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J. Simons: Traditional American Clothing

Sunday 9 November 2008

In my last post on Ivy-Style I very briefly referred to J. Simons shop. This is a genuinely original outlet, importing well known niche American brands (well known in American that is) to a cliental who live and breathe mod and true Ivy style.

John himself, the owner, is amongst style insiders something of a legend. Having met and interviewed him, he is certainly an interesting, indeed fascinating, character. Although I don’t think he took to me. But given how many interviews he’s done, and been asked to do, over the years I would imagine he is sick of them.

I’ve never put up the review on this place because, truth be told, I didn’t think it did the shop or John justice. I am ever hopeful that I might crack that nut.

So it was with some dismay that I read this article back in May. A quick surf of the chat rooms and it was clear that I was not alone in my despair. However, it seems there is a light on the horizon. The Ivy-Style website lists J.Simon and shows a new website has been built –certainly not something to be done if you’re about to close down your shop. Web chat also indicates that John has secured a new business partner to take over the running of the shop (John was looking to retire). Indeed, my hunch, while I have no means of proving it, is that one of the creators behind Ivy-Style (Russell Street) is the new business partner. Whether he is or whether he isn’t, we can all breathe a huge sigh of relief.

But for those of you who have no idea what I’m talking about, I thought a few pictures showing what all the fuss was about were in order. It really is one of London’s most original stockist –if I had the money there is very little I wouldn’t buy.

A small shop packed to the rafters with needful things

Wonderful needful things


Everywhere you look there is something to catch your eye. On the rack in front you'll find the Harrington Jackets by Baracuta. Indeed, John claims a special place in the history of this jacket, as the man who gave it its common name. In the States the jacket is known as the G9 Baracuta. But when john started selling it in 1965 he named it the Harrington after Rodney Harrington, a character from the 60's TV soap Peyton Place, who was famous for sporting this jacket. The name stuck.

This is another garment for which John is renown, the Pendalton


A bit like a shirt and jacket cross with a zip front. If you read the fashion magazine highlighting trends for the season you'll know that plaid shirts are in at the moment. At £129 it's excellent value (when you consider what most designers will charge for a shirt) and its design should allow you to stay on trend while striking an individual note. What is more it's a timeless preppy classic which paired with chino and converse trainers or jeans and loafers will give you years of classic service.

 
To accompany all the trousers, suits, shirts and jackets there is also a fine collection of shoes, many imported from the US.

If there is one thing for which J.Simon's is particularly well known it is their soft shoulder jackets and suits. Nothing says preppy quite like soft shoulders. For those unfamiliar with the term, it means just what it sounds like it means -little padding on the shoulders of the jacket providing a less structured more natural look.


The Tweed suit costs £235 and the Cord £195

In difficult economic times not only are the clothes stocked by J. Simons good value, but dripping with timeless style. And just think, all this could have disappeared.


J. Simons: Traditional American Clothing,
2 Russell Street
Covent Garden
London. WC2B 5JD
Tel: 0207379 7353
http://jsimons.website.orange.co.uk/

Posted by Stealth

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