was the epitome of a gentleman’s elegance, internally and externally," Chan says. "Growing up in Hong Kong and having the fortunate possibility of travelling the world, I have been able to see a void in our market, and [an] opportunity to transition retail from being transactional to a lifestyle experience with customer-centricity.”
Chau adds: “I was also influenced by my late father, who was famously into clothes and was regarded as a fashion forerunner and an icon in 1960s Hong Kong. Although we have very different style preferences, he taught me how to appreciate fine clothing and the details of a man’s suit."
Chau says he developed a great passion for suits and tailoring since he was 14.
"At around the same time, my studies brought me to England, where I spent a lot of time on the sartorial golden mile - Savile Row and the gentlemen’s arcades in St. James's - to learn to appreciate different house styles and cuts," he says. "Since I returned to Hong Kong as a barrister, I have always wanted to follow my passion and to be a strong advocate for a different perspective of men’s fashion; one that emphasises on quality, craftsmanship and an elegant style that is forever classic.”
Chau and Chan are assisted by former creative director of Japanese select shop Beams, Ryozo Matsuyama, to select the best and most stylish labels. Attire House will offer ready-to-wear labels from some of the greatest household names, such as James Bond's shirtmakers Turnbull and Asser; classic braces from Albert Thurston; garments of the world-renowned tailor Anderson & Sheppard Haberdashery; and the shoemaker GJ Cleverley, which is famous for its unique chiselled toe.
From Italy, the pair invited the most famous Neapolitan-style suit-makers, Cesare Attolini, and one of the finest shirtmakers, Finamore. The store will also stock sharp trousers from PT01 and leather travel bags from Tramontano. Attire House will also feature Japanese shoemaker Chihiro Yamaguchi, founder of the bespoke shoe label Guild of Crafts.
Attire House style is the "sublime road which leads to becoming a true gentleman", Matsuyama says, explaining how the store's main focus is to select highly skilled craftsmen and the best labels from all over the world.
"Style-wise, we do not try to imitate the British, Italian, American, or French style," he says. "We want to create the Attire House style by elegantly mixing those elements."
This season, Matsuyama adds, "we delicately incorporate British details, like 'pocket change' in our carefully crafted suits and jackets. We advise to coordinate them with a tailored tapered trouser, a nicely fitted shirt, and sharp necktie, folded into a single knot. For a more casual but sophisticated style, we suggest wearing a cardigan or a polo shirt of mineral colours, and to finish the silhouette, a coat or a blouson.”
Attire House will hold bespoke trunk shows every month. Visitors will include Gennaro and his son Luigi Solito of Sartoria Solito, one of the most renowned bespoke tailors from Naples, who will come to Hong Kong for the first time to take orders from customers. The store will also open its permanent residence later this year, and with a stunning view of Hong Kong.
Attire House – Hong Kong
G/F, Shop 28, Central Building, 1-3 Pedder Street, Central
www.attire-house.com/
Email: [email protected]
Tel: (+852) 2619 9007
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