Unraveling the Mystery of this Eccentric Menswear Label
Tucked away on Clifford Street in the heart of London lies a peculiar little shop brimming with Polo‘s, loafers and linen jackets harkening back to 1930‘s England. Enter Drake‘s – purveyor of fine menswear to dapper chaps looking to channel their inner Lord or hardened explorer.
But what exactly makes this niche clothing brand tick? In this comprehensive review, we‘ll analyze the Drakes‘s origins, design philosophy, must-have pieces and whether their astronomical prices are truly warranted. Grab your monocle and walking stick, old boy – it‘s time to deeper into this British icon.
From Humble Tailor Shop to Global Sensation
Our story begins in 1977 when young tailor Michael Drake opened his haberdashery on London‘s iconic Savile Row. Catering to a high-society crowd, his elegant ties and pocket squares quickly gained a cult following thanks to their irreverent personality.
In 2006, investor Michael Hill purchased the company and led an ambitious expansion overseas while retaining its quirky English essence. Today, Drake‘s now counts over 15 international storefronts and an e-commerce site shipping to 50+ countries annually.
Revenues reportedly exceed over $50 million driven by their casual-meets-refined seasonal collections spanning shirts, knits, footwear and accessories. Quite the success story for Michael Drake‘s humble shop!
The Drakes Man: Worldly, Literary and Free-Spirited
So who actually wears these delightfully eccentric designs? According to CEO Michael Hill, the archetypal Drake‘s customer is:
- Well-traveled – drawn to classic, military-inspired pieces from their travels
- Appreciates art, literature and culture
- Seeks high-quality clothing with personality
- Rebels against the corporate status quo
Described often as "effortless cool", the Drakes collections certainly boast a free-wheeling vibe attracting Bohemian chaps looking for clothing mirroring their lifestyle.
Design Language: Vintage English Reimagined
So what defines that playful Drakes aesthetic? As highlighted in their collections, key motifs include:
1930‘s/40s Workwear: Chore jackets, pilot coats and officer shirts offer durable fabrics like waxed cotton and soft corduroy in earthy green, navy and brown tones. Details like oversized utility pockets, lambswool knits and shearling linings reinforce that English countryside heritage.
Collegiate Inspiration: Many pieces reference Oxford students and Ivy League alum. Examples include cricket and polo shirts, varsity jackets, colorful striped ties and tartan scarves. These smart, scholarly pieces blend heritage with lighthearted British humor.
Military Touch: Drake‘s military-inspired pieces add refined ruggedness through jackets showcasing officer embroidery, flight bomber styles and pea coats in navy or olive. The lived-in look conveys worldliness.
1960s Flair: Mod culture and James Bond inspire slim black tuxedos, silk bow ties and terry shorts fitting for Palm Springs. These silhouettes maintain a retro zest.
Blending these elements, Drake‘s delivers collections brimming with authentic heritage both spirited and sincere.
Now let‘s analyze some bestsellers demonstrating this irreverent Drake‘s essence.
Spotlight on Bestsellers
Chore Jackets – Rugged Explorers Meet English Gentleman
Likely Drake‘s most coveted item, these jackets fuse workwear practicality with uptown refinement. Typically featuring corduroy or Japanese cotton outer shells, designs display oversized utility pockets, copper rivets and military-inspired shoulder epaulettes.
Shell colors keep things classic yet bold in rich green, gold, navy and crimson. Some chore jackets offer removable shearling or corduroy linings for extra warmth.
These hardy layers work nicely over Oxford shirts and knits come autumn and winter. For $550-$700, they‘re certainly a stylish investment piece.
Polo Shirts – Smart Casual Essential
Drake‘s polos masterfully walk the line between laid-back leisure and country club chic. Often rendered in linen cotton blends, these tops boast vibrant stripes and retro motifs like water skiing graphics or floral prints.
Signature details include ribbed collar and cuffs, 3-4 button plackets and signature embroidered ponies. Vibrant shades of coral, navy, sky blue and marigold inject preppy flavor.
These sporty essentials paired with cuffed chinos or shorts make ideal pairings for weekend getaways or open air cafes during summer months. And at $175-$250 each, a touch pricey albeit oozing personality.
