Jermyn St, St James's to Showcase the Best of Men's Accessories During London Collections: Men

LONDON, January 7, 2014 /PRNewswire/ --

For the first time London Collections: Men will host a new showcase of the best of British men's accessories at Fortnum & Mason, in the heart of historic Jermyn Street, St James's, on January 8th.

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In association with The Crown Estate, the showcase will display a carefully curated selection of the most iconic and recognised items of a gentleman's wardrobe, highlighting the excellence and style to be found in Jermyn Street St James's. Taking part will be brands including Budd, Tricker's, and Lock & Co, whose presence in St James's has been long standing, as well as relative newcomers Emma Willis, Emmett, and Barbour.

Jermyn Street St James's is a unique part of London's fashionable West End with a remarkable sartorial heritage, and an unrivalled collection of exceptional outfitters, shirt makers, luxury grooming and menswear specialists. Recognised for centuries as the home of men's accessories, the streets of St. James's are synonymous with elegance, craftsmanship and refined sophistication. Its finesse has helped define the British gentleman and his timeless style.  Dylan Jones, Chairman of London Collections: Men, commented, "St. James's is of enormous importance to the growth of menswear in London and is one of the most influential centres of excellence in the capital."

To support and nurture this rich tradition, The Crown Estate has embarked on a £500 million investment programme focussed on St James's to protect the area's unique heritage whilst enhancing its reputation as a world-class retail and dining destination. James Cooksey, Head of Regional and St James's Portfolios The Crown Estate, commented, "The Crown Estate has committed to refine and enhance St James's, reflecting both its unique heritage and to meet the needs of occupiers, visitors and residents in the 21^st century, encouraging the unique mix of family-run businesses alongside flagship stores, providing cutting edge style.  Jermyn Street and St James's will continue to be focussed on bespoke menswear - a heritage we seek to nurture and build upon as we look to the future."

Following the Showcase, guests will able to tour Jermyn Street St James's, visiting the resident brands to experience 400 years of sartorial excellence and catch a glimpse of the future for the well-dressed man.

Nick Brooke, CEO of participating brand Sunspel, a new arrival to the area, commented, "Jermyn Street is one of the best known and highly regarded menswear shopping streets in the world, and we felt that Sunspel ought to be a part of that. We are a leading brand for men's luxury basics and with our rich heritage I think we fit perfectly in St James's today."

Turnbull & Asser a long standing resident of Jermyn Street will also be taking part in the presentation. Nigel Blow, Managing Director, remarked, "The resurgence for quality and craftsmanship in dressing has brought the area to the forefront. Jermyn Street and St James's are integral to the future of British menswear and have been integral to the development of London as a menswear capital."

The Crown Estate:

The Crown Estate manages a highly diverse property business valued at £8.6 billion. The organisation's surplus revenue (profit) goes to the Treasury for the benefit of the nation every year: in 2012/13 this was £252.6 million. Over the past ten years The Crown Estate has paid over £2 billion to the Treasury.

The Crown Estate owns nearly 50% of the buildings in St James's and the area is part of the core fabric of its urban portfolio. The portfolio is currently the focus of a £500 million investment plan. Our approach is guided by a clear strategy, which aims to enhance and refine St James's, sensitively, carefully and for the long term. Investment will improve the cohesion of our holdings but also protect St James's future as a distinct niche in the West End office market, and a world renowned destination for shops and restaurants.

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SOURCE The Crown Estate, St James's