Smart, stylish and sleek

AMERICAN LUXURY brand Brooks Brothers is celebrating the opening of its first outlet in Thailand with a rare display of vintage wool suits worn by US President Abraham Lincoln alongside newer cutting-edge innovations. The exhibition, which runs through September 19, reflects the evolution of classic American styles over the centuries.

Founded in 1818 by Henry Sands Brooks and known as H & DH Brooks & Co, the brand quickly built up a reputation for the quality of its tailoring and materials. The four Brooks boys took over from dad in 1845 and renamed the store Brooks Brothers, launching their first collection of ready-to-wear suits not too long after.

Always popular with businessmen, the brand has customised a unique collection of high-class tailored outfits for 39 American Presidents. One of the masterpieces was President Lincoln’s coat with a hand-stitched lining design of eagle and a motto “one country one destiny”, which Lincoln wore on his inauguration in 1865.

In 1896, grandson John Brooks created a new chapter of fashion history by introducing the first edition of button-down dress shirts inspired by English polo shirts. The buttons helped protect the collar from flapping in the wind and the shirt was an instant hit. 

In 1979, Brooks Brothers expanded to the overseas market by opening a flagship store in Aoyama, Japan and today has more than 500 branches in 17 countries. In Bangkok, it’s operated by Minor Corporation, which distributes a variety of fashion brands including Esprit, Banana Republic, Bossini, Charles & Keith and Pedro. 

Located on the ground floor of Gaysorn shopping centre, the new boutique occupies 222 square metres and is elegantly fitted out with cherry oak furniture.

“We wanted to expand our fashion brand portfolio and Brooks Brothers is the oldest American luxury brand so it was an obvious choice. We are pleased to bring high-quality tailoring to Bangkok ,” says Thinatcha Rungniwesn, senior brand manager of Minor Corporation.

“Brooks Brothers is a groundbreaker in the ready-to-wear clothing business. We are underlining its bespoke suits for 39 US Presidents by showcasing President Lincoln’s wool coat.”

The clothing is divided into two collections: the formal Main Line and the more casual Red Fleece. The latter features polo shirts in 10 colours as well as chino trousers, shirts, printed T-shirts and jackets.

 Famous for non-iron technology, the best-selling edition of refined button-down shirts go through a resin bath extracted from Malaysian plants to create a wrinkle-free texture and are made with best quality Supima, Sea Island and Egyptian cotton to ensure super softness and long-lasting colour. 

“Our shirts have unique details and are adorned with unbreakable buttons. We use single-needle tailoring to reduce seam puckering for a flat clean finish. They also have a lower button placement that allows the buttoned cuff to be rolled back, thus avoiding fountain pen accidents,” Thinatcha says. 

In addition to personal tailoring services, the shop has classic ready-made suits with double linings made from a variety of high-end materials including cashmere, linen and SaxXon wool.

There’s something for the ladies too as creative director Zac Posen presents a new collection of elegant apparel and accessories including dresses, wool blazers, sweaters, shirts and trousers. 

Brooks Brothers’ collection is also available at Siam Discovery, The Emporium, Siam Paragon and Central Chidlom. 

  

 

THE RIGHT CUT

>> Brooks Brothers is on the ground floor of Gaysorn shopping mall. It’s open daily from 10 to 8. 

>> Call (02) 656 1390 or visit “BrooksBrothersThailand” page on Facebook.