Actor and stylist Bertie Taylor-Smith is a Londoner with a keen eye for well-made menswear. On social media he’s become a go-to for men wanting to dress better, imparting his advice on everything from the autumn style trends he wants to see more of to styling suits with boots and the loafers every man should own.
His own style embraces classic tailoring, vintage finds and pieces with personality, incorporating a playful, modern-day dandy streak that puts the fun back into getting dressed. Whether that’s a perfectly cut pair of high-waisted trousers, a very good cardigan or a piece unearthed after an afternoon spent rifling through rails, his London shopping habits follow much the same philosophy, taking in independent labels, specialist vintage stores and places he’s been visiting since he was a teenager.
Here, Taylor-Smith shares seven of his favourite London haunts.
King & Tuckfield, Fitzrovia
If you’re as much a fan of a wide leg trousers as I am, you must peruse this brand. King & Tuckfield is designed with proportion, material and longevity in mind, and offers romantic, soft tailoring that’s beautifully made. It’s great, particularly if you want something special and elevated but don’t fancy wearing a suit.
Hornets, Kensington
Hornets is a legendary vintage spot that has been dressing gentlemen for decades. Nestled down a charming little street off High Street Kensington, there is a focus on classic British tailoring to suit all budgets. This is not a place for hype or fads, it’s where you go for the good stuff, the “they don’t make it like this anymore”-type pieces.
Horatio, Soho
Horatio is the home of beautiful loafers with a range of styles, if you’re after something more special than your usual runaround. They are slim on your foot with an elegant shape; I also like the variety of colours and textures they supply.
Cenci, West Norwood
You might need to block out an afternoon for this one. Take a trip down to this warehouse in West Norwood and riffle through the rails and rails of vintage goodies. Founded by an eccentric couple many years ago, it’s worth the trip alone just for a chat with them. She’s American, he’s Italian, and their collection is reflective of such. Expect straight cut sport blazers and retro Mediterranean silhouettes aplenty, with a careful coloured-coded system to help you tackle the task of finding the perfect fit.
282 Portobello, Notting Hill
At the bottom end of Portobello Market is 282, and I’ve been sifting through their shoes since I was a teenager. The staff there have charm in spades, and I love having a natter while deliberating which pair to buy … until inevitably settling on both.
Scott Fraser Collection, Shoreditch
For vintage-inspired menswear, Scott Fraser Collection has some of the best high-waisted trousers around. As a collector himself, his passion for the clothes is infectious. You can pick the fabric, too, depending on the season. I’m still mourning my original pair since the moths had their wicked way with them, they always go for the good stuff.
Hax Tailoring, Mayfair
I am getting a suit made for my wedding, and if you’re looking for something custom, the process with Hattie Glendenning of Hax has been so dreamy I can’t see a way back. Every shape, stitch and button can be decided on, which for me has been a perfectionist's delight. Her eye and taste level are exceptional, taking a classic tailoring knowledge and combining it with her own brand of cool and sophistication. The perfect person if you’re after something beautiful and personal away from what’s typical.
