STYLES I LOVE: The Store: Ben Sherman

I've been noticing lately that I gravitate a lot towards British brands. I mean, by now you must probably know about my love for Fred Perry. Not so well-documented in this blog, however, is my affection for the other top mod choice: Ben Sherman. Founded in 1963 by Arthur Bernard Sugarman, it has found its way to Manila about 2 years ago via their beautiful branch in Shangri-La Mall.

The Ben Sherman store in Shangri-La

Admittedly not a new store by any means, I just felt like I owe it to the owners to write about it. You see, ladies and gents, I am a big fan of interior design. And the Ben Sherman store clearly thought a great deal about theirs. Houndstooth accents on the doorway, funky pieces (see the union jack chairs), and splashes of the mod lifestyle all around (the Vespa scooter!) - this is how you create the right shopping atmosphere. In my opinion, one of the best I've been to, and I haven't even talked about the clothes yet.

Houndstooth table, union jack chairs, tarnished logo - I love it!

Peep the awesome wallpaper of their changing room!

Indeed, more than the expert design of the stores, the brand is all about fine clothing. And what I love about Ben Sherman is how youthful their clothes feel. I attribute it mostly to their use of patterns and color, at which they're one of the best in the game. I singled out the polo below for its unusual graphic.

The big circles are mesmerizing...

The check pattern on the driving cap is a nice touch

When it comes to fit, their shirts are spot on. Not suffocating, but slimming. And when it features such nice twists like this striped minimal rounded button-down collar, it makes its offerings all the more irresistible.

Button-down collars are a personal favorite

The same shirt zoomed out: might just come back for it!

While lacking in footwear options, I did like the few they had. I loved one especially, though. Reminiscent of a post I did some weeks back but from a different brand, I discovered this beautiful mash-up of a sneaker and a boat shoe that was very seamlessly executed.

Can't remember the name of the shoe, but I've not forgotten what it looks like!

Above everything in this great store, I have to say that my favorite was the Ben Sherman and Baracuta Harrington jacket collaboration. Already making an appearance in a previous post last week, these babies will cost a pretty penny, but, strangely, you won't wonder why. Two classic brands teaming up to offer an iconic piece? Man, you gotta shell out for that.

Ben Sherman x Baracuta = Unparalleled Awesomeness!

Overall, Ben Sherman gets checks for every standard I have for a clothing store: Fit, innovation, quality, interior design, a great staff, and excellent service; theirs is an establishment that feels fresh and new every time I visit. If by some ungodly way you haven't yet, drop on by and prepare to be hooked to the fine point of British style.