The Crosby Chukka – Rugged Refinement
This popular chukka silhouette has become a Drake‘s signature piece. Handcrafted in Portugal, the supple suede upper sees contrast whip stitching, padded collars and durable crepe soles.
Earthy tobacco and chestnut shades exude a relaxed yet put-together vibe – the perfect accompaniment for casual tailored looks.
At $375 a pair, The Crosby offers a smart investment sure to deliver years of laid-back sophistication.
Needlecord Trousers – Urban Country Gent
These slim needlecord trousers sporting copper buttons and whistable leather patches add vintage workwear charm to any autumn ensemble.
Available in olive, grey and navy, they‘re crafted from durable cotton corduroy woven in England. Expect meticulous stitching, besom pockets and durable crease lines thanks to time-honored techniques.
For $325 a pair, they‘re certainly premium-priced but offer incredible staying power. Ideal teammates for cotton jumpers, cardigans or rugged outerwear.
Why Such Sky-High Prices?
Given their astronomical price tags, just what warrants Drake‘s premium pricing? Several factors:
Artisanal Construction – Meticulously-crafted using fine materials like Sea Island cotton, premium leathers and wools locally-sourced throughout the UK and Portugal. Expect precise details and sturdy construction.
Ethical Production – While not outdoor advertised, Drake‘s reportedly works closely with manufacturing partners to ensure fair working conditions and competitive wages.
Environmental Efforts – The brand has shared commitments towards responsible water usage, shipping methods and reusable garment bags to reduce waste.
Bespoke Options – Patrons can fully customize fabrics and details to create one-of-a-kind pieces catering to their lifestyle. A white-glove experience justifying costs.
While certainly a luxury, Drake‘s pieces promise exceptional craftsmanship and character unmatched by cookie-cutter fast fashion alternatives. Invest wisely and these wares will endure decades as beloved wardrobe staples.
What Devoted Customers are Saying
Digging into reviews, Drake‘s earns overwhelmingly favorable feedback thanks to their spirited designs and reliable construction. Customers continuously rave about key elements:
Charm & Character – Waxing poetic about Drake‘s quirky personality and esoteric motifs not found elsewhere. Rich colors and patterns ooze vintage allure.
Garment Quality – Buyers remark on meticulous stitching, durable leathers and soft linen blends able to withstand years of wear. Worth the investment.
Consistent Sizing – Unlike other heritage brands, most find sizing accurately reflects measurements making online ordering simple.
Stellar Service – Patrons praise Drake‘s thoughtful customer service and rapid shipping times. White glove treatment from start to finish.
That said, some negatives worth calling out:
Small Collection – Some lament the narrow selection with only 100-150 pieces per season. Makes securing those coveted jackets and shoes tricky.
Lacks Innovation – Seasonal collections tend to showcase familiar silhouettes and patterns. Some want bolder new offerings rather than variations on core items.
Overall though, Drake‘s earns top marks for delivering upscale heritage-inspired menswear brimming with rugged elegance and charisma. Well deserved.
Channeling One‘s Inner English Gentleman
So who should consider investing in these refined menswear wares? Prime candidates include:
- Refined Rebels – Creators, academics and urban innovators wanting clothing reflecting their progressive principles.
- History Buffs – Those harboring old soul sensibilities who geek out over heritage craftsmanship
- Sophisticated Sportsman – Golfers, equestrians, sport shooters seeking polished Technical attire
- World Travelers – Cosmopolitan gents who routinely jet between cultural capitals
With quintessential British charm, Drake‘s collections speak to gentlemanly chaps seeking quiet quality over flashy excess. Understated with just enough swagger.
So are these eccentric wares worth the price tag? For buyers wanting singular clothing boasting artisanal appeal and quirky personality, Drake‘s delivers in spades.
Those seeking the next fashion craze should look elsewhere. But for spirited scholars, globe-trotters and creators wanting refined distinction, Drake‘s offers a passport into an enticing English world blending yesterday‘s grit with tomorrow‘s whimsy.
Cheerio and toodle-oo, old boys!
