Our 3-Year Anniversary Campaign - Blank space, memorabilia to self
What does three years mean to us?
Many things have changed over the last few years: consumer culture, the revolving cycle of formality from casualwear to the comeback of power dressing, the deadly wave of the ongoing virus situation that manifests in the downfall of a handful of heritage legacies, or have even taken the lives of two important figures of the fashion industry - Alber Elbaz and Kenzō Tange.
Three years is a milestone. Despite how things currently are out there, we are well, both physically and mentally. We are as motivated and passionate as we have always been. Much progress has been made since Day 0, but our 'otaku' spirit in design and craft has not lessened. It is also why we are not giving in to the clout, say virtual fittings despite how tempting it is to keep the process going. Every well-crafted custom garment deserves a thorough fitting. Otherwise, it is no different from putting a craftsman's hard work to waste.
We are on a quest to find an alternative solution. (Look out for a program that will be brought to live within the next couple of weeks.) Credential matters as we look forward to many more years on the road with you.
Perhaps it is something that we'd say during this exact time of the year, but we'd keep saying it until the day we are out of the scene. Thank you to our fellow Anthologist, with an emphasis on 'every single one of you'. It is you that makes us last. Without your avid support and advocation, we would not be here till today.
How do we see the future of The Anthology?
Better and different. As we always say: Innovative approach, timeless style. To learn and unlearn from the classics in order to create something modern and unique. We will stay true to our cause and offer things that are designed with sensibility in mind. Rest assured white elephants do not have a place in our world.
How does our campaign, new space and our modus operandi relate to each other?
We hold on to traditional values, whilst constantly bringing forward new solutions relating to matters that are closest to our skin. We greatly value the importance of dressing as it allows for differentiation and individualisation.
In a contemporary tailoring house, the use of white and space is crucial. We endeavour to provide an environment solely focused on spotlighting every beautifully tailored garment. Using white as the backdrop, we see it as part of our responsibility to our buyer or collector, also known as our fellow Anthologists.
This campaign photoshoot took place at our current Hong Kong showroom on Wyndham when we first received our door keys, back when it was still a bare shell. The idea did not come from laziness, but rather, out of consideration for our viewers to have a symbolic blank space to focus on the person and the clothing.
With a few months past, our Wyndham showroom in the centre of Hong Kong is now fully operating. We are ecstatic to invite you all (especially those who are currently reading this but are based abroad. We would be delighted to host you when the world is in a better place, when travelling becomes a thing again.
Designing this space is a process of listening to ourselves, revisiting what design/tailoring means to us and what makes our heart beat. We like making things from scratch, just like how we manage/craft bespoke.
Want to find out more? We kindly ask you to move to our social media for our daily updates. In the meantime, enjoy the campaign of our Anthologists in our signature colours and silhouettes.
Three photos sum up The Anthology’s perpetual state — an apotheosis of honey, cream, beige, white, blue and brown.
The following is a range of our favourite pieces, worn by our staffs, friends and long-time advocates. Each Anthologist carries his character.
Jemmy in ‘Club Orange’ (it’s a type of chocolate!)
Jemmy is wearing a bespoke vintage herringbone tobacco gabardine suit with a thoughtfully paired tonal wheat-coloured linen shirt.
Changing out of the jacket and the shirt with the same trousers remained, Jemmy wears our in-house cotton/linen one-piece collar shirt with a fastenable top collar and another double breasted jacket of his — a vintage orange raw silk/linen piece. We managed to find an alternative piece that looks alike to this vintage artefact. Speak to the team if you plan on commissioning.
Buzz redefining classic — signature honey and blue
Perhaps something a little familiar, Buzz in the house signature honey jacket 2.0, an exclusive from a heritage cloth manufacturer named Fintex of London, which is available for commission at both our Hong Kong and Taipei showroom, also during trunk shows in London, Singapore, Tokyo and New York.
Same jacket, but styled in a more urban aesthetic, Buzz wears it with heavy brushed cotton trousers, with polo suede derbies. The shirt is something we’ve been desperately trying to bring life and will finally be introducing it soon.
Cheekily having the same cloth from the previous heavy brushed cotton commissioned as a full suit, Buzz also wears the double-breasted as an odd jacket. In-house mocha striped shirt in cotton, Simonnot Godard lavender-bordered pocket square, a bespoke tan alligator belt from a friend Rory of Made by Nichols from London and a pair of off-white trousers for a strong contrast to complete a Riviera-inspired outfit.
Casper referencing the ‘Italian old man’, a common subject for street photographers
Gabardine drapes wonderfully, matte in look, but has a surprisingly, almost silky hand. Casper wears the ‘Italian classic’ (as referenced from old movies) tan gabardine suit, paired with a tri-colour block-striped silk grenadine tie by Vanda Fine Clothing, faintly checked Simonnot Godard linen square, all available in-stores.
Loosen up a little, unknot your tie. Here's a new look for the night. Bengal striped shirt in a rich yet soft blue, we like it to be styled both with or without a tie.
Edward dressing for his age, with utter youthfulness and vitality
Edward in a suit but not the formal kind. In soft, brushed cotton, it’s mellow, supple and comfortable. A knitted t-shirt makes good company. We recommend caramel with beige.
Photography by Aupho Studio.