Check Out for Connolly's new Clifford Street shop!

 

Back in the Nineties, Connolly's shops on Conduit Street in Mayfair and Grosvenor Crescent Mews in Knightsbridge were go-to destinations for men searching out the sleekest leather goods in the
capital. Now, having closed its doors after the death of the label's owner back inn 2010, Connolly is back with a stunning new home on London's Clifford Street (just around the corner from the Savile Row). However, one thing remains the same: that superbly luxurious vibe that has kept the label in business for 138 years.

Founded in 1878 by a family of cordwainers and leather-cutters, Connolly made a name for itself not only by covering the famous benches in the Houses of Parliament as well as the coaches for the Royal Family, but also by providing upholstery for Concorde and exclusive car manufacturers such as Rolls Royce and Ferrari.
You'll see nods to this motoring heritage throughout the new shop (a meticulously renovated and extended Georgian townhouse, built in 1730 and now reimagined by Paris-based architects Gilles and Boissier). This is most noticeable if you start your tour on the lower ground floor - home to the label's special driving collection.

 

Not only does this include samples of leather used in some of the luxurious cars mentioned above (check out the glass room at the front near the windows), but an entire apparel collection designed for automotive lovers. While the padded navy blazers and red leather-lined suede jackets are certainly impressive, Connolly's chukkas in particular caught our collective eye. What makes them perfectly suited for petrolheads is that the central shank of the shoe has been removed, meaning the gommisole has increased bendablity so you can respond quickly on the pedals.

Not only does this include samples of leather used in some of the luxurious cars mentioned above (check out the glass room at the front near the windows), but an entire apparel collection designed for automotive lovers. While the padded navy blazers and red leather-lined suede jackets are certainly impressive, Connolly's chukkas in particular caught our collective eye. What makes them perfectly suited for petrolheads is that the central shank of the shoe has been removed, meaning the gommisole has increased bendablity so you can respond quickly on the pedals.

Connolly driving boots, £420. connollyengland.com

However, there's plenty in store for those who prefer using two legs to four wheels in the city. The first floor houses a next-level living room space (currently hung with an exhibition of Chris Killip photographs) as well as a galleried light well, fitted with floor-to-glass-ceiling shelves containing cool curios the design team have picked up on their travels.

 

 

It's here that you can look down to the area of the ground floor containing the brand's new season men's and women's clothing lines. While the label itself might be historic, Marc Audibet's first collection for Connolly under the guidance of creative director Isabel Ettedgui gives right-on-trend minimalism a luxurious remix: cashmere double-breasted coats and oversized knits, worn with high-waisted, Prince of Wales check trousers and pyjama-striped shirts, all in varying degrees of blue, cream and black. In short, the ultimate mix-and-match winter wardrobe for men who are serious about both smartness and softness.

Right at the front of the shop, the much-missed leathergoods selection has finally found a new home. Browsing the shelves, a prospective shopper could start small with a logoed keyring or patina-ready pencil pot, but we suggest you go straight for the bags. Designed by Couli Joubert, the bags are inspired by vintage cars, all with a masculine, squared-off shape and high-shine chrome hardware fitted as standard.

Available in a selection of tans and sizes, there's a model to suit every upcoming adventure you might have in your planner - the only problem being that they're so good looking, the last thing you'll want to do is put them in the boot.

Connolly is now open at 4 Clifford Street, London W1S 2LG. connollyengland.com