Fashion

The brand has now been in existence for 108 years. It first opened for business in 1900 on London’s Fenchurch Street, where the founder Austin Reed established the guidelines that would lead to his finished articles bearing the aura of sophistication, elegance and good taste for which they are known today.

Over the first few decades in business, Austin Reed became known for the classically styled two-piece suits that were designed and made for the most important men in England. One of these customers, who always bought his suits there, was Prime Minister Winston Churchill. Other customers have been members of the royal family, headed by Prince Philip, and his sons Charles, Edward and Andrew.

With the passage of time, and changing trends in men’s fashion, Austin Reed has reinvented itself by taking its legendary designs to a new level. These changes have been more marked since 1998, when the brand launched a new line called Red, including more contemporary and adventurous designs and materials other than ordinary suiting, such as cotton, linen and cashmere.

Today Austin Reed has a suit to meet the needs of every type of man. Such is the sense of exclusivity attached to the brand, that each of its designs is produced in three different models. This means that clients can select the one that most suits their body shape, and can achieve the satisfying feeling that they are buying a jacket, trousers or a shirt that has been produced exclusively for them.

In order to further strengthen this sense of exclusivity, each of Austin Reed’s 1,400 stores worldwide has available the services of specialist tailors, who offer their gentlemen clients a personalized service, allowing them to make even the smallest adjustments to their purchases, to suit the client’s tastes and needs.

Making a purchase in any of these stores is like travelling back to a time of elegance and good taste. However, if you want to really experience Austin Reed to the fullest extent, you have to visit the brand’s flagship store in London’s Regent Street.

Here you will not only find Austin Reed’s most up to the minute collections, you will also experience the apparently simple act of shopping being taken to a new level. Visitors to the store can also allow themselves to be pampered by expert beauticians in the relaxed atmosphere of the Art Deco style Grooming & Beauty Salon; or they can enjoy gourmet delicacies in Austin’s Café Bar, located on the ground floor.

Visitors are sure to find relaxation through one or other of these experiences, the perfect complement to a visit to Austin Reed’s store. However, don’t be fooled, the main focus for the visit will still be the jackets, trousers, ties, shoes and shirts that make up the Austin Reed collection.

The latest collection that we are recommending to readers of Vivir Bien is the Autumn/Winter collection inspired by the atmosphere filled with mystery, intrigue and adventure that is the world of the spy. Something of James Bond – because he is after all just as English as Austin Reed– but on a more glamorous and exclusive level. A level fit for a King.