MR. WILLIAM GILCHRIST
A stylist is a bit like a sommelier. You consider the individual, you weigh up the particular occasion and its various ingredients and you suggest something suitable that would work.” So declares Mr William Gilchrist, bon viveur of Mayfair and rakishly debonair menswear stylist.
The little arteries and arcades of Mayfair are still managing to hold on to some really interesting retailers – an antiques dealer next to a vintage watch shop next to an art gallery next to a gentleman’s outfitter. I love that you can walk down Savile Row and see the tailors at work in the basements. It’s choreographed theatre to a degree but it shows there is still incredible craftsmanship at work in London’s W1. At George Cleverley in the Royal Arcade they make bespoke shoes above the shop. And above that they have the “last room” – foot moulds of the great and good. It’s “dead man’s shoes” up there from floor to ceiling – a little macabre when you think about it – but it’s wonderful. George [Glasgow Senior], who runs the place, is a terrific character, full of amusing stories. He also stocks a very good whisky.