THE JOURNAL
You can spot some brands from a country mile away. They offer a very particular thing, unmistakeably folded into their name, DNA and ethos, they do it better than anyone else, and they have been doing it consistently, reassuringly, quietly, for some time.
If this is exhibited by any brand in particular, it is Purdey, which was founded in 1814 and soon became known as one of the the world’s most renowned country outfitters to the gentry. In 2023, that reputation is undimmed. Exemplary British craftsmanship was its aim more than 200 years ago, and so it remains.
Purdey provides the necessary attire for the practicalities (and the posturing) of the country, but, as any country gent worth his horse salt must venture into town for an engagement or two, Purdey ensures that its clothing befits such occasions, too. The new autumn collection, called “The Sporting Life”, reflects this attitude and, above all, Purdey’s incredible pedigree and history – which you can see (and feel, if you invest in a piece) in the windowpane and Glen checks, the houndstooths and herringbones, and the merino and cashmere of its field coats, capes and knitwear. Let’s take a closer look.
01.
The winter coat
If you could invest in something that epitomises what this collection is trying to communicate, it might be this coat. But a one-syllable noun does not do it justice. This piece of heritage outerwear has been finished to Purdey’s exacting craftsmanship standards – hand-tailored in golden pure double-face camel hair, a half-raglan cut giving a formal shoulder with a sporty feel. We’ve styled it with some Purdey pleated wool trousers and a pair of Kingsman + George Cleverly cap-toe boots, ideal for the more inclement conditions ahead.
02.
The smart-casual suit
Again, if you’re tempted to call this a suit jacket, it won’t quite cut it. The Antler hacking jacket is crafted in a lightweight construction with trans-seasonal fabric weights – meaning unpredictable seasonal weather need not be troublesome. Purdey’s craftspeople have woven deft merino cashmere into natural taupe herringbones while leather under the collars and ticket pockets speak to the brand’s tradition and its connection to classic, heritage luggage and travel. Depending on the weather, you can slip Purdey’s cable-knit cashmere cardigan underneath, or just stick with its cotton polo shirt – both of which you can see here.
03.
The dressed-up dinner
This jacket may be billed by Purdey as post-shoot style, but embarking on a grouse shoot before wearing it is not compulsory, even if it is the season to do so. Whatever your tastes, this bottle-green jacket will ensure you make an impression at any evening event that allows for playfully sophisticated formalwear. Rich, subtle, yet striking in cotton-silk velvet, and stand collared, this is sport-inspired tailoring at its most elegant.
04.
The Sunday stroll
Embodying classic British craftsmanship and around 200 years of country-inspired heritage style does not always mean field jackets and formal outerwear. It can be achieved with Fair Isle knitwear, too, like this crew-neck sweater. Crafted in Wales with a hand-laid intarsia technique and ultra-light cashmere threads, this is undoubtedly luxurious, but it has its roots in the great outdoors – something hinted at by the pattern, which is inspired by the wings of a peregrine falcon. If you’re less of a country and more of a town person, though, feel free to take it easy by pairing it with pleated flannel grey trousers.