Words: Gentleman's Journal
There’s nothing quite like a Great British summer. And, this year, after months of self-isolation and social-distancing, the sun-soaked celebrations were better than ever. From the Silverstone Grand Prix to Cowes Week, Britain blossomed its way out of lockdown.
And LOVE BRAND & Co., a homespun British success story, led the charge in championing summer celebrations this year. Whether it was at The Goring Hotel or The Hut on the Isle of Wight, the luxury brand hosted a season of pop-ups and knees-ups from spring to September. And, last week, this crusade of summer celebrations culminated in a relaxed retreat at the famed Cliveden House.
Jack Brett Anderson
Mathias le Fèvre
Why Cliveden? As LOVE BRAND & Co. founder Oliver Tomalin tells Gentleman’s Journal, “Cliveden’s classic elegance matches the feeling we try to create with our linens.
“And, as the linens are designed with the Great British Summer in mind, there is nowhere better than Cliveden to set this scene of the idyllic British summer. The property’s unique history makes it so intriguing; you can feel the house has stories to tell. Couple that history with the amazing grounds and house, and it was the perfect place”.
Emmanuel Awal & Matthew Zorpas
Oliver Proudlock
Mathias le Fèvre
Sitting pretty in expansive National Trust gardens, it’s easy to see why Tomalin chose the historic Italianate mansion to wrap up the brand’s triumphant summer season. With a beautiful brunch to begin the day — on the breathtaking terrace with views of the River Thames — the stage was set for equal measures of relaxation and revelry.
Of course, it wouldn’t be a fitting summer send-off without a top-notch guest list. And Tomalin assembled a group of Britain’s best-dressed men to attend the festivities at Cliveden House. Wearing top-to-toe linens from LOVE BRAND & Co., a group of singer-songwriters, actors, models and entrepreneurs assembled to raise a glass to the brand, and the end of British summertime.
Ashton Gohil
Among the names raising these glasses was designer and entrepreneur Oliver Proudlock — who generously provided and poured the free-flowing Quatre Vin rosé wine. Joining him were singer-songwriter Calum Scott, fellow musicians Ashton Gohill and Emmanuel Lawal, and actor Jack Brett Anderson.
Devoted influencer Matthew Zorpas was also present, as was model and sartorialist Mathias Le Fèvre, travel photographer Louis Sheridan and founder and editor-in-chief of Gentleman’s Journal, Harry Jarman — all joining Oliver Tomalin for a well-deserved day of good food and great company.
Mathias le Fèvre
Oliver Tomalin
Jack Brett Anderson
“After the tumultuous times of the last eighteen months, we had an amazing summer for the brand,” Tomalin tells us, “and we wanted to celebrate this by bringing together some of our favourite people.
“We packed up everything that makes a ‘Great British Summer’ and did it all in one day — celebrating the foundations of the brand and, of course, our beautiful linens. I believe in celebrating things in life — and we wanted to give summer a final send-off in an extra special location.”
Oliver Tomalin & Mathias le Fèvre
Following the sumptuous brunch spread, the group walked the iconic two-hundred steps down to the river. And, while drizzle threatened to deliver an all-too-authentic British summer’s day, each attendee was elegantly dressed in the effortless the LOVE BRAND & Co. linens you see here — practical summer-proof wardrobe choices; trimly-tailored and impeccably-designed.
“I love the linen trousers paired with a long sleeved linen shirt,” says Tomalin of his favourite look. “This, for me, sums up British summer style. Relaxed elegance at its best — something that looks smart, but is so easy to wear.”
Gentleman’s Journal editor-in-chief, Harry Jarman, agrees. “It’s always great to partner with LOVE BRAND & Co. I’m a big fan of Oliver’s creative direction; you very much wear the brand’s clothes — and not the other way round. It’s about relaxed classics that will remain timeless. That’s why Cliveden was the perfect location to celebrate this.”
Louis Sheridan, Emmanuel Awal & Ashton Gohil
And ‘easy’ was the watchword for a relaxing afternoon. After a brief river cruise aboard one of Cliveden’s prized vintage boats, The Suzy Ann, the group enjoyed lawn games including paddle tennis and croquet on the lawns of the Spring Cottage — a home originally built for Queen Victoria as a riverside guest cottage for her visits to the Astor estate.
Then, to bid a final farewell to a summer of much-needed celebration and socialising, a poolside lunch at the spa; with a last raised glass of celebratory wine.
Looking for more late-summer style? Ben Dahlhaus shares his seasonal essentials here…
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