Former Stowe pupil, James Sleater (Chatham 99) is the co-founder of Savile Row’s largest tailor, Cad & The Dandy. Here he gives us an insight into his personal style.
ON MY WRIST
My everyday watch is a Farer GMT, a young British watch brand that places a large emphasis on both aesthetic and quality in the build.
IN MY HAND
I travel a lot and rely on my iPad for emailing but use it for reading as many books as possible, too. Invariably my belongings are stored and transported in a 1930s pig skin case I bought from London Vintage Luggage.
IN MY WARDROBE
My wardrobe is always increasing, being the owner of a tailoring company, but I also have a growing collection of shoes, mainly from Wildsmith. Last Christmas, boxer Chris Eubank gave me a pair of polo boots from Schnieder.
ON MY TRAVELS
I always take a suit carrier full of suits that can also work just as jackets. Wherever I go in the world I always seem to bump into customers – so dressing down is never really an option.
ON MY RADAR
After work, it’s always good to unwind with a glass of something. A few years ago some friends took over The Running Horse, Mayfair’s oldest pub. It’s a blend of classic English pub and cocktail bar; my current drink of choice is their Bloody Mary, which they make using smoked vodka.
IN MY SIGHTS
I shoot as much as possible and although the season is now in full swing (at the time of writing), I’m still hankering after a new shotgun. Being based around the corner from the St James’s gun rooms I do have a fair amount of choice – but a pair of Purdeys has to be everyone’s target.
IN MY DREAMS
An AC Cobra: it’s a little car with a big engine.
IN MY PAST
My favourite pair of loafers were cooked on the BBQ by some of my more errant chums. Shoes are like jeans – they always reach their best just as they should be thrown away.
ON MY AGENDA
To pay a visit to the Klimt/Schiele Drawings Exhibition, at The Royal Academy, before it closed. I studied Art History at A-Level and university and so I always try to keep my eye on what’s going on.
ON MY BUCKET LIST
I want to take the year out that I never took after school. Travelling the world in my Land Rover Defender, driving from place to place would be a dream but then again, I’m not quite ready to retire just yet. It can wait.