THE JOURNAL
A wise man once said there’s no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothing. While we here in London would most days happily trade climes with our friends in LA or Sydney, it’s a maxim we’re holding onto anyway, now that temperatures have dipped and summer is all but a distant memory. In pre-pandemic times, our instinct come October might have been to hibernate indoors and ride out the colder months from under our duvets. But, having already whittled away more hours than we can bear to count inside our apartments, we’ve resolved instead to embrace the outdoors and equip ourselves with a suitable wardrobe.
Which brings us, in a roundabout fashion, to Purdey. After all, if anyone knows a thing or two about dressing for the elements, it’s this heritage British label. Founded as a riflemaker in 1814, it has since parlayed its expertise into a range of clothes tailor-made for country pursuits. From its vests and field jackets to its breeks (that’s trousers, to you and me), Purdey has spent years perfecting its patterns, employing local craftsmen and using only the finest materials. For its efforts, the brand has been granted no less than three royal warrants and these days can be found on South Audley Street in Mayfair, a well-heeled district in central London, outfitting a discerning clientele for the shooting season.
An essential brand for outdoorsy types, then, but what if you’re more accustomed to swanning around the latest restaurant openings in Soho than stalking the grouse moors? Even hardened city dwellers appreciate the importance of escaping the hustle and bustle every now and then, and we know that Purdey can be relied on to deliver clothes that fit the brief (and, most importantly, don’t mark us out as cityfolk). Traditionally, hopping between town and country has called for two separate wardrobes, the latter requiring function-first items that are typically stowed away upon returning to the city. But this season Purdey has invited us to reconsider that, with handsome, transitional pieces that effortlessly bridge the gap.
A quick glance at Purdey’s autumn/winter collection reveals an edit of separates that nod to the brand’s roots, but which can nonetheless be worn whatever the setting. From button-down shirts to snug outerwear, the new season has ushered in a palette of delightfully autumnal colours – earthy neutrals and mossy greens, as might be expected, but also punchy reds and deep maroons – perfect for slipping into back at your lodgings or injecting a pop of colour into your winter wardrobe. There are plenty of cosy, tactile fabrics, too – the kind that’ll help you forget all about summer. Donegal wool pops up throughout the collection, most notably in a chunky red crew-neck knit, with those flecks lending it a lived-in quality that’ll go down well with the country set. Elsewhere, the label makes use of its ultra-soft Scottish cashmere in rollneck sweaters.
Of course, it wouldn’t be a Purdey collection without a smattering of tweed, that most quintessentially British of fabrics. It’s for good reason that Purdey’s tweeds are considered among the best in class. They’re woven at a small, independently owned mill on the Scottish borders to the brand’s exacting standards. For years, tweed’s warmth and robustness has made it a go-to for country pursuits but with a couple subtle tweaks and clever styling tricks, there’s no reason it shouldn’t slot into your day-to-day wardrobe, too.
Take, for example, Purdey’s Frederick gilet. A shooting staple for mild mid-autumn weather, it’s not exactly a piece one would expect to translate in the city. However, when paired with stretchy straight-leg jeans and neutral leather sneakers, it feels fresh and contemporary. Likewise, the Beesley field jacket is the kind that would typically see wearers through many a shooting season, but is refined enough to be worn to lunch with a thick cable-knit sweater, navy trousers and a pair of chunky combat boots. There are tweed accessories, too – namely the brand’s signature baker boy and short peak caps, which traditionally round out the shooting uniform. In urban milieus, however, these add a touch of rugged charm to everyday outfits and make for a smart alternative to a beanie.
Much of Purdey’s appeal lies in its commitment to keeping traditional British craftmanship alive. But make no mistake: this 207-year-old is pretty tech-savvy, too. Remember it is first and foremost a sporting brand, and as such is devoted to seeking out cutting-edge materials that allows wearers to give their very best performance. The most cutting-edge of all? Sympatex – a 100 per cent waterproof, windproof, breathable textile that offers an added layer of insultation. With everything from Purdey’s hats to field coats delivering extra toastiness thanks to an invisible lining fashioned from the textile, we’re left wondering how we ever braved winters without it.