The Gentleman Magazine Issue 2 | April/May 2017 | Page 91

and thick wool jumpers than Clint Eastwood himself could hope to own. In addition to the lifestyle array, the back of the shop is meticulously outfitted with fly fishing technical kit, including rods, flies, waders, boots and a team of expert sales associates who have fished around the world. Hardly daunting despite their expansive offering, the shop retains its traditional American values of outstanding service, expertise and quality which all echo in this Mayfair haunt. Considered an institution in the West End, Pickett remains the last bastion of luxury English goods, representing an authentic artisanal offering since 1988. Being quintessentially English with a sense of the whimsical and eccentric, the shop retains a unique experience which embodies so much of the brand’s success and individuality. Having moved from the Burlington Arcade in March 2015, and expanding the Sloane Street location to include retail space on Sloane Terrace, Pickett has entered a new era; one which allows Trevor and his staff to embrace new space and look after clients in a supportive way. In a world where we are surrounded by the word “luxury” it often is defined by anything expensive, which is not always an all-encompassing definition. “The word ‘luxury’ can be very meaningless. I think the term luxury should be intrinsically linked with integrity. We are proud of our product and what happens to bring it into the world,” owner and founder Trevor Pickett explains. And how does Pickett prioritize a countryside offering? Just visit Pickett’s Burlington Gardens location and be transported to a 19th century drawing room, complete with a colourful array of backgammon boards, leather books and desk sets, and a selection of exquisite Turkish Kilim slippers. All that’s missing is a roaring fire place and a glass of whisky to tuck into after a day out in the field. “Pickett has always been handcrafted and produced in the UK. We seek to echo the lifestyles of our customers which is uniquely British and rooted in the countryside. In addition to our home accessories, we offer hunter and hip flasks which are sure to keep you warm in between drives on a pheasant shoot,” says Trevor. Just 100 metres away, at the end of the retail beacon that is the Burlington Arcade, is another destination for keeping warm in the country, N. Peal cashmere. Founded 80 years ago in the exact spot, N. Peal retains its roots as a British owned company, sourcing the finest Mongolian fibres and retailing from five shop locations across esteemed London neighborhoods, two of which are in Mayfair. "Mayfair will always be our home,” explains MD Adam Holdsworth. “We were founded in the Burlington Arcade and it is part of our DNA.” Holdsworth cradles a few key pieces and explains why they are considered countryside staples. “We are committed to maintaining our traditionally British identity, whilst finding new ways to be relevant in the modern day,” Adam explains. “Our designs are sleek and contemporary, but an integral part of our br