The Old Bank in Sloane Square houses the flagship store of the rapidly growing luxury brand Bamford & Sons. Their ambition to make beautifully designed, practical clothes that give lasting pleasure has been fulfilled and, in the space of three years, the business has acquired three stores, including its first in Notting Hill in 2004 and a boutique in Wimbledon this year. This autumn saw a concession opened in Harrods and the brand has also launched in the United States, exclusively at Bergdorf Goodman, NYC.

Luxury fashion has to be the greatest diversification from the construction industry that Sir Anthony Bamford could have made. His father Joseph Cyril Bamford was the machinery innovator who founded the JCB company in 1945. Anthony Bamford took over the business in 1976, driving it to become the world’s leading construction equipment manufacturer and earning him a knighthood in 1990. In 2003, his desire for superior quality clothing inspired Sir Bamford and his wife to create a clothing line based on his own lifestyle. Their belief that a man’s life should determine his clothing and not vice versa has resulted in an evolving collection that meets the demands of city life and yet provides the essentials for a country retreat.

The autumn/winter 2006 collection sees Bamford & Sons continue to reinvent modern luxury. Classic shapes are given a modern edge, using the finest fabrics and superior manufacture. Cut from the softest cloth, you cannot help but reach out and touch the collection as you make your way round the store. Suede, lambskin and leather are teamed with cable-knit cashmere, Donegal tweeds, corduroy and moleskin in a palette that was literally drawn from the earth, heather, gorse, moss and lichen. Add to this the inky blues and the warmest charcoal and you have a collection that will not only see you through the cold winter months but also in the utmost style and for every occasion.

Out of respect and concern for the environment Bamford & Sons have recently introduced the Organic Collection. The key ingredient of this line is 100% organic cotton and it has added a sense of care and responsibility to their clothing. Pure raw-edge cotton, fine muslin and canvas are used to create easy shapes in the truly Bamford & Sons style. Organic sweaters and cotton chinos sit next to chalky denim jeans and jackets. Ecological leather, tanned with soft vegetable dyes is also used to create soft accessories including wallets, bags and belts. The ‘intelligent’ collection is perfect for the summer season with its cool palette of cream, tan and brown, naturally grown colours, teamed with fresh, bright white.