Who is that Dunhill designer?

[A Harris]

I remember some time back coming across a line of suits that were under the name of a gentleman who designs for or did design for Dunhill, but I cannot remember his name. Search function isn't working, so does anybody know who I'm talking about???

 

[MikeF]

Michael Tapia.

 

[A Harris]

LOL, that was the name that came to mind, but I thought it couldn't possibly be it... Thanks.

 

[hermes]

there is a mention for mr tapia in the new issue (summer 2005) of vitals magazine as one of the up and coming designers to watch

it says he left dunhill back in 2002 and helped launch polo sport back in 1993

 

[RJman]

Now it is Richard James; Tapia did do the line earlier.

 

[medwards]

As RJman notes (and he would know) Richard James is now designing for Dunhill along with three other new design consultants.  Here's how Dunhill sums it up:

"Alfred Dunhill is delighted to announce the arrival of four renowned British design consultants: Richard James for tailoring, Bill Amberg for leathergoods, Tom Bolt for timepieces and Nick Ashley for the "motorities" outerwear collection.

"Richard James, world famous Savile Row tailor, will create the Spring/Summer 05 tailoring collection to include shirts and ties. James's clever cut and distinctive style has attracted a large number of celebrity fans.

"Bill Amberg, a name synonymous with beautiful lleathergoods, will lead the design of the leather collections at Alfred Dunhill. Amberg, like Dunhill, has a strong appreciation for traditional craftsmanship; this combined with his architectural approach to leather design promises an innovative and exceptional first collection in autumn 2004.

"Nick Ashley will design the Dunhill Motorities Spring Summer 05 collection, comprising leather outerwear, casual wear and accessories. Ashley is best renowned for his successful motorcycle-inspired menswear line, launched in his own Notting Hill boutique in the 1990's.

"Tom Bolt has spent the last 10 years honing his horological expertise, most famously through his London vintage wristwatch company "Watch Guru". Bolt's authority in the watch industry has allowed him to create a new timepiece collection (to be presented at the Geneva SIHH in April) which breaks with industry convention and promises to put dunhill firmly on the horological map.

"According to Alfred Dunhill CEO Simon Critchell "Alfred Dunhill has always been about innovation in design and function. We've chosen four British designers who understand this mission and who are leaders in their own specialist fields."

 

[norcaltransplant]

Personally, I don't like the RJ influence on the recent Dunhill collections. Too fashion forward for an ostensibly classic British company. I think Dunhill would have been better off stressing Anglophile element in their clothing rather than trying to go for a contemporary look. Off the top of my head, I think the designs Hussein Chalayan executed for Asprey would have paired nicely with the Dunhill name. I'd imagine the shirts and jackets would have been infinitely cooler...