THE JOURNAL

On a windswept day in Devon, on England’s rugged southwest coast, we brought The Row’s latest collection to Secular Retreat, the first permanent building in the UK to be designed by the Pritzker Prize-winning architect Peter Zumthor. Built over the course of 10 years, the hilltop villa is an immaculate slice of rammed concrete, limestone and glass, surrounded by Monterey pine trees that face out towards an unspoilt view of rolling green hills and pastures.


Against the minimalist backdrop of the building’s design and the peaceful countryside surrounding it, The Row’s spring collection feels right at home, abound with relaxed shirting, knitwear in a gentle seasonal palette and lightly structured tailoring. Signature footwear is crafted from woven leather and natural suede, alongside a new, larger iteration of the iconic Agnes bag.
Standout pieces include the Mount jacket, the Platonic ideal of a leather blouson jacket in a streamlined cut of supple calfskin, with raglan sleeves and front zipper detailing, and the unlined Ulrich jacket, which appears in lamb suede with a nappa finish, resulting in a distinctive finish and hand feel.


The Poe jacket and accompanying Thom trousers create a refined, contemporary approach to broken-up suiting. With an easy-going fit, notched lapels and a classic three-button front, the blazer is crafted from wool mouliné, a highly specialised weaving technique that results in a distinctive texture and slightly speckled finish. The interior is fully lined in silk, while the trousers are in a Japanese worsted wool with a little bit of kick in the leg.


Complementing the relaxed tailoring is the Melchior shirt, made in Italy from a high-density cotton poplin with a boxy fit. Subtle details include a removable collar and French cuffs. While the colour scheme remains muted, one of our favourite additions is the Casas sweater in pure Scottish cashmere in a shade of pale yellow that’s reminiscent of English sunshine on a spring afternoon. It’s designed to be light and breathable for the warmer months – whenever they may appear.
Sitting alongside the Novus Derby shoe in an intricate woven leather, there’s the new Nicola lace-up, a clean, chukka-style boot in soft suede with a comfortable crepe sole, while the Agnes bag in saddle grain returns in a larger size, making it the ideal accompaniment for daily use or a weekend away.